Travelers to New Zealand are often spoilt for choice when it comes to what they should explore. After all, they have the choice of Coastal Otago, whose hubs boast wild beaches, rolling green hills, rugged cliffs, and tons of beautiful landscapes that align perfectly with the windy and cool weather. Those heading here get to enjoy the quiet of nature as they take a trip down memory lane, thanks to all the historical sites.
Naturally, the variety in the Southern Lakes and Central Otago can be a tad overwhelming for visitors who may be unsure where to start or even what they can fit into their trips. But that is exactly why this site exists. We not only break down what you can expect in each of the regions but also share valuable tips on how you can plan and execute your trip. To give you a taste of what is to come, let us share what makes this region so popular and why you might want to change your travel plans and head this way.
Why These Regions Are Made for Every Kind of Escape
More recently, more visitors have been choosing to tour these regions owing to their unique character. Not only do they have striking landscapes filled with dry basins, sharp rocky peaks, and massive glacial lakes, but their weather is also continental, thus paving the way for seasonal activities.
Most importantly, these regions bring on the high energy and win when it comes to variety. Whether you want to ski the slopes, hike the mountains, jump off the bridges, or sit by the lakeside and read a book, there are numerous things for you to do. And to add to that, luxury is the name of the game in this region. From wine tourism to luxury lodges, you will not be short of ways to unwind and perhaps snap some picturesque moments to post online or keep as memories.
A Short History Lesson
The story behind Southern Lakes and Central Otago is actually part of the intrigue that draws so many visitors to the region. And it all starts in the 1860s. Before then, the region had expansive valleys that farmers used to rear their sheep. But one day, someone discovered gold in those very valleys. And within no time, tens of thousands of miners from all over the world arrived, ready to dig out this gold.
Small towns started popping up in the region as more people arrived, and that is how towns like Arrowtown, Queenstown, and Clyde came to be. But this was not to last, as eventually, the miners ran out of gold, and they went their way. Luckily for the residents of Southern Lakes and Central Otago, these miners left behind quite a lot, including stone buildings, tunnels, and lots of other structures that remain as a testament to this era. Besides, they give the towns their signature historical looks.
You would think that the story would end there, but that is just one chapter. For over a century after the miners were gone, the towns remained quiet. But towards the 1980s and 1990s, some pioneers realized that while the land no longer boasted gold, it was prime for grape growing. So, they started planting vineyards, and when this did well, others joined in, and soon, what had been a wasteland transformed into the wine region we have today. Admittedly, it is one of the most boutique of its kind around the world, and the quality of the wine here is enough to convince wine lovers to make a round trip to New Zealand every year.
What Do People Do in Southern Lakes and Central Otago?
If we were to write about all the activities that tourists engage in while visiting the Southern Lakes and Central Otago, we would probably come up with a book. After all, this region offers two visual landscapes.
Towards the Southern Lakes, which are on the western alpine side, you find towns like Wanaka and Queenstown. And on top of their captivating histories, these locations share the appeal of deep ice-cold lakes that were carved out by glaciers in previous eras, which are surrounded by snow-capped mountains like the Remarkables. The contrast, as you would imagine, is just perfect. But people do not just visit for pictures, videos, and beautiful sunsets. They come here to enjoy the outdoors with activities such as bungee jumping, riding jet skis, skydiving, skiing, hiking, walking, and so on. Visitors also get to enjoy slow leisure such as shopping, playing golf, touring historical sites, and taking scenic flights over the landscapes.
Once you move slightly east and venture into Central Otago, your view changes as the mountains flatten out to give way to wide basins. Thanks to the mountains, which serve as a barrier to the ocean’s rain, this region is semi-arid. And this makes it perfect for wine tourism, which is why most visitors to the region focus on enjoying premium wines, touring the orchards, picking fresh fruit, and dining in beautiful restaurants.
Speaking of food, the cuisine in Central Otago is anything but ordinary. Visitors get to enjoy vineyard platter lunches with cured meats, aged cheeses, and wood-fired breads as they sip on the earthy wines with a full view of vineyards, cliffs, and rivers. And when they are not wining and dining, they get to enjoy comfort meals in local pubs, remote floating restaurants that offer tantalizing burgers and fresh white coffees, and roadside ice cream stalls that make their ice cream with actual fruit. Eating in this region is an experience in and of itself.
Beyond exploring the local culinary delights in Central Otago, you can go walking, biking, or tour the old buildings, including stone dams that have existed for centuries.
Touring the Southern Lakes and Central Otago
Evidently, the Southern Lakes and Central Otago have a lot to offer, be it in the energetic Southern Lakes or the slower Central Otago. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie, sports enthusiast, a food and wine lover, an active slow traveler, or a history buff, you can rest assured that there is something for you. And with our guides, you can find the destination and activities that best fit your vibe to ensure that you have an incredible time.