Must-see attractions in Central Otago

  • Post and Telegraph office in Ophir, New Zealand.

    Ophir Post Office

    Central Otago

    The most photogenic of Ophir's many heritage buildings is this still-functioning 1886 post office, the oldest continually operated post office in NZ. Drop…

  • Cromwell Heritage Precinct

    Central Otago

    When the Clyde Dam was completed in 1992 it flooded Cromwell's historic town centre – 280 homes, six farms and 17 orchards. Many historic buildings were…

  • Hayes Engineering Works

    Oturehua

    Wander about the chilly workshop filled with lathes, drills and pulleys where inventor and engineer Ernest Hayes manufactured all manner of useful farm…

  • Central Stories

    Central Otago

    Central Otago's history of gold mining, winemaking, fruit growing and sheep farming is covered in this excellent regional museum and gallery, which shares…

  • Bendigo Historic Reserve

    Central Otago

    Gold was discovered in Bendigo in 1862; relics from the rush can be seen at this historic reserve, accessible off SH8, near the north of Lake Dunstan…

  • Clyde Historical Museums

    Central Otago

    This volunteer-run local museum showcases Māori and Victorian exhibits, and traces the construction of the Clyde Dam. You can also peep into the old…

  • Maniototo Museum

    Central Otago

    The Maniototo Museum, spread across two heritage buildings, evocatively chronicles the history of the region's 19th-century settlers, run-holders, gold…

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