Getting to Central Otago

Central Otago is located between Queenstown and the South Island's east coast. Rolling sunburnt hills, sprawling vistas, and rural farmland define this part of New Zealand - often referred to as "Big Sky Country".

BY ROAD:

CHRISTCHURCH TO ALEXANDRA: Head south from Christchurch on State Highway 1, to Ashburton. From Ashburton continue on to Rangitata, turning right at Rangitata Orari Bridge Highway. From here follow State Highway 79 to Geraldine. Continue on State Highway 79 for 45kms to Fairlie. From Fairlie take State Highway 8 to Tekapo. Continue for 198kms on State Highway 8 to Cromwell. From Cromwell continue on State Highway 8 (don't turn right over the bridge into Cromwell town) to Alexandra - a distance of 34kms.

Driving Time: 6 hours 5 minutes

CHRISTCHURCH TO ST BATHANS: Head south out of Christchurch on State Highway 1 for 164kms to Timaru. From Timaru continue on State Highway 1 for 85kms to Oamaru. From Oamaru head south for 59kms to Palmerston. At Palmerston turn right onto State Highway 85 and follow for 116kms into St Bathans.

Driving Time: 6 hours 25 minutes

QUEENSTOWN TO ALEXANDRA: Head north out of Queenstown on State Highway 6, to Cromwell. From Cromwell head towards State Highway 8 (across the bridge), and then turn right, to follow State Highway 8 south. Continue for 33kms to Alexandra.

Driving Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

QUEENSTOWN TO ST BATHANS: Head north out of Queenstown on State Highway 6, to Cromwell. From Cromwell head towards State Highway 8 (across the bridge), and then turn right, to follow State Highway 8 south. Continue for 33kms to Alexandra. From Alexandra take State Highway 85 north for 60kms to Loop Road. At Loop Road head inland to St Bathans.

Driving Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

DUNEDIN TO ALEXANDRA: From Dunedin follow State Highway 1 south for 59kms to Clarksville. At Clarksville turn right and head inland on State Highway 8 to Alexandra - a distance of 132kms.

Driving Time: 2 hours 35 minutes

DUNEDIN TO ST BATHANS: From Dunedin head north on State Highway 1 to Palmerston. From Palmerston turn left onto State Highway 85 and follow for 116kms to St Bathans.

Driving Time: 2 hours 40 minutes