Nicknamed the “Fruit Bowl of the South”, Cromwell is known for its picturesque vineyards and fruit growing industry. Choose from action-packed adventures, such as biking and jet boating, or simply soak up the tranquil lakeside scenery.

Things to do

Start your holiday in Cromwell by sampling the local specialties at Jones Family Fruit Stall or Webb’s Fruit, which showcase the region’s fresh produce. The entire family can cycle along Lake Dunstan on the Bannockburn Lakeside Trail to capture stunning views of Old Cromwell Town and the Kawarau River.

Soak up the city’s beautiful scenery while sipping famous Central Otago wine varieties. Go cellar door hopping, starting at Misha’s Vineyard Tasting Room, then visit Mt Difficulty Wines and Wooing Tree Vineyard. Take a guided tour of Aurum Wines to learn about one of the most prominent Pinot makers in the region.

Discover Cromwell’s past at the Cromwell Museum. Here you can gain insight into how the town grew from its gold-rush days in the 1800s into a town of farmers through its collection of artifacts, including agricultural machinery, gold mining tools, and Chinese relics.

Have you got a need for speed? Jump into a supercar at the Highlands Motorsport Park and drive around its race track. Alternatively, go jet boating on a guided tour of the Kawarau River along its canyon walls. If you prefer something more laid-back, sign up for gold panning at the Goldfields Mining Centre for a chance to find a shiny souvenir.

Getting around

Cromwell is 60 kilometers from Queenstown Airport, while Dunedin is a 2.5-hour drive away. In town, the best way to get around is by car.