Central Otago ‘A World of Opportunity’
It doesn’t matter if you’ve been in Central Otago for five minutes or five generations, this place gets under your skin. Not just the landscape, but the locals, too. They’re only too happy to share local knowledge, advice, and more than a few yarns. Before you know it, you’ll feel right at home.
The climate, diverse seasons, wide open spaces, slower pace of life and down to earth attitude attract people from far and wide to visit, live and do business here. You won’t be the only new person in town should you move here. In fact, Central Otago is proving to be so popular that its population is growing at a rate twice the national average, making it one of the fastest growing districts in New Zealand.
Over the last 10 years unemployment rates in the district have been half the national average meaning employment prospects are good across all sectors.
Central Otago offers a diverse blend of commerce and lifestyle. Farming, horticulture and viticulture are the main economic drivers and industries related to construction, hydroelectricity, real estate and light manufacturing are well on the rise. Remote working from Central Otago is growing in popularity as the region offers a fantastic lifestyle choice with the ease of connecting to other New Zealand centres via Dunedin or Queenstown airports for client meetings. If you’re looking for healthy outdoor work surrounded by million-dollar views, yearround seasonal work is available on the many orchards and vineyards.
Central Otago’s communities lie nestled amidst mountain ranges, stunning rocky tors, sweeping plains, valleys, gorges and meandering and mighty rivers. There are many experiences to fill in your free time.
Here’s a short-list for starters:
● Not that we’re boasting, but four of NZ’s Great Ride cycle (and walking) trails are right here, with even more to come.
● There’s no better place to taste award winning Central Otago wines than here where they are made.
● Throw some stones – of the
curling kind. Naseby’s indoor curling rink gives you the chance to try curling all year round, with Alexandra also having a winter only rink.
● A table for two or a picnic by the lake? Eat your way through the region savouring the local flavours from talented chefs. Pick your own fruit and call into one of the local markets to meet our talented artisan producers.
● Most of our walks reward you with spectacular vistas and have their own story to tell of a landscape forever changing.
● Eventful Central – there are many great events and annual festivals to enjoy, scattered throughout the year. Events celebrating everything from blossoms, wine, food and winter to numerous cycling and running and sports events give plenty of choice.
Explore the numerous studios and galleries scattered throughout the region to uncover the creativity and craftsmanship this place inspires.
Power boat, jetski, kayak, paddle board, water ski, sail, fish or swim? Our lakes and rivers offer plenty of choice to enjoy your favourite water activity.