Guidebook for Cromwell

Tracey N Tony

Joined in 2014

Locals

Cromwell

Its landmark big fruit sculpture may be a bit naff but that doesn’t detract from the quality of the fresh produce grown in these parts, particularly the summer stone fruit. Stuffing yourself with apricots, nectarines, peaches and cherries from roadside stalls is a must when in Cromwell - as is sampling its famously good pinot noir. The heart of the Central Otago wine region, Cromwell and nearby Bannockburn are home to more award-winning vineyards than you could - or probably should - visit in one weekend, some of the more well known including Carrick, Mt Difficulty, Scott Base Vineyard and River Rock Estate. Don’t spend all your time in the lakeside town at a table or tasting room though. Old Cromwell Town’s Wild West appearance harks back to its Gold Rush Days – it's easy to while away a day browsing its beautifully restored and recreated heritage buildings, many of which house artisan stores and quality cafés and sunning yourself on the lawn by the lake. Old Cromwell Town’s heritage buildings are home to artisan stores and cute cafes. Old gold mining sites in the area include Bannockburn and Bendigo, where you can explore the ruins of old miner’s cottages. Continue with the retro holiday theme by taking a cruise across the lake in a restored 1929 motor launch. If you need something more high-octane, head to Highlands Motorsport Park, where you can get behind the wheel of a go-kart, V8 muscle car, Radical SR3 or Subaru WRX, or chauffered laps in a “Highlands Taxi” with a Porsche Cayenne Turbo Engine, reaching speeds of up to 180kmh

15 locals recommend

Cromwell

15 locals recommend

Its landmark big fruit sculpture may be a bit naff but that doesn’t detract from the quality of the fresh produce grown in these parts, particularly the summer stone fruit. Stuffing yourself with apricots, nectarines, peaches and cherries from roadside stalls is a must when in Cromwell - as is sampling its famously good pinot noir. The heart of the Central Otago wine region, Cromwell and nearby Bannockburn are home to more award-winning vineyards than you could - or probably should - visit in one weekend, some of the more well known including Carrick, Mt Difficulty, Scott Base Vineyard and River Rock Estate. Don’t spend all your time in the lakeside town at a table or tasting room though. Old Cromwell Town’s Wild West appearance harks back to its Gold Rush Days – it's easy to while away a day browsing its beautifully restored and recreated heritage buildings, many of which house artisan stores and quality cafés and sunning yourself on the lawn by the lake. Old Cromwell Town’s heritage buildings are home to artisan stores and cute cafes. Old gold mining sites in the area include Bannockburn and Bendigo, where you can explore the ruins of old miner’s cottages. Continue with the retro holiday theme by taking a cruise across the lake in a restored 1929 motor launch. If you need something more high-octane, head to Highlands Motorsport Park, where you can get behind the wheel of a go-kart, V8 muscle car, Radical SR3 or Subaru WRX, or chauffered laps in a “Highlands Taxi” with a Porsche Cayenne Turbo Engine, reaching speeds of up to 180kmh