Tracks & walks in Central Otago
Otago Central Rail Trail
Bannockburn a historic town established in 1858. There are fantastic walks and mountain biking that explores the historical gold mining relics, scenic picnic spots and also a cafe and wine tasting at the local vineyards. Location: Bannockburn is 6km from Cromwell.
Bendigo's historic and scenic reserves and associated conservation areas are well worth visiting for their historic and natural features. Location: Bendigo is accessed off SH 8 at Crippletown, at the north end of Lake Dunstan.
Walk or mountain bike around Flat Top Hill Conservation area, where native species grow in the driest of conditions. The area includes historical evidence of European and Chinese settlement. Location: Flat Top Hill Conservation Area is located 6 kilomentres south of Alexandra on SH 8. Turn left into the access to Butchers Dam.
The Kopuwai Conservation Area protects alpine vegetation, birdlife, lizards and invertebrates and is rich in Maori and European history. It offers a range of recreational activities. Location: The Kopuwai Conservation Area is located between Cromwell and Alexandra. It covers the uplands and some of the flanks of the Old Man/Kopuwai and Old Woman Ranges that form an imposing backdrop to the Clutha/Mata-Au Valley.
Mitchells Cottage is historic stone building set amongst rock tors with fantastic views over the Fruitlands Valley. Location: Mitchells Cottage is located on Symes Road between Alexandra and Roxburgh on State Highway 8.
Oteake Conservation Park covers large tracts of the St Bathans, Ewe, Hawkdun, Ida and St Marys ranges, and parts of the upper Manuherikia Basin. It protects outstanding landscapes including mountainous high country, tussock plateaux, scree, wetlands and indigenous shrubland. Location: Oteake Conservation Park straddles the ranges dividing Otago and Canterbury, and is accessible from the Maniototo or the Waitaki Valley. The closest townships are Naseby, St Bathans and Omarama.
St Bathans township is situated at the foot of the Hawkdun and Dunstan ranges. The town allows you to step back in time to the gold mining days. Take a walk around the scenic Blue Lake that was created by goldmining or admire the historic buildings. Location: St Bathans is located 60km north east of Alexandra off State Highway 85 (Alexandra to Ranfurly).
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