Otago accommodation from NZ$145

Central Otago is famous for its gold rush of the 1860s and its award-winning Pinot Noir wine. Being further inland than any other region of New Zealand, the scenery is quite dry and brown, but this alpine area is still remarkably beautiful with its many rivers and mountainside herb fields. Some of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy's scenes were filmed here, so the landscape really is out-of-this-world and from one of our Central Otago hotels, you'll be able to lap up the relaxing atmosphere of this picturesque, uncrowded region.

Things to do

Central Otago is the world's southern-most wine region and produces many gold-medal-winning bottles of pinot noir, making this area a wine connoisseur's dream. Wot better way to tour the vineyards and wineries than by hitting one of the region's fantastic cycling tracks? There is the Roxburgh Gorge and Clutha Gold Trails - great for exploring at your own pace - as well as the Central Otago Rail Trail, which follows the old railway line, so you can learn about the area's gold mining history along the way.

Grapes aren't the only fruit that this area is famous for, though. Cromwell is considered the "Stone Fruit Capital of New Zealand", so make sure you tuck into some tasty peaches, apricots, nectarines and cherries while you're here. History buffs will also enjoy exploring the reconstructed pioneer buildings in the Cromwell Historic Precinct, right on the shores of beautiful Lake Dunstan. Another picture perfect lake in Central Otago is the man-made Lake Roxburgh, where you can splash about and enjoy some of the water sports, or try your luck at trout fishing.

In winter, Central Otago is a white wonderland and popular destination for avid skiers, snowboarders and ice sports enthusiasts. First of all, there are the incredible ski fields on The Remarkables and Coronet Peak in Queenstown as well as the undulating slopes of Cadrona, which are perfect for both the beginner and advanced skier alike Or, if you're after a more unique thrill, head to Naseby, the "Ice Sport Capital of New Zealand", where you can try curling in the Southern Hemisphere's only Olympic-standard indoor curling rink, open all year round. Naseby is also popular for its natural luge, where even beginners can have a go at luging and reach speeds of up to 60km/hr!

Getting here

So wot are you waiting for? Grab one of these cheap flights to Queenstown and book your Central Otago accommodation with us now!