Central Otago businesses are optimistic and momentum is picking up, according to tourism and retail operators and Business South Central Otago.

Clyde’s Central Cycle Trail operations manager Jen Landers said the vibe was positive with bookings being at least twice the amount of last year.

“On the 27th of December [in 2024] we had 70 people on bikes, and last year [2023] it was 20 to 30 on that day.”

She said their merchandise in their Sunderland St store was going well with visitors spending to take away something from the trails they had done.

Summer cyclists listen in during a group briefing at Central Cycle Trail. PHOTO: Supplied 

“There are no roadworks in Clyde and that’s been great too.”

Jen said the cost of living was making it hard for New Zealanders especially with airfare prices within New Zealand.

“I would love to see Kiwis travel a bit more… [the economic outlook for Central] will be quite positive once Kiwis start travelling again.”

The mix of bookings was from mostly Australians (60 per cent), then Kiwis (30 per cent) and overseas tourists (10 per cent).

 Jen said the bulk of their business has been Otago Rail Trail bookings. 

“The competitive landscape for Lake Dunstan has been pretty packed as providers from Queenstown and Wānaka (and other areas) are bringing customers here themselves.”

In the Teviot Valley, Roxburgh business Feninermans owner Sally Fenierman said they had a good trading period over summer with amazing feedback from customers.

Teviot Valley Ward councillor Sally Feinerman, also owns Feinermans, a boutique health food store specialising in whole food, healthy options, local produce and gifts. PHOTO: File 

“From my business perspective, we’re becoming a lot more known from across the wider Otago region… we must be doing something right.”

Sally said the Teviot Valley businesses such as hers could look at the off peak season and how they could strengthen this “shoulder period” trading.

“We don’t really get the fog down in Teviot Valley and we really appreciate visitors who might be coming to get sunshine.

“There’s an opportunity to market our strengths over the winter.”

Cromwell’s The Gate group chief executive Glen Christensen said it had been an interesting summer, with strong bookings from Otago and overseas visitors. 

“Business trading was similar to previous, however the peak never arrived, but we were steadier for longer.”  

Glen Christensen. PHOTO: Shannon Thomson

BSCO chair Dewald de Beer said there was a “positive sentiment” in the district.  

“The biggest concern and uncertainty for businesses right now is still managing costs and generating enough turnover to stay afloat over the next 12 to 18 months as the economy continues to recover.

“Compliance is definitely a factor in this, with rising compliance costs putting additional pressure on businesses. 

Dewald de Beer. PHOTO: File 

“However, this has been an issue for a while now, and with the current government in place…we might see some positive changes in this area.”

Central Otago District Council economic development manager Nick Lanham said it certainly seemed like Central has been busy based on the number of the people around.  

Nick Lanham. PHOTO: File 

“The large number of events in or near Central Otago would have contributed to this along with the filming of the East of Eden Netflix series in the Maniototo,” Nick said.   

Have a story to share?

Contact [email protected]