A landscape that tells stories of times gone by

Central Otago is a region touched by history, with a powerful landscape of ancient mountains, weathered rock formations, alpine herb fields and fast rivers.

In ancient times, Maori travelled through Central Otago on their way to the pounamu rivers of the west coast. Hunting parties also visited the region – they built rafts and used the Clutha River to transport moa and other game back to the east coast.

More recently, in the 1860s, Central Otago was the scene of a gold rush. Trails used by miners can still be seen winding over the hills. Stone cottages, a haunted hotel, cleverly engineered water channels, mines and machinery are other relics to discover. You can still try your luck with a gold pan, or be satisfied with the golden sweetness of a Roxburgh apricot.

Nowadays, Central Otago is the scene of a ‘wine rush’. Pinot Noir has become one of the region’s newest treasures, and many of the wineries welcome visitors for tours and tastings.