BROOK SABIN
The fast-growing town of Cromwell has mountains, a stunning lake, vineyards, cherry picking and loads of adventure activities. It s just missing the crowds.
I m surrounded by mountains – on the edge of a stunning lake – and find myself in close proximity to ski fields, loads of great food, luxury accommodation, wineries and adventure activities. It sounds like I could be in Queenstown or Wānaka – but I m in a little town that is exploding in popularity: Cromwell.
Brook Sabin/Stuff
Cromwell sits on the edge of Lake Dunstan. Before Covid-19, there was bubbling resentment that Queenstown and even Wānaka had got too busy, and many longed for simpler times. Well, I may have found it in Cromwell – here are seven reasons I think it s New Zealand’s next big mountain town.
Cyclists ride on clip-on platforms on the Lake Dunstan Trail.
I felt a certain dread as my flight from Auckland winged its way over the Remarkables with Queenstown Airport in view in the distance. But this was nothing to do with fear of flying, or the notoriously tricky landing at Queenstown - I was more concerned with what awaited me on my three-day trip to Central Otago. As a desperately unfit city type, it was the thought of having to pedal across some of this spectacular, rugged landscape that was causing such anxiety. Would I break down halfway up a dirt track with cramp or incessant wheezing? Would I have to be rescued by my hosts?
Central Cycle Trail Co gearing up for Otago s Lake Dunstan track to open
14 Dec, 2020 08:08 PM
11 minutes to read
Dave Tomson shows off the incredible Central Otago cycle trails including the stunning Roxburgh Gorge Ride, the historic Clutha Gold Trail, and the new Lake Dunstan Trail connecting Cromwell to Clyde opening soon. Video / Grant Bradley
Dave Tomson shows off the incredible Central Otago cycle trails including the stunning Roxburgh Gorge Ride, the historic Clutha Gold Trail, and the new Lake Dunstan Trail connecting Cromwell to Clyde opening soon. Video / Grant Bradley
The final spectacular section of the Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail is on the horizon, writes