Central Otago

Introducing Central Otago

Rolling hills, grassy paddocks and a succession of tiny, charming little gold-rush towns make this region worth exploring, though most travellers barely pause for breath as they pass through. However it rewards a bit of effort: Naseby and Clyde compete for the title of NZ’s cutest towns; the near mythical ‘Southern Man’ can be seen propping up the bar in backcountry hotels; and there are fantastic opportunities for those on two wheels, whether speeding down old gold-mining trails or taking it easy on the rail trail. If the brown pastoral hills and jagged rock formations look familiar, try imagining hordes of horse-riding warriors galloping around. These hills were the setting for several Rohan scenes in that hobbit film.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009