Are you visiting the region at the moment? Wake up to Level 2 and wondering what you can do today? Or maybe you are a local and you need a new idea? 

Don’t you worry - so long as you follow the public health guidance, we have you covered.

Central Otago has a plethora of things to do but here at The Central App, we’ve put together a list of 13 unique things you can do for the next seven days, so long as you keep your distance, these places to go are open and set up to see you.

Why 13, you ask? Well, you can say we are feeling kinda lucky to have these option in our area.

1. Quartz Reef Wines - Cromwell

Fancy a sip on something special? Quartz Reef specialises in creating exceptional Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Methode Traditionnelle

Sitting in prime location as the pioneer of Bendigo, the sun-drenched Quartz Reef Estate vineyard is BioGro certified organic and Demeter certified biodynamic. 

The grapes are hand-harvested and “vinified” with a respectful and non-interventive philosophy, combined with the vision of Rudi Bauer to express a sense of place.

Your host will guide you through the vineyard’s history, where you will explore the region and discover how they handcraft their wines, as you sample their astonishing range. 

Quartz Reef Wines’ cellar door is at 8 Hughes Crescent, Cromwell and is open from 12pm to 4pm Monday to Friday - bookings recommended.

Click here for further information.

2. Cromwell Golf Club - Cromwell

Bowling got you beat for a bit? Why not swing a club at the Cromwell Golf Club? 

Host of the New Zealand Open final qualifying tournament, the championship course at Cromwell is the most inland links course in New Zealand. 

The sand-based fairways guarantee year-round dry underfoot conditions. 

There’s also a practice area as well as a club shop which sells coffee, drinks and snacks. 

Why not play a round? 

If you drop by, pick The Central App up a coffee, would you? We’ll probably still be in the bunker. 

Click here to visit the Cromwell Golf Club website. 

3. Rob’s Rural Market - Alexandra

There is nothing better than fresh produce, is there? I mean, come on.

H&J Roberts Orchards (as it is officially known) and Fruit Stall operate in Earnscleugh, halfway between Alexandra and Clyde. 

Known affectionately as “Rob’s Rural Market”, the beloved fruit and vegetable peddlers are a Central Otago institution. 

The Roberts family first stepped foot onto Earnscleugh soil in 1961 and the orchard has stayed a close family concern ever since.

The family produce delicious apricots, cherries, nectarines, peaches, plums and pears.

Come and visit the fresh fruit stall ‘Roberts Rural Market’ at 554 Earnscleugh Road. 

The stall is open seven days a week from early morning to late evening until the end of summer. 

Click here to visit the Roberts Rural Market website. 

4. Monte Christo Raspberry Cafe - Alexandra

Monte Christo Raspberry Cafe is set in a stunning garden on Springvale Road which is the perfect place for a relaxing meal or a real fruit ice cream on a hot day. 

Run by Graeme and Estelle, the couple’s property produces high quality raspberries, while the cafe is known throughout the lower South Island for its delicious desserts and real fruit ice creams.

The cafe has truly delicious berry fruit desserts, homemade scones, cheese rolls, and of course, the best real fruit ice creams for miles. 

There is also great coffee and a playground for any wee ones. 

The Cafe is ​open daily from 11am to 5pm. 

Click here to visit the Monte Cristo Raspberry Cafe website. 

5. Cooneys Clothing & Footwear - Alexandra

Need something nice for your wine tour or dinner? ‘Cooneys’ is your one-stop shop for anything clothing and footwear.

While not open today, it is open Monday to Friday from 9am - 5.30pm, but also you can buy online.

Beloved by locals, the knowledgeable staff can handpick items for you and get you brushed up nicely. 

Locals through and through, they’ll welcome you warmly and suit you up with anything you may need.

If you’re from elsewhere, they’ve even got a pretty nice Highlanders button-up supporter’s shirt you can take back to show your friends. 

You’ll be looking cool, and feeling cool in no time. 

Visit the Cooneys website by clicking here. 

6. Naseby Indoor Curling Rink - Naseby

Speaking of ‘cool’, we have just the place for you - Naseby. 

