For our Central Summer series, I look at a business that has crafted unique Central Otago journeys - a new way to experience our own backyard, and a wonderful way to support local.

Competition: Crafted Journeys is offering an amazing experience for two people. You and a friend could be savouring the wonderful tastes and smells of India, at a personal cooking lesson with Natasha, as she shares the secrets to creating tasty Indian dishes at home. Simply visit Natasha’s Crafted Journeys website. and let her know what are the things on the Central Otago tour itinerary that you would love to do and the reason why or email your answer to [email protected] or just tag a friend you would take on our Facebook page

Owner of a successful international travel business, creating bespoke guided tours to far-flung exotic places like India and Africa, Natasha Sinclair’s business went to zero overnight when international borders closed. Not only that, she had to refund months of pre-booked tours.

“The business I had built from scratch disappeared overnight; COVID decimated my industry.”

Natasha designed and led bespoke tours to exciting places such as India and Africa.

Natasha said she had to take a step back and plan what she could do in this new environment.

“My passion doesn’t lie in organising trips around New Zealand.

“I love where I live, I’m incredibly passionate about where I live, so that’s where I decided to focus.”

Natasha said she found when talking about Central Otago, people immediately thought Queenstown.

“Queenstown isn’t Central Otago.

“This was an opportunity to showcase my big back yard; to pull together places and experiences that were quintessential Central Otago, but which were also a bit different.”

“What I’ve built uses the successful formula from my overseas tours, with small groups, and integrating hands-on experiences with going places where you wouldn’t or couldn’t go if you were planning your own travel.”

For example, Natasha said, the tour includes an exclusive workshop with internationally acclaimed studio ceramicist Victoria Claire Dawes.

“We’ll all be creating our own piece in terracotta.”

And for a different way of providing lunch on that day, Natasha will give a special cooking lesson to the group, sharing her secrets to Indian cooking.

“Victoria’s home and studio are bordered by Lake Dunstan and the new trail, so people will get to create art, make wonderful food, eat and enjoy the outdoors.”

A hands-on session making pottery is part of the Central Otago crafted journey.

Photo Ben Boswell

Natasha said the tour also included a full day of wine and food, but it would not be along well-trodden routes. They will experience local boutique wineries, smaller places without a cellar door but where some amazing wines are produced.

“For a day of e-biking, we’re teaming up with Bike It Now.

“After a day of exploring on e-bikes, we’ll relax and enjoy Clyde.”

“Until the Lake Dunstan Trail opens, we have a lot to choose from – we’re really spoiled for choice around here.”

There’s a honey tasting and food matching experience, plus a visit to Tannacrieff Wines to meet the winemaker and sample ruby port.

A private dinner on the final evening has been especially designed by Moreish Kitchen executive chef Kim Jillings, showcasing the best of Central Otago produce.

“The pièce de résistance, will be everyone’s handmade plates, served with something very special on them.”

Natasha said pricing was flexible, so that people could book just the tour, or include accommodation.

“Locals can stay local, or people can stay with friends locally.”

“If they stay local, people can still be picked up and dropped off every day.”

Natasha said the tours were designed to be a great gift, a unique option if you’ve got friends coming to stay, something to treat yourself, or a great reason to get some friends together and enjoy a trip locally instead of overseas.

They were also designed around local businesses, local sights and experiences, and kept visitor spending local.

“People can book for a Christmas present, and then do the tour in the New Year; the first tour starts in February.”

“We’re helping local, keeping spending local and showcasing what we have right here in Central Otago.”

To find out more about a crafted Central Otago journey click here.

You and a friend could be savouring the wonderful tastes and smells of India, at a personal cooking lesson with Natasha, as she shares the secrets to creating tasty Indian dishes at home.

Entries close midnight Sunday 15^th November.

Do you know a Central Otago business or activity which relies on Christmas trade or on our summer visitors? One that could do with a shout out?

Do you know of someone who sells art, crafts or goods that they make themselves, or that are made locally?

We’ll select a business, product, activity or experience each Sunday based on your recommendations. 

This column is all about encouraging us all to support each other in Central.

If you have a comment or suggestion for future Central Summer columns, email Mary or Rowan at [email protected]

Let’s make it a good Christmas and a great summer here in Central.

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