Central Otago
A World of Difference
There are few places in the world which will leave you with a lasting sense of difference. Central Otago is undoubtedly one of them from its landscapes, its seasons, its people, its products and experiences.
Clyde has its roots in gold, fruit orchards and has the start (or finish) of the Otago Central Rail Trail. The towns reputation has grown thanks to its old world charm, historic buildings, boutique shops and cafes. And with world class vineyards in every direction, you can take your palate somewhere it hasn’t been before. Moment by moment it will quietly reveal its differences to you in subtle and unexpected ways.
The town of Clyde is steeped in history and culture and would have been rammed with rowdy gold miners in the 1860s. Take your time to explore the perfectly preserved historic buildings, precinct and two museums. Enjoy a potter around the boutique shops showcasing local merino wool and yarns, art, homeware, boutiques, wine and many other delectable gifts for yourself or others. Visit Lily & Esther, a boutique store offering NZ designer clothing and accessories. Eade Gallery has something for everyone from original paintings, jewellery, sculpture, ceramics, photography, reproduction prints and cards. The Eade Gallery opened its doors late 2016 proudly representing, predominantly, Central Otago artists.
Play a round of golf, walk the river track or start or finish your cycling trip on the Otago Central Rail Trail or Roxburgh Gorge Trail from here. Bike It Now! offers full itinerary planning, bike hire and transport services to the iconic Otago Central Rail Trail, RoxburghGorge/ Clutha Gold Trails and The Alps to Ocean Trail. Make time to sip a Central Otago wine under big sunny skies. Although modern day Central Otago wines began production in the 1980’s, a Frenchman called Jean Desire Feraud was the first to plant vines at Monte Christo near Clyde way back in the 1860’s.
Settling in the Alexandra Basin, Féraud knew his property had enormous potential for vine growing, but he had no idea of the impact his discovery would have on a celebrated wine-growing region 150 years on. Olivers Restaurant and Bar is a gastronomic delight in the heart of Central Otago. Drop in and sample the cuisine at the award winning restaurant, relax with a coffee and fresh local pastry in their courtyard, choose one of their own hand-crafted beers or have a meal in their historic restaurant.
It’s hard to miss the large concrete hydro dam sitting above the town that created Lake Dunstan. Clyde Dam Tours can you on an incredible tour inside and around the Clyde Dam. It’s height is 100m, width at base is 70m, width at crest 10m and length at crest 490m. The lake, formed by the dam, is a popular water playground year-round for swimming, boating, rowing, kayaking, fishing and more. The lake extends from the historical township of Clyde through the Cromwell Gorge to Cromwell township.
