Our Communities

• Cromwell

  There is so much more to Cromwell than the giant fruit sculpture on the edge of town. With its lakeside location, dry and sunny climate, cycle trails, walks, wine, fruit and stunning vista’s, visitors should plan to stay more than a day or two to appreciate all that Cromwell has to offer.  Together with a full range of excellent accommodation, Cromwell is also officially recognised as a 'Motorhome Friendly Town' providing a warm welcome to all.

  Whatever the season, you will find something to enjoy in and around Cromwell. Whether it’s a visit to one of the local cellar doors to taste and purchase a favourite Central Otago wine, walking the Four Barrels Walking Wine Trail, picking fresh seasonal fruit straight from the tree or from the nearest fruit stall, fishing in Lake Dunstan, a round of golf on New Zealand’s most inland links course, a jet boat trip into the Kawarau gorge, or visiting Highlands for a range of exceptional experiences both on and off track; there is a choice of pace and things to do. In winter you are within 1 hours drive of five ski-fields, so can pick your field based on the days weather report. 

  The lakeside Cromwell heritage precinct has a charming cluster of historic buildings, art galleries, boutique shops and cafes. Wander around the precinct, check out the historic displays and browse for gifts, art, craft, homewares, clothes and jewellery. The weekly summer farmers and craft markets showcase some of the best locals food, drinks and wares.  

  The story of gold is never far from the surface here, with the local museum being a great place to start learning the stories. You can also take a tour or fossick for gold – if you’re feeling lucky, at the Goldfields Mining Centre on the banks of the Kawarau River.

  In the centre of town is the international standard 'water' hockey turf which attracts players of the highest standard. Cromwell also has a full range of excellent recreational areas, including sports grounds  parks, swimming pool, bike park and series of 'greenways' providing safe off road pathways across town.  The addition of the new Lake Dunstan trail skirting the edge of Lake Dunstan provides cyclists and walkers with yet another picturesque way to explore around the town.  

    

• Bannockburn

  Bannockburn has an oasis of vineyards, orchards and unique vistas across land shaped by the gold rush days. Choose to explore the well preserved remnants of local riches or just drink them in. There’s no shortage of pinot noir tasting opportunities around here.

  To see the gold mining heritage sites, wander or mountain bike through the network of trails through sliced hillsides and stark, semi-desert landscape of Bannockburn Sluicings and nearby Stewart Town – recognised as a site of national significance through the Tohu Whenua programme.

  Enjoy relaxing at the café, or one of Bannockburn’s restaurants, visit local art and pottery galleries, take in the gold mining heritage walks or bike rides and make sure you visit the vineyards – the cellar doors and tasting rooms are dead cert happy places.

  If you’ve been out stretching your legs and want to relax with a picnic, the Bannockburn inlet is a great spot for chilling out, swimming and boating.

• Tarras

  Tarras is a small village perfectly situated for a break if you’ve just travelled south over the Lindis Pass. With a general store, coffee shop and vintage and homewares shop – housed in the former blacksmiths store and residence, you’re bound to find something to perk you up. If you’re in need of warmth or a touch of luxury, take your gold coins to the merino shop specialising in high quality wool products from the local flocks.

  Around Tarras the land is rich with gold mining heritage as well as viticulture, horticulture and farming. Grab a picnic and head to one of the picnic spots with views towards Lake Dunstan, the Bendigo Wetland Reserve and the distinctive Sugar Loaf – a landform made of glacial river terraces with flat tops and steep sides.

• Pisa Moorings

  With sparkling mountain and lake vistas. Pisa Moorings has stunning views of Lake Dunstan, the impressive Pisa Range and the iconic flat topped sugarloaf hills. What was once river flat traditional farmland expanded with vineyards and a new residential area when Lake Dunstan was created. 

  With its location right on the shores of the lake, there is easy access for walking, cycling, swimming, boating, a children's play ground and it also boasts a restaurant and bar.