Itinerary: Christchurch to Queenstown via Oamaru & Central Otago
The Waitaki region stretches from the mighty Pacific Ocean in the east to the spectacular Southern Alps in the west. The region is famed for its dramatic landscape, unique wildlife, heritage buildings and strong links to New Zealand's pioneering past. Eco-tourism and the renaissance of Oamaru's historic precinct underpin the region's visitor experience - heritage and wildlife abound, along with superb recreation.
Central Otago is New Zealand’s most inland region. This golden heartland is an expansive dry land of continental climatic extremes, breathtaking colour, abundant flavours and pioneer-spirited people. Savour the distinction of a Central Otago Pinot Noir, discover the regions rich gold mining history, learn how to play the ancient sport of curling or cycle a short spectacular section of the
Otago Central Rail Trail. Whatever the reason for visiting Central Otago, here you will experience A World of Difference.
Day 1: Depart Christchurch mid-morning to Oamaru
Oamaru has a unique mix of historic and contemporary attractions, the town offers a chance to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and stunning natural environs.
The Historic Precinct boasts New Zealand’s finest 19th Century Victorian streetscape featuring a unique collection of buildings made from locally quarried Oamaru stone, and now housing restaurants, galleries, a victorian pub, German Bakery, whisky bond store and traditional crafts and musicians club.
Oamaru is home to over 100 breeding pairs of blue penguin – the world's smallest penguin. Visitors can experience the nightly penguin "parade" as groups of penguins make their way ashore under special lighting, making it possible to see them as they return home from their day at sea. All only five minutes drive from the town centre.
Day 2: A day in Oamaru and the Waitaki ValleyDiscover the region's unique geological features showcased at the Vanished World Centre and Trail at Duntroon which is also the gateway to the iconic Elephant Rocks. The valley is home to the mighty Waitaki River and its tributaries, the river featuring a series of dams and turquoise hydro lakes perfect for fishing. The valley also offers an array of outdoor activities including gliding in
Omarama renowned as one of the most spectacular soaring sites on earth and Clay Cliffs an awe-inspiring geological formation of eroded pinnacles and gulches.
Day 3: Depart Oamaru mid-morning to RanfurlyA must visit is the Moeraki Boulders, Lighthouse and Nature Track. The famous
Moeraki Boulders lie scattered along a beach 40 km south of Oamaru.
According to Maori legend, the boulders are gourds washed from the great voyaging canoe Araiteuru when it was wrecked upon landfall in New Zealand some 1000 years ago. The viewing platform, just a few minutes walk through regenerating native shrubland, offers good views of the boulders and, if you are lucky, New Zealand (Hector's) dolphins playing in the waves.
Overnight in
Ranfurly, a Rural Art Deco town or in nearby
Naseby, a picturesque historic goldmining town. Naseby (10 min from Ranfurly) is the curling capital of New Zealand with the first international indoor curling rink open daily all year round and in the evenings by prior arrangement. In two short hours you can learn to play this ancient sport, with broom, stone and tuition provided.
Day 4: Depart Ranfurly early afternoon to AlexandraExplore the Maniototo hinterland, visit picturesque historic goldfield towns or visit locations where ‘The Lord of the Rings’ was set with a guided 4WD experience from half to full day trips available.
Stop at Gilchrists Oturehua Store, trading since 1902 where you can see static displays of trading memorabilia, or discover the picturesque old goldmining townships of Patearoa,
St Bathans and Ophir.
Day 5: Depart Alexandra mid-afternoon to CromwellThe Otago Central Rail Trail is 150km gravel path following the former Otago Central Branch railway line from
Middlemarch to
Clyde. Its gentle gradient has no steep hills making it ideal for cycling. Take a day trip and discover its hidden treasures on any of its short sections or take 3-5 days and complete the trail.
Journey the isolated reaches of the historic and picturesque thyme studded Roxburgh Gorge. Marvel at some of New Zealand’s best examples of European and Chinese mining.
Day 6: Depart Cromwell mid-afternoon to Queenstown
New Zealand’s fastest growing wine region, Central Otago is the world’s southernmost wine production area, with many of its vineyards in gorgeous, dramatic settings. Although small, Central Otago is a rapidly developing wine growing region, with an international reputation for Pinot Noir.
Visit local wineries on a personally guided tour or be treated to a journey of discovery at The Big Picture - A world’s first in wine presentation designed to satisfy the interactive traveller.
Visit Old
Cromwell Historic Precinct and wander through the buildings and watch artists at work or taste produce inspired by the abundance of Central Otago’s stone fruit at Provisions.
Glimpse goldmining heritage in nearby Bannockburn, where sluicing has left its mark or visit Goldfields Mining Centre for an opportunity to pan for gold. For a different view, take a trip on the mighty Kawarau River with Goldfields Jet through the heart of one of New Zealand’s most historic goldmining regions.
Drive Times
Christchurch – Oamaru 3 hours (SH1)
Oamaru – Macraes Flat 60 minutes (SH1, SH85 & SH87)
Macraes Flat - Ranfurly 30 minutes (SH87 & SH85)
Ranfurly – Alexandra 60 minutes (SH85)
Alexandra – Cromwell 30 minutes (SH8)
Cromwell – Queenstown 40 minutes (SH6)