Clyde 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. 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, jewellery, wine and many other delectable gifts for yourself or others. Eade Gallery has something for everyone from original paintings, jewellery, sculpture, ceramics, photography, reproduction prints and cards.
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, Roxburgh Gorge / 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. He must have known something as although Monte Christo is nowadays a summer berry ‘farm’ the surrounding area is producing fabulous and complex wines that are celebrated each year at the Clyde Wine and Food Harvest Festival. Held on Easter Sunday the festival takes over the main street of town for a day of fabulous local wine, food and music.
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. The lake is a popular water playground year-round for swimming, boating, rowing, kayaking, fishing and more. The lookout above Clyde provides stunning views toward Cromwell and is a popular place to capture vistas of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Staying in Cromwell? Then we recommend Lake Dunstan Motels. Situated in central Cromwell near the mall with cafes and restaurants within walking distance. With breathtaking views of the nearby mountainside, the golf course and surrounding gardens, you’re sure to feel rested, relaxed and ready to enjoy all that Central Otago has to offer.
