Kia Ora
Slow down and savour a spectacular southern road trip
Follow the road less travelled from Ōtepoti/Dunedin to Queenstown and see our regions at their brilliant best.
The Central Otago Touring Route is a journey through spectacular landscapes full of natural wonders, unique attractions and activities, along with the local hospitality that makes Otago such a memorable place to visit.
ONE OF NEW ZEALAND’S FINEST ROAD TRIPS
The 341-kilometre journey follows scenic highways from the Pacific Ocean to the foot of the Southern Alps via the beautiful Strath Taieri and Maniototo Plains.
Leaving Dunedin, it winds through the heart of Central Otago taking in characterful settlements such as Middlemarch, Ranfurly, Oturehua and Clyde, as well as the larger towns of Alexandra, Cromwell, Arrowtown and Queenstown.
Soak up the scenery, see the sights, and enjoy all sorts of activities at a relaxed pace by taking 3–5 days – longer if you can.
Matt Chisholm's Road Trip
Matt Chisholm takes you on a road trip along the Central Otago Touring Route and introduces some of the special places and unique characters along the way.
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Explore big sky country
Admire an array of landscapes stretching from the alps to the ocean. Learn how these incredible places were created and shaped. See fascinating wildlife, and flora from lowland forest to alpine tussock. And survey the natural grandeur from epic lookouts along the way.
Follow early footsteps
Retrace the journeys made by Māori, and Pākehā peoples who arrived after. Follow the rivers through valleys and gorges, head over high country passes and across the plains. Discover who came and why, and the stories behind the places they named.
See where history lives
Delve deep into history in memorable ways and places –– heritage buildings and streetscapes, railway bridges and tunnels, rustic farms, gold mining sites and more. A series of excellent museums, monuments and trailside interpretation brings Otago’s past to life.
Get active outdoors
See the sights at the perfect pace on walkways, hiking and biking trails including four New Zealand Great Rides. There’s something for everyone – from nature trails and gentle cycle paths, to challenging wilderness adventures.
Enjoy fine wine time
Take time out for a tour around our vine-lined valleys. Linger over cellar door tastings or a long, al fresco lunch. Talk to local wine-lovers. Hear the tales of one of the world’s most extreme wine regions – its fascinating roots, revival and flourishing.
Feast on local flavours
Savour a delicious food tour from gate to plate. Visit vineyard restaurants, urban eateries, rustic pubs, country cafes, bakeries, and farmers markets where you can meet the makers and stock up for your journey.
Find your spirit of adventure
Take your trip up a level by going further, faster, higher or just pushing a personal limit. There are endless opportunities to try something new – from the adrenaline-fuelled activities of Queenstown, to gentler activities in our great outdoors.