Maps & Guides
Plan your journey
The Central Otago Touring Route is a journey through dramatic landscapes full of natural wonders, unique attractions and activities – along with warm local welcomes 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.
Key Details
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Airports
Arriving by air is easy. There are airports at either end of the Touring Route with major airlines serving both Queenstown and Dunedin with regular flights from within New Zealand.
Queenstown airport - https://www.queenstownairport.co.nz/
Dunedin Airport - https://dunedinairport.co.nz/
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Rental Cars & Campervans
Most major car and campervan rental fleet providers have options available ex Dunedin and Queenstown.
Note: New Zealand has some restrictions on the use of rental vehicles on gravel roads, so be sure to check any limitations with your chosen rental company before detouring off the main touring route. It is also highly recommended to ensure you have adequate travel insurance.
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Fuel Stations
Fuel stops can be found at convenient locations along the touring route. In more remote towns fuel pumps may be card only so plan ahead to ensure you have sufficiently topped up for the next section of your journey.
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Road Conditions
Road conditions are generally excellent with good quality, uncongested roads.
In winter, the weather is rarely extreme but our road conditions can change with frost, ice and snow so extra care is advised. Gravel roads exist in rural areas and some may be closed through the winter period.
For up to date road conditions check the NZTA travel planner or download the 'The Central App' for local Central Otago road reports.
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Electric Vehicle Charging
Rapid chargers along the Central Otago Touring Route allow you to plug in, and slow down.
Along the route you can connect in with rapid charge facilities available in Queenstown, Cromwell, Alexandra, Omakau, Ranfurly, Middlemarch and Dunedin.
For exact locations of e-vehicle chargers see https://charge.net.nz/map and https://www.plugshare.com/
TESLA CHARGING STATIONS
Hawkdun Rise Vineyard & Accommodation - 214 Letts Gully Rd, Alexandra. Phone: +64 3 448 7782
Highlands Motorsport, Innovation & Technology Park - SH6 & Sandflat Rd, Cromwell. Phone: +64 3 445 4052
Regional Websites
Queenstown NZ
Regional Websites
The official Queenstown New Zealand website is where you’ll find everything you need to plan your next trip to Queenstown, from accommodation options and where to eat, to the endless array of things to do and a full calendar of events all year
queenstownnz.co.nz
Dunedin NZ
Regional Websites
Tucked into a sheltered harbour on the east coast of the South Island, Ōtepoti Dunedin is a city rich in heritage, renowned for its wildlife and distinctly quirky character. Discover an intriguing mix of vibrant urban culture, wildly beautiful.
dunedinnz.com
Central Otago NZ
Regional Websites
There are few places in the world which will leave you with a lasting sense of difference. Central Otago is undoubtedly one of them from its landscapes, its seasons, its people, its products and experiences.
centralotagonz.com