LOCAL ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES

See the Events Calendar further down this page

Lake Dunstan is a recreational paradise. Its clear waters are made for fishing, water-skiing, swimming, boating of all kinds, windsurfing and picnicking. Boating activities can be arranged A man-made lake, it was formed after the Clyde dam was constructed. Guided fishing trips can be arranged.
Try a thrilling jet-boat ride on the Goldfields Jet.
Considering biking some or all of the Central Rail Trail. We can provide you with accommodation, pick you up or drop you off at the Rail Trail, and arrange other activities for you while you are in the area.
Several wineries and vineyards are located in the area — some with restaurants and all with excellent wines to try. Pinot Noir is the major grape variety grown and the Cromwell Basin produces powerful concentrated grapes that produce wines ranging from perfumed and spicy to the fruitier plummier wines. Pinot Gris is the second most planted variety. Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc are the other key wines grown. Tours can be arranged www.slspectrum.co.nz
Visit the wineries and try the wine. A visit to the Big Picture Wine Experience and restaurant rounds out your wine adventure.

The region's many orchards have delicious fruit in season with cherries, apricots, peaches and apples being the predominant crops.
The area has a rich heritage based on gold mining. The Otago Goldfields Heritage Trail covers 22 sites, mainly in Central Otago. The huge Bannockburn sluicings at Cromwell are part of the trail and well worth a visit. A signposted walk is the easiest way to see this area. Cromwell owes its existence to the discovery of gold in 1862 and the old town is part of this history. Old Cromwell town is all that remains of the business district that was drowned when the lake was filled. Explore the shops and other buildings. A visit to the Goldfields Mining Centre in the Kawarau Gorge is recommended.

There are several excellent walks in the area — for a leisurely stroll or for the more serious walker.
Four-wheel driving is a popular pastime with many excellent tracks.
The Cromwell Golf Course is in very close proximity. This is an 18-hole course which is noted for its excellent conditions.
Winter visitors can visit any of the excellent ski fields in the area — Cardrona, Wairau Snow Farm, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Treble Cone. All are within easy driving distance.
Go shopping in the mall and try out the town's restaurants.
And for the more adventurous try sky-diving, para-sailing, white-water rafting or compete in the area's numerous multi-sport events*.

* Check out the Cromwell Summer Series with 6 multi-sport events. Participants have a chance to win accommodation at Central Gold Motel.

Events Calendar

2010

29 Aug-3 Sep      Schoolboys Hockey Tournament

23 October          Central Speedway Open day

23-25 October   Tarras School Reunion

24 October         Cromwell Half marathon and walk

4 November         Cromwell Fire Works Display

6-13 November    Silver Fern Rally

21 November        Central Speedway DHL Saloons

27 November      Pub to Pub MTB

28 November    Cromwell race day

11-12 December Central Speedway Race meeting

30 December      Bannockburn MTB Classis

30 December   and   1 January    Central Speedway Christmas meeting

2011

2 January       Lake Dunstan Triathalon/Dualathalon

9 January        Lake Dunstan Cycle Challenge

26 February    Elf Cup Super Saloon Champs

29/24 Feb        Eagles Golf Tournaments

2-3 March       Vintage Motor Cycle Rally

6 March           Cromwell Race Day

26/27 march   Northburn 100 - 100 mile event   http://northburn100.co.nz

2 April            Carricktown crusher MTB

23/24 April     Central Speedway Easter meeting

See details on these activities and an awful lot more on the Cromwell Information Centre website at
www.cromwell.org.nz