24 HOURS IN CENTRAL OTAGO, NEW ZEALAND
Steven Dixon, regional manager of South and South East Asia, Tourism New Zealand
» WHERE TO EAT
Just across the bridge from Cromwell, a thriving township in the heart of Central Otago, the Bannockburn Hotel. The restaurantpub is a historic watering hole that serves award-winning contemporary food and great wine, and offers a great view over some of the finest vineyards, landscapes, and mountain scenery in the world. bannockburnhotel.com
As your day winds down, tuck into an amazing meal that is slow-cooked in wine barrels (Wild Earth Kitchen Stoaker, retired French oak Pinot Noir barrels which are converted into portable cookers) at The Stoaker Room. Choose from signature sharing platters of tender meats and seasonal sides served on a wine barrel stave, and their extensive list of local wines from Wild Earth Wines. thestoakerroom.co.nz
» WHERE TO DRINK
For a boozy brunch, I’d recommend Mt Difficulty Wines. The Cellar Door at Mt Difficulty Wines is known as much for its dramatic views of rugged rock and thyme landscapes as it is for its lip-smacking wine and food. The open kitchen makes for a relaxed dining experience. mtdifficulty.nz » WHERE TO STAY
For a bed & breakfast destination second to none, stay at the Mt Michael Lodge. Located on the foothills of Mount Michael and overlooking Lake Dunstan, it is Central Otago’s only luxury bed and breakfast accommodation set among picturesque vines. I guarantee it will be your home away from home while you explore Central Otago. The lodge offers four massive rooms, each with magnificent mountain, lake, or vineyard views. mtmichaellodge.co.nz
» WHAT TO DO
Explore the sliced hillsides and stark landscape of Bannockburn Sluicings and learn about the gold mining history of the region, spanning from the 1860s.
Enjoy swimming and picnicking on the shores of Lake Dunstan. I usually fish or water ski. Don’t leave Central Otago without sampling some of the region’s famous Pinot Noirs. Go on one of the many wine trails available, such as the 4 Barrels Walking Wine Trail – a free walking tour covering four of Central Otago’s premium wine tasting rooms, while capturing some wonderful scenery through orchards and around Lake Dunstan.