Wondering what to do in Cromwell? I’ve got you covered because 15 of the best things to do in Cromwell are featured right here.
Having recently returned from an incredible trip to Cromwell in the South Island of New Zealand, I was really impressed by this picturesque town. It’s a bit of a hidden gem, often overlooked for its more popular neighbors, Queenstown and Wanaka, but worth a visit in my experience.
Cromwell is a small town in the Central Otago region, a 50 minute drive from Queenstown and home to some of New Zealand’s award winning wineries, incredible cycle trails and fast cars!
Surrounded by mountains, fringed by lakes, and rolling hills of vineyards as far as the eye can see, Cromwell will make you feel like you’ve been transported into a fairytale setting.
For a small town there is a variety of things to do in Cromwell, from free and cheap activities to bucket list experiences.
We enjoyed everything from relaxing by the lake and exploring the historical old town to hiking and cycling some of the awesome trails and sampling world class wine.
Cromwell has something to offer for everyone. Whether you’re travelling solo, with friends, as a family or your loved one. You’re bound have a great time.
Plus, it’s easy to visit Cromwell as a day trip from Queenstown, be sure to check out the scenic stops along the way.
Or add it as a stop on your New Zealand South Island itinerary on your way to other popular destinations such as Wanaka, Christchurch and Dunedin.
So without further ado, here are 15 of the very best things to do in Cromwell!
Cromwell FAQs
How far is Cromwell from Queenstown?
The driving distance between Cromwell and Queenstown is approximately 60km (36 miles) and should take around 50 minutes to complete without any stops or heavy traffic. However, we recommend leaving extra time to experience the scenic stops along the way.
How do I get to Cromwell?
There are three airports in close proximity to Cromwell, the closet being Queenstown. Dunedin airport is a 2.5 hour drive and Christchurch 5 hours. The easiest way to reach Cromwell is to fly into Queenstown Airport and grab a rental car. Driving from Queenstown, follow State Highway 6 along the picturesque Kawarau River until you reach Cromwell.
Alternatively, the InterCity bus runs a direct service from Cromwell to Queenstown and Richies bus company operates a shuttle service between Queenstown and Wanaka that stops in Cromwell. Prices vary depending on the day and time you’ll be travelling ranging between $13 and $35 per person one way.
An organised food and wine tour from Queenstown is a great way to experience the region’s various award winning wineries as a half or full day trip to Cromwell. There are several different tour options to choose from to suit a range of tastes and budgets.
Is Cromwell worth visiting?
That depends on what you are looking for. Cromwell is underrated in my opinion. While it may not have the same amount of activities on offer as in Queenstown and Wanaka, there are plenty of fun things to do here and some incredible experiences to be had.
Cromwell is home to award winning wineries and the awesome Lake Dunstan Trail. If you love fast cars you can’t miss a visit to Highlands Motorsport Park.
It’s a quiet alternative to the busier towns, with a friendly atmosphere, a rich in history and stunning views.
If you have time in the itinerary, the charming small town of Cromwell is definitely worth visiting.
What is Cromwell known for?
Fruit! Cromwell was established by gold miners with a history stretching back to the gold rush days of the 1800s. Today, Cromwell is known as the “Fruit Bowl of the South” for its production of stone fruit.
Best Things to Do in Cromwell
Here is our list of the top things to see and do in Cromwell. We’ve included lots of free things to do as well as bucket list experiences, hiking, cycling and more!
1. Visit the Big Fruit Sign
A visit to Cromwell isn’t complete without a photo of the big fruit sculpture. This sculpture was built in 1990 symbolizing the importance of fruit-growing to the region.
This giant sculpture is hard to miss at the entrance to the town of Cromwell near Murray Terrace and Highway 8B. Grab a selfie with the giant fruit as a fun token of your visit to Cromwell.
2. Sample the Fruit Bowl
Since you’re in the ‘Fruit Bowl of the South’ why not sample some of the local produce that Cromwell is known for. There are a number of fresh produce shops along SH6 selling freshly picked fruit from the region.
The Jones Family Fruit Stall is the most popular fruit stall in Cromwell with plenty of choices for fresh fruit, snacks and gifts. They even have hybrid fruit! ‘Pluot’ (plum + apricot) or ‘Peacharine’ (peach + nectarine) anyone?
The fruit selection will vary throughout the year of course but my favorites are the nectarines and cherries. Plus you can get a huge bag of apples for a great price, perfect for snacking on road trips.
Opening hours – From 8.30am until 5.30pm, Monday to Sunday
3. Pick Your Own Fruit (December to February)
If you are visiting Cromwell during the summer months, take it one step further and pick your own fruit straight from the orchard!
Cheeki Cherries is one of the top rated and best things to do in Cromwell. Pick your own cherries, apricots, peaches and nectarines in their environmentally friendly low spray orchard. They have a range of games and activities on site for the whole family to enjoy and a store with plenty of gifts where you can find the perfect souvenir.
Jackson Orchards is another great option. I like their tour that takes visitors into the heart of the orchards and the chance to pick the produce when fruit is in season.
