Cromwell is a beautiful place and is the centre of Otago. Enjoy the raw beauty of the mountains and surrounding hills whose colours change with the seasons and with the movement of the daily sun. By staying at Cromwell the fruit bowl of New Zealand you will have have so many interesting or historical places to visit on a half or whole day trip. Base yourself in Cromwell and save all that endless unpacking and packing! Visit Queenstown, Wanaka, Alexandra, Clyde, Ophir, St. Bathans, Roxburgh and many other intriguing spots.

THE LAKES OF CENTRAL OTAGO

The lakes are special places where salmon and trout fishing abound. With the long summer evenings enjoy picnic teas at little tree lined bays which are accessible from the lakes side roads. Wonderful golden trees in the autumn fill the valleys in beautiful colours,  with a dry climate and many sunshine hours, Cromwell and Lake Dunstan are places to enjoy at any time. There is year round top-class fishing, water skiing and an excellent golf course, heated swimming pool from August to April. There are  many other attractions to visit making a trip to Cromwell memorable and enjoyable!

OLD GOLDMINES

Historic places  The Cromwell area was an area where early gold miners flocked to win their fortunes. Around the whole district there are many mining areas still untouched and are reminders of the hardships the early settlers had to endure.  These areas are scattered around the surrounding mountains and valleys and are accessible by car though some are only suitable for 4W drive vehicles or hikers. The remains of stone houses, mineshafts and old sluicings and stampings can be seen.  Visit the local museums, and the Gold Mining Centre to see how the history has been preserved and re-created. On the north side of Lake Dunstan  you can visit the old mining towns of Bendigo, Welshtown, these are accessible by car. The photos are from this area. Do some gold panning on your holiday.

SKI FIELDS OF CENTRAL OTAGO

The Southern Lakes region in Central Otago has an  international reputation of world-class ski fields. There are five ski fields within 1.5 to 2 hours' drive from Cromwell. Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, Cardrona and Treble Cone, each offers quality terrain to skiers. Heli-skiing is available.

Coronet Peak and The Remarkables Skifields, Queenstown
Harris Mountains Heliskiing, Queenstown and Wanaka
Waiorau Snow Farm Nordic and cross-country ski area
Snow Reports South Island Ski Fields  
Treble Cone Ski Area, Wanaka
Cardrona Ski Area, Wanaka

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