Easter and the school holidays kick off today, and there are plenty of events on and ways to celebrate in Central, rain or shine. 

Celebrate Central wine and food with Otago’s biggest wine event: The Clyde Wine and Food Festival is back, in Clyde’s historic precinct, 10.30am - 4.30pm on Sunday, April 9.

For a quick coffee and Easter treats at She Bakes food truck is outside Trail Journeys at 16 Springvale Rd.

Sit back, relax or while Cycling l Walking listen to the next episode of The Outlet Podcast - The Voice of Central.

Support local art: Local exhibitions are Arts Central Exhibition (ACE) ‘23 at The Gate in Cromwell and the Central Otago Arts Society’s Easter ‘Art in the Lodge exhibition’ at Dunstan Masonic Lodge. 

Eade Gallery also has a duo solo exhibition with works based on Central landscapes by ceramicist Kathi McLean and painter Gretl Barzotto.

Farmers markets: Cromwell’s is having a bumper Easter market with a mix of regular and new stallholders (9am-1pm). The heritage precinct will be lively with music by the Bannockburn Boys, and sweet Easter treats will be available.

Go on an easter egg hunt: Highlands in Cromwell has an easter egg hunt (8.30am on Easter Sunday) and a gold coin is required to get in.

The Poolburn Adventure Hub (2pm) have Sunday egg hunts too. The creators of the Christmas Trail have made an Easter version in Half Mile Reserve with painted rock art and cartoon cut outs. 

Indulge, it’s Easter only once a year. PHOTO: She Bakes

Lose yourself inside a book: Visit your local library, but check opening hours first. There is a free kids holiday programme at Central libraries in the coming weeks, find details here.

Try a local eatery: Take whānau out and support a local hospitality business. See The Central App eat/drink listings here.

Chatto Creek Tavern is open all day from 11am and Sunday you can enjoy live music from 2 - 5 pm in the garden bar.

Support local Retail - Who is open this Easter weekend?

Go to the flicks: Central Cinema presents - this week’s movies .Roxburgh Cinema, and Clyde Cinema are showing family friendly movies.

Looking for property: Check out more than 60 Open Homes listed here.

Easter services: Everyone is welcome at Alexandra Combined Churches Easter services. Good Friday is at St John the Baptist Catholic Church at 9am, and Sunday’s sunrise service is at 6.40am at the Lookout on Little Valley Rd.  

Check out The Central App What's On Guide for these and more local events. And if you know of one we’ve missed, simply submit to us by clicking on the banner in the What's On Guide.

Waka Kotahi (NZ Transport Agency) is asking people travelling to use the holiday journey planner first, and be patient as roads will be busier than usual.

There is a single lane section of highway with up to five-minute delays at the Beaumont Bridge project site in Central. Visitors should factor in some extra time as it is a key route into Central.

The under-construction Beaumont Bridge next to the old bridge in Central Otago, looking upstream towards Millers Flat. PHOTO: Supplied

The Easter weather looks settled, with sunshine and the odd shower for Monday.

Forecast temperatures are in the high teens for Easter in Alexandra. PHOTO: MetService

Stay updated on roads and weather, Roads l Weather l Reports on the Central App’s main menu. If you need medical attention check who is on call by clicking here On Call Services.

Whatever your plans are this long weekend, we wish you a safe and happy Easter.

Send in your best Central Easter photos, and we’ll publish them : Email: [email protected]