Related Read: If you’re looking for more seasonal activities to do in the area check out my blog on the best time to go to Queenstown complete with the best activities to do for each season.
4. Explore the Cromwell Heritage Precinct
Cromwell is rich in history going back to the gold rush era of the 1860s. The historic Cromwell Heritage Precinct affectionately known as ‘Old Cromwell Town’ is a wonderful area to explore featuring boutique shops, art galleries, and a selection of cafes.
Explore the 16 historic buildings that were either preserved or deconstructed and rebuilt in this precinct as a unique living record of Cromwell’s heritage.
Meander down the cobblestone alleyways and see if you can spot the secret fairy doors along the way. Grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink at Grain & Seed Cafe.
The Cromwell Farmers & Craft Market is held every Sunday from late October until late April in the old town. Here, you can enjoy live music, sample artisan cuisine and shop for unique local items.
I really enjoyed walking around the Cromwell Heritage Precinct, it’s easily one of the best things to do in Cromwell!
5. Have a Picnic at Lake Dunstan
Pack a picnic lunch and head down to the picturesque lakefront. In summer it’s a popular spot for fishing, kayaking, sailing and swimming. There are several wharf’s along the lake so if you are visiting in summer don’t forget your swimsuit!
There is a walking path alongside the lake for a post picnic stroll.
If you prefer a cooked lunch, there are several barbecue facilities along the lake that are available to the public. It’s first come, first served so you can just show up and start cooking.
Related Read: If you’re visiting in the summer you may like to check out my blog on the best things to do in Queenstown in the summer
6. Walk or cycle the Lake Dunstan Trail
The full Lake Dunstan Trail is a 42km (26 mile) long trail connecting the Cromwell Heritage Precinct to Clyde Heritage Precinct and open all year round. You can walk or hire a bike in Cromwell to experience this scenic trail.
The trail follows the Kawarau arm of Lake Dunstan taking you along boardwalks, an 86m (282 foot) suspension bridge, rock walls and through landforms shaped by the gold mining days. The views are spectacular and you’ll learn about the areas history along the way.
Although the full Lake Dunstan Trail is a one way-journey using local shuttles to transfer riders, the trail is broken into sections ranging from easy to intermediate (grade 2-3) so you can enjoy a shorter return ride at the level you are comfortable with.
You can find details about the different day rides and trail maps here.
Alternatively, the Cromwell to Bannockburn Lakeside Trail is a short 6km (3.7 mile) easy ride offering fantastic scenery. It starts from the Melmore Marina car park near Old Cromwell Town and ends at the Bannockburn Bridge.
7. Make a Pit Stop at Highlands Motorsport Park
If you enjoy high speed motorsports you won’t want to miss a pit stop at Highlands Motorsport Park. Jump into one of their high speed go karts and zip around the 650 meter track at speeds of up to 50km per hour!
Or you can try out one of the heart stopping racetack experiences. Dash around the track with a professional driver at high speeds in one of their elite racing cars. From a V8 Muscle Car to a Supercar Fast Dash in a Twin-Turbo Ferrari reaching speeds of up to 225km per hour, did someone say bucket-list experience!
Highlands has a world-class racing track where you can watch professional races on certain days. There is also a cafe, museum, sculpture park and virtual reality room on site to round out the fun.
Pricing – Pricing varies depending on the experience. To give you an idea, a single go-kart ride starts from $49 per person and for the Supercar Fast Dash expect to pay around $199. There are also combo deals combining go-karting and a racetrack experience.
Opening hours – From 10am until 4pm, 7 days a week.
8. Spend the Afternoon Wine Tasting
Cromwell and the Central Otago Region is one of the most prominent wine-producing regions in New Zealand. It’s particularly known for its Pinor Noir whose vines thrive in the dry, arid climate.
There are few options for you to sample a variety of the world’s finest.
With many cellar door and tasting rooms dotted around Lake Dunstan, it’s easy to walk from winery to winery on your own. Misha’s Vineyard Tasting Room, Scott Base Vineyard, Wild Earth Wines and Wooing Tree Vineyard are popular options in close proximity that can be visited in one afternoon.
Perhaps you’d like to get in some exercise with your wine tasting and do the Four Barrels walking wine trail. Wind your way alongside Lake Dunstan and beautiful vineyards on this 8km (5 mile) self-guided loop trail visiting four wineries along the way. Check out their Facebook Page for details.
Of course, the best and easiest way to experience multiple wineries is to join an organised wine tour. We like this Central Otago Wine Tour from Queenstown for its smaller group size. It takes to you four wineries in the Central Otago region and includes a platter lunch. They’ll also pick you up from several of the hotels in the Queenstown area, super convenient.
9. Go on a Hike
Hiking is good for the soul and a great way to take in the incredible views. It’s easily one of the best free things to do in Cromwell where you’ll be treated to stunning vistas and learn about the landscape along the way.
