Scroll down for Accommodation, Food & Refreshments and Things To Do

Built on what was the confluence of the Clutha and Kawerau Rivers, during its early years Cromwell was rather appropriately called ‘The Junction’. With construction of the Clyde Dam, Cromwell’s two rivers now are arms of Lake Dunstan. While much of the town’s gold mining and pioneer history lies under water, Cromwell has entered a new era of vitality and growth.

This has largely been spurred on by Lake Dunstan as a recreational resource, the discovery that land surrounding the town makes ideal grape growing country, an extremely benign climate and awareness, particularly by transport and other businesses, of the town’s location at ‘the hub’ of Central Otago. From Cromwell it’s less than an hour to Queenstown, just 45 minutes to Wanaka and only 15 minutes to Clyde (Otago Central Rail Trail start/end). As one of the accompanying photos shows, any visitor to Cromwell can’t help but be reminded that this is also the ‘Fruit Bowl’ of the South. As part of a Rail Trail experience Cromwell has much to offer.

Cromwell’s iconic fruit sculpture	Old Town Cromwell stands as a credit to Cromwell’s community spirit. Rather than sit back and watch some of the town’s most cherished buildings disappear under water, a group of concerned citizens lobbied for these to be disassembled and rebuilt alongside a number of original buildings to create what is now Old Town Cromwell. Most of these historic buildings, and several replicas, are once again business premises popular with artists and artisans.
Who says sheep are woolly thinkers. Sheep grazing Cromwell's grass airstrip on a scorching hot summer day know exactly why planes have wings. To provide welcome shade, of course!	Cromwell Winter 2007

Click to return back