Central Otago
Where you'll find yourself - but not too many others Stunning in any season
T
here's nowhere like it according to the Central Otago District Mayor Tim Cadogan (pictured above).
“We call it a world of difference down here. It's beautiful and different.” The Mayor says he’s seen people’s lives changed by a weekend in Maniototo. "It’s very spiritual and ticks all of today’s holiday requirements around reconnecting with the land and general wellbeing.”
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You can pretty much drop Otago from the province’s name and guarantee everyone will still know where you’re going when you simply say Central. This lower South Island area is well known for its stunning landscapes, Mediterranean climate, world class food and wine and some of the country’s best bike trails. Twenty-five thousand people call Central home. Geographically it stretches from Cromwell in the north to Raes Junction in the south. The Mayor says there’s no best time to visit Central although he admits to preferring Autumn. “The colours are beautiful, it’s not so hot, there’s crispness in the morning air, but temperatures can still reach 25 degrees during the day. Winter can be tough but it's stunningly beautiful, summers are hot and dry and like everywhere, spring is just beautiful.”