If you’re looking for a low-cost family activity this summer, why not take food and drink - and in many cases your togs - to these picnic spots around Central. 

You can combine food with exercise, or just savour the sunshine and views. Choose between urban parks, scenic reserves, rivers or lakes. You can use the Otago Regional Council’s website to check water quality before you swim.

Galloway Bridge

Turn right onto Galloway Road as you head out of Alexandra towards Omakau. Take a hard left after crossing the Galloway Bridge and head towards the Manuherikia River. There’s a stony riverbank, the river to refresh yourself in, and plenty of trees to provide shade. No public toilets or rubbish bins though, and check the water quality before you jump in.

Lower Manorburn Dam

A nice spot by the water just outside Alexandra. Cross the Galloway bridge and turn right and follow the road up to the lower dam. Good rocks for jumping off and a good spot for kayaking. A slightly overgrown trail around part of the dam. Bring shade with you. No bathrooms or bins.

Pioneer Park

A popular stop in the middle of Alexandra with a playground, bathrooms, shade and plenty of grass to run around on. You can buy food and drink from nearby outlets if needed. Bins provided. 

Rotary Park

At the end of Dunorling Street, you’ll find the Clutha Mata-au River and a park developed by the Alexandra Rotary club. There are picnic tables, a coin operated BBQ and shade. Watch boats launch from the boat ramp or take a walk along the river. Bathrooms provided. 

Butchers Dam

If you drive towards Roxburgh about 10 minutes out of Alexandra on the left you’ll find Butchers Dam. There are both long and short walking tracks from the car park and mountain biking trails. You can also fish from the shore. There is a long drop toilet just over the dam. There’s not much shade to be had, so it’s a good idea to take your own. There have been some problems with cyanobacteria in the water so check the water quality before you allow your dog to swim.

Walk over Butchers dam after your picnic 

Shaky Bridge

A pretty picnic spot can be found nestled under the Shaky Bridge, with plenty of shade and water to splash about in. Park in the surrounding streets and then access the area from the end of Kerry Street, or walk in along the trail beside the Manuherikia River. No bathrooms or bins. The water quality is not always great – especially after heavy rain – but you can check out if it is swimmable here.

Molyneux Park

A huge green space at the north end of Alexandra with a playground and amenities. Used by many sports clubs so you may end up watching others practice and play various sports while you loll about. A skate park and beginner’s bike track are nearby, as is the public pool.

Clyde River Park Playground

A new amenity developed this year, the recreational space is tucked in between the historic main street and the Clutha Mata-au River off Miner’s Lane. Brand new toilets and playground and plenty of shade among the trees.

Champagne Gully 

A nice spot in the Cromwell gorge with room to picnic, bathrooms and a boat ramp. There are several other options in the gorge, too, though not all have bathrooms.

Bannockburn Inlet

Turn left over the bridge on the Kawarau River and you’ll wind your way to the Bannockburn Inlet. There are lots of picnic spots here under the trees. Bathrooms are available. Areas for swimming and boating. Watch out for cyclists on the trail as you meander about.

Bannockburn Sluicings

Also over the Kawarau river but turn right before the top of the hill. If you want to earn your lunch, take a walk on the sluicings trail through dramatic scenery and mining history up to the ruins of Stewart town. The walk up is exposed, so use sunscreen and bring a hat and water. There’s a long drop and grass and shade once you reach Stewart Town so you can refuel with your picnic before the hike back down to the carpark.

The rugged landscape of the sluicings

Lowburn Hall Domain

On the road to Wānaka just out of Cromwell, this is a great picnic spot with water, views, a playground and bathrooms. If you are feeling energetic, take the track up the hill to the 45th Parallel.

Lake Dunstan shoreline

There are several picnic spots on the foreshore of Lake Dunstan. You can be close to shops and amenities by going below the historic precinct in Cromwell. Or you can be far from the madding crowd, except for the cyclists and freedom campers, at various points on the lakeshore between Cromwell and Lowburn. There’s even a couple of options on the road to Tarras – the freedom camping spot near Bendigo is one of the most popular of these. Toilets are available in various spots. 

Bendigo Scenic Reserve

If water is not your thing, consider heading up to Bendigo Scenic reserve, accessed from the road to Tarras. There’s a network of walking trails and various ruins from gold mining days. Great views and photo opportunities if you can’t muster up the energy for a walk after your picnic.