Heritage, Wine and Lakeside Charm Await You
Nestled where the Kawarau and Clutha Rivers meet, Cromwell New Zealand is a vibrant town rich in gold rush heritage and famed for its fruit and wine. Its beautifully restored Heritage Precinct, set on the edge of Lake Dunstan, offers a glimpse into 19th-century life with galleries, boutique shops and cafés in old stone buildings.
The surrounding area is Central Otago wine country at its best. Vineyards in nearby Bannockburn produce some of the region’s finest Pinot Noir, and tasting rooms welcome visitors keen to sample local vintages. Whether you're into wine, photography, or history, Cromwell delivers with character and scenery.
Plan Your Lake Dunstan Trail Experience
Cycle one of New Zealand’s most scenic bike routes — linking Cromwell to Clyde via suspension bridges, cliffside boardwalks, and vineyard views. Perfect for day rides or multi-day adventures.
Outdoor Adventures and Trail Connections
Cromwell is also a hub for outdoor activity. Lake Dunstan offers kayaking, paddleboarding and fishing, while scenic picnic spots line the lake’s edge. The town is a key start or stop point for the Lake Dunstan Trail, one of New Zealand’s most dramatic new cycle routes with suspension bridges and cliff-hugging boardwalks.
Cromwell connects easily to the Otago Central Rail Trail and Clutha Gold Trail, making it a favourite with cyclists planning multi-day adventures through Central Otago. With great coffee, local produce and a welcoming community, it’s an ideal place to rest or refuel.
Top Things to Do in Cromwell New Zealand
Here are the must-do experiences when visiting Cromwell:
- Stroll through the Cromwell Heritage Precinct
- Taste local wines in Bannockburn’s cellar doors
- Cycle the Lake Dunstan Trail to Clyde
- Relax by Lake Dunstan with a picnic or swim
- Explore nearby orchards and pick your own fruit in season
- Visit the Cromwell Farmers' and Craft Market (Sundays)
- Try watersports like kayaking or paddleboarding
- Dine at a lakeside café or vineyard restaurant
- Visit the Highlands Motorsport Park for adrenaline fun
- Link Cromwell into a wider Central Otago cycling itinerary
Step into the fascinating world of Cromwell's wineries and vineyards. Known for its warm, dry climate, Cromwell and Bannockburn produce intricate, award-winning wines that delight the senses. Immerse yourself in a remarkable wine-hopping journey, visiting local gems like Mt Difficulty, Terra Sancta, and Domain Road Vineyard.
Savour the boutique charm of wineries such as Desert Heart Estate and Felton Road, where Pinot Noir takes centre stage. For a family-oriented outing, Wooing Tree Vineyard and Space at the Base (Scott Base Vineyard) offer play areas for kids while you enjoy the flavourful offerings.
Don't miss Aurum Wines' organic wines and olive oil at Wild Earth Wines, situated at Goldfields Mining Centre. Lastly, be captivated by the organic wine offerings at Carrick, showcasing a varied selection, including two Pinot Noirs. Embrace Cromwell's rich winemaking legacy and be mesmerised by its alluring vineyards.
Cromwell offers an enticing selection of dining choices to suit all tastes, from quick bakery bites to high-end culinary experiences, showcasing a delightful mix of flavours and ambiances. Savour the iconic at Bannockburn Hotel's Wine Country Restaurant with locally-sourced tapas and stunning views, For a casual yet appetising treat, drop by Fusee Rouge Cafe, Delight in The Stoaker Room Bistro & Bar's distinctive cooking style, utilising French oak pinot noir barrels, and share the delectable Stoaker Banquet with friends.
Enjoy juicy, handcrafted burgers made from the freshest ingredients at ETC Prospectors Gourmet Burgers, where taste and quality meet. A must-try for foodies!
Indulge in fresh produce and local specialities at the Central Otago Farmers' and Craft Market, held every Sunday morning during the season. Experience refined dining at The Cloudy Bay Shed, where exquisite food, wine, and views combine for a harmonious culinary journey. Lastly, relish handcrafted cuisine at The Kitchen Cromwell, providing delicious breakfast, brunch, and lunch options for the entire family. Satisfy your palate in Cromwell with these and many more delightful dining experiences.
Cromwell is located approximately 50 kilometres northeast of Queenstown and 40 kilometres southeast of Wanaka. The town is surrounded by stunning mountain ranges and rolling hills, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The area is known for its dry, hot summers and cold winters, which make it a great spot for growing fruit and wine grapes.
