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A different escape…
Travellers to Central Otago, New Zealand on their complex lives when they experience the clear and simple definitions of nature in this region.
Experience true solitude and get close to nature in an inspiring and timeless land. First time visitors are silenced and energised by this tumble of mountain, river, rock and tussock. See the grandeur of breathtaking vistas and be moved by their surging natural power. Central’s clear light brings mountains within an arm’s reach and displays a star-studded night sky. It is a place of extraordinary contrasts, our middle earth.
Central Otago, affectionately called “Central” by those that know it well, covers an area of 10,000km² and has fewer than 18,000 permanent residents. You will notice a change of pace when you come here.
It is a place where you can leave the stresses of work behind and just relax, soak in the atmosphere and let the rejuvenation process begin. Put your feet up in one of our many Central Otago accommodation houses, where you will get to know the locals and be treated like a long lost friend rather than a visitor. Most never want to leave, but they take home treasured memories, and nearly always return.
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 |  |  | Stay in a luxury lodge with stunning vistas of snow-dusted mountain ranges, or enjoy the comradeship of sharing facilities and yarns with other travellers at a backpacker lodge. When it comes to Central Otago accommodation there is also plenty in-between – bed and breakfast, farmstay, homestay, self contained, holiday home, hotel, motel and holiday park.
READ MORE | Cycle the Otago Central Rail Trail; imagine the back-breaking toil of early gold miners at a heritage site; try your hand at curling; evoke your sensibilities in the art galleries and museums; taste world class wine; fish the rivers and lakes. There is always somewhere new to discover in Central Otago.
READ MORE | To travel in Central Otago is to journey into New Zealand’s golden heartland. Its many towns and settlements lie nestled amid the grandeur of towering mountain ranges, stunning rocky tors, sweeping plains, valleys, gorges and meandering and mighty rivers. The larger towns are Cromwell, Alexandra, Ranfurly and Roxburgh.
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The Otago Central Rail Trail is one part of the incredible cycling options on offer. Central Otago is criss-crossed with trails for the adventurous or the leisure cyclist and there are lengths to suit any time you might have available.
Sample the finer things in life – not just incredible scenery to cycle through and explore but heritage and history, wineries, great food and friendly locals.
Take a path less travelled – Cycle Central Otago.
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Whether it’s fine dining, a casual al-fresco lunch, café culture or sipping the best Central Otago pinot noirs while relaxing in grand alpine scenery - you will be spoilt for choice when enjoying local fare and award winning wines at the great selection of cafés, restaurants, cellar doors and country pubs.
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Travelling to Central Otago is easy – from north, south east or west, by road and by air. Whether by bus, rental car or tour, the true Central Otago experience is to get off the beaten track. It’s a different pace, so take your time - the roads aren’t crowded and it’s easy to stop for a photo or to explore.
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The Otago Central Rail Trail journeys into the region’s heartland. A 150 Kilometre trail between Clyde and Middlemarch ideal for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Explore this recreational passage of discovery, revealing truly breathtaking treasures not readily accessible by any other means and unlike any other in New Zealand.
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The Clyde Wine & Food Harvest Festival is Central Otago’s biggest celebration of locally produced wines and is held every year on Easter Sunday just before the major grape harvest. Kick back and sample some of the region's best wine, food and live entertainment.
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The Contact Alexandra Blossom Festival is New Zealand’s longest running festival of its kind, and is a celebration of the arrival of Spring in Central Otago. Join in a celebration with genuine community spirit in the Contact Alexandra Blossom Festival.
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