Physical Environment

Having an understanding of the physical environment is important whether you are contemplating the opportunities provided by the world’s most southern commercial wine growing area, looking to develop tourism opportunities or looking at any other business or life style-opportunities.

As residents of a small semi-rural district, people and businesses in Central Otago are greatly influenced by the physical environment. Primary industry and primary industry support are the largest business sectors, both in terms of numbers of businesses and people employed. The environment and the landscape is also a magnet for many and is the reason why some people look to establish businesses or pursue lifestyles in Central Otago.


climate Central Otago has a semi-arid climate characterized by hot summers, cold dry winters, low air humidity and a predominantly westerly wind flow. The Otago Regional Council has available more detailed climate information. READ MORE	land cover Lunar rock covered mountain tops to broad, irrigated pastoral valleys; the Central Otago landscape has it all! Craggy tussock-covered mountain ranges, such as the Dunstan Range dominate the landscape and create natural boundaries to the many valleys and river plains. READ MORE