Central Otago - A World of Difference
Stretching from Lindis Pass, south to Raes Junction, and to the north-east of
Ranfurly, Central Otago has long been famous for its scenic beauty and goldmining heritage. This vast area makes its money largely from farming and horticulture, with viticulture and niche organic food products such as olive oil and nuts offering a growing market. In the past five years, the region’s close proximity to
Queenstown (1hr) and
Dunedin (2hrs) airports, and its ready access to both
Christchurch and
Southland, has seen a steady growth in business and tourism activity, allowing it to tap into the smaller conference, event and workshop market.
Most of the region’s business services are located in
Alexandra and
Cromwell, and while they are relatively small-scale by city standards, it is the stunning scenery, historic accommodation and unique teambuilding activities that set Central Otago apart as a conference destination. Where else can you be planning your marketing strategy one minute, and outside panning for gold the next? At the Goldfields Mining Centre, delegates can do just that – and you might even get to keep a gold nugget for yourself.
There are also winetasting opportunities to sample the area’s award-winning Pinot Noir, and several local companies will put together tailor-made winery tours for delegates. But if time is of the essence, The Big Picture in Cromwell gathers the region’s wines together under one roof for tastings, complete with a specially produced film and a restaurant.
When your group needs stress relief or a taste of the outdoors, the Central Otago Rail Trail offers a great teambuilding activity. This popular cycling track passes through mountain ranges, hills and gorges, and across the vast Maniototo plain. The trail takes three days in full, but busy delegates can cycle just a small section of the track, and local tour companies will even drop you off then meet you down the line with a picnic lunch.
At
Naseby, in the heart of the Maniototo, curling is the ideal all-weather option for a teambuilding event with a difference. Home to New Zealand’s first international curling rink, this ancient Scottish sport is guaranteed to provide entertainment as well as education. Then of course there is hunting, fishing, clay pigeon shooting, skydiving, jetboating, helicopter flights, skiing, golfing, 4WD and high country tours, garden tours, lake cruises, gallery visits, and a host of other event options within the wider region.
From a planning perspective, Central Otago makes an ideal spring or autumn destination. Autumn is especially lovely – the leaves turn brilliant gold and russet, the skies are clear and blue, and the weather is at its most reliable. It’s also off peak season – bear in mind activities can get busy from December through to March.
Venue Options
- Golden Gate Conference Centre
Located near Lake Dunstan, this is the region’s largest purpose-build conference venue. Adjacent is an 18-hole golfcourse with mountain views - www.cromwell.nzgolf.net
- Alexandra Memorial Theatre
Theatre-style facilities for 375
- Lake Roxburgh Lodge
A venue for small conferences (15-20).
- Dansey’s Pass
An historic coaching inn catering for small groups
Accommodation & Event Planning
For a full list of accommodation options including vineyards, lodges, historic coaching inns, and B&Bs, and assistance with organising your events programme, visit our Central Otago Travel Guide, or contact:
Central Otago Tourism
William Fraser Building,
1 Dunorling Street
Alexandra
www.centralotagonz.com
Tour Operators
Useful Websites
For regional business information, contact:
Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 5713, Dunedin
Ground Floor, Burns House, 10 George Street, Dunedin
Phone 03 479 0181
www.otagochamber.co.nz