The 45 Parallel Track is a highly rated short loop track that should take around an hour to complete. It’s a steep loop with great views of Cromwell and Lake Dunstan from the top.
Another good moderately challenging option is the Aurora Trail, a loop track through kanuka forest with old stone hut ruins, mining shaft and amazing view. It’s an interesting trail with a variety of scenery along the way.
There are plenty of options to choose from to suit a range of fitness levels, distance and time requirements. Grab some maps from the Visitor Information Centre in Cromwell for a full list of trails.
Related Read: Looking for more great hikes in the area? Check out these awesome Queenstown hikes as well as these easy scenic walking trails.
10. Attend an Event
Check out the Central Otago Events Calendar to see if your visit times with one of the many awesome events and festivals in the region. From spring blossoms to cherries, craft beer, wine, fashion and annual cycling and running events, there is a reason to celebrate all year round.
Celebrate with locals at the festivals, be inspired by local art or race your way through vineyards. There are many events to choose from and a great reason to celebrate whatever the occasion.
11. Cycle the Cromwell Trails
Cromwell is home to some incredible cycle trails with over 300km of inter-connected off-road routes that are amongst the best in the country.
There are four main cycle trails with scenery that will take your breath away. In addition to the Dunstan Trail that we covered above, other awesome cycle trails include the Original Great Ride, the Otago Central Rail Trail, Roxburgh Gorge and Clutha Gold.
With options for short trips to multi-day rides, guided, supported or navigating yourself, there is a ride for everyone. Whether you’re an avid cyclist or exploring the area at a leisurely pace, the spectacular scenery will be hard to ignore.
12. Experience the Bannockburn Sluicings
Walk the Bannockburn Sluicings loop track through historic gold working areas. This moderately challenging 3.9km (2.4 mile) track offers expansive views over vineyards and orchards, Lake Dunstan and beyond.
It’s a well signposted trail with information boards throughout explaining the history of the area. Although a short trail, it’s mostly exposed on a dry and dusty terrain so be sure to bring a sun hat, sunscreen and plenty of water, especially during the warmer months.
13. Visit Goldfields Mining Centre
Visit the Goldfields Mining Centre to learn about the mining history of Central Otago. You can take a guided tour and learn about how gold was found, see a sluice gun and stamping machine in action and explore the old miners huts, shafts and tunnels to imagine what it was like living here in the 1800s.
You can even try your luck at gold panning. Before heading off, grab a bite to eat a Panners Bar & Kitchen while enjoying views over the Kawarau River gorge.
Pricing – Admission is $35 for adults and $17 for children which includes maps, a guided tour, demonstration of old mining machinery and a lesson in gold panning.
Opening hours – From 9am until 5pm (Sep to April) and 10am until 4pm (May to Aug).
14. Learn About History at Cromwell Museum
The Cromwell Museum is worth a visit if you are interested in learning more intimately about Cromwell’s history and what life was like for the lives of the miners.
The Muesum focuses largely on the goldmining and early settlers to the area during the gold rush era. Chinese archaeological artefacts and objects provide insight into the way of life for these miners during this time.
Other collections include the formation of Lake Dunstan, moa bones, stories of the landscape and a photographic collection by Ron Murray.
Pricing – Admission is free of charge
Opening hours – From 10am until 4pm (Mon to Fri ) and 11am until 3pm (Sat & Sun).
15. Take in the Views at Bruce Jackson Lookout
An easy to access lookout offering great views of Cromwell. There is a parking area to pull into as well an information board providing details of the surrounding area you can see from the lookout.
Where to stay in Cromwell
If you are planning to spend a night or two (or more!) in Cromwell there is a broad range of accommodation options for such a small town. From B&Bs and lodges to cottages, country pubs, hotels, motels, backpackers and campsites, there is a variety to suit all tastes and budgets.
Choosing where to stay is an important decision to ensure you have a great stay. Here are our top options of where to stay in Cromwell.
Carrick Lodge Motel on Barry Avenue. A top rated motel with lovely owners to ensure you have an enjoyable stay. Close to restaurants and supermarket. Read reviews on Trip Advisor.
For a luxurious stay on the shores of Lake Dunstan consider the Marsden Lake Resort. Located in the neighborhood of Pisa Moorings, 7km from Cromwell Centre. They have studios, one and three bedroom units. Read reviews on TripAdvisor.
If you’re looking for something more affordable there are plenty of hostels and campgrounds near Cromwell, two we really like: Cromwell Holiday Park and Cromwell Backpackers.
There are also many homestays, B&Bs and cottage style accommodation options that look quaint and cozy, although we haven’t stayed in any of these yet. Hopefully on our next visit!
Final Thoughts
Cromwell is a wonderful little town with a deep rooted heritage, scenic vistas and fantastic wine. It offers a nice change of pace from the bigger towns. With so many great things to do in Cromwell, we hope this guide will help you plan an awesome itinerary to fill a day or two in this beautiful part of New Zealand!
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Heather is a travel enthusiast living in New Zealand with her family. She writes about living in and enjoying travel to New Zealand.