Not only is the town famously "2000 feet above worry level" but it has an indoor curling rink which is the envy of the land. 

If you are in town bowling, why not try your hand at flinging stones? It isn’t so much different, but just make sure you take your steps slowly and stay vertical. 

While you are in Naseby, take a wander around town. Not only are the locals one-of-a-kind, friendly and uber-interesting, but it truly is an historic gem. 

Speaking of gems, say g’day to the curling rink’s Sam Inder for us, no doubt he’ll be lurking around there somewhere. 

You can visit the Naseby Curling Rink website by clicking here. 

Wine, dine, or shop, Central Otago has it all. Photo The Central App. 

7. Pitches Store - Ophir

What can we say about Pitches Store in a few hundred words or less? 

Not much, because it would actually take volumes of books to even begin touching on just a fraction of what is Pitches Store. 

This astonishing cafe, restaurant and accommodation is a must-visit, with history literally contained within, and under, its walls and floors. 

There is actually a glass floor where you can see the historical artefacts in the ground under the building. I mean, come on. Show-offs! 

The heritage building, now made of schist, was built of timber originally way back in the mid 1800s. 

Nowadays, Pitches Store slings some of the best food your stomach will ever have the pleasure and privilege to digest, while the accommodation will knock your socks off. 

While you are there, take a walk around Ophir itself, another historical gem which I don’t think I need to sell you. It’s just incredible. 

You can visit Pitches Store website here.

8. Lily & Esther NZ Designer Labels - Clyde

Are you looking for some lux threads? Or do you know a lady who loves to be spoiled? 

Lily & Esther is a boutique New Zealand Designer Store in the heart of beautiful historical Clyde. 

Home to some of New Zealands' well known clothing designers, the boutique caters for those who love to look good. 

Featuring more than a dozen top designers, you’ll struggle to walk away without something. 

You might even spy The Central App in there. 

The store is open Monday to Sunday 10am to 5pm. 

Click here for more information. 

9. Monteiths Brewery Bar - Alexandra

Ah yes, Monteith’s. Famous far and wide. Watering hole of Alexandra’s thirstiest and purveyor of fine ales and chicken wings. 

If you spend enough time around the area you will inevitably hear Monteith’s brought up in conversation, such is the hallowed spot it occupies in local’s hearts. 

Meals, drinks, a beautiful, central location with one of the best beer garden’s you could ask for, this place has it all. 

You’ll spot cycling groups meeting there before and after a peddle, as well as out-of-towners dropping by to catch up on the latest. 

Monteith’s is one of those places you’ll get comfy, have a great meal and drink, sit awhile, then you’ll pay your bill, head out, stop, turn around and say, “hey, thanks.” 

It is just so darn pleasant. 

Open 11am until late, all year round, seven days a week. 

For more information, click here. 

10. Clyde Village Vineyard - Clyde

A lot of vineyards like to boast a world-class view, but few can meet the criteria. 

Clyde Village Vineyard is one of those few. 

The cellar door at Clyde Village Vineyard is located just 350 metres from the main street of Clyde. 

A quick five minute walk up the hill provides great views of the township as well as stunning views of the surrounding Alexandra Basin.  

Combining the mountainous Central Otago scenery with a glass of Pinot really is the quintessential way to experience the region.

With free wine tasting (“hooray!”), you’ll be able to get up close and personal with some top-notch wine (“hooray!”). 

Say hello to The Central App while you are there, it’s a favourite haunt of one of our journos. 

The cellar door is open every day 11am to 6pm.

Click here to visit the Clyde Village Vineyard website.

The Stoaker Room is simply mouth-watering. Photo file. 

11. The Stoaker Room - Cromwell

There is a lot which can be said about The Stoaker Room and unfortunately we just don’t have the time to get into it. 

What we can say, though, is this is one of those restaurants where you want to eat as often as you can and the wait staff begin to know your name. 

Featuring former wine barrels turned into smokers, your food will actually melt in your mouth. 

Said food will also be delivered by some of the most delightful humans you shall ever meet. 

Food will also be consumed in one of the best locations you could hope for - set amongst a working orchard. 

While the menu focuses on delectable smoked meats, it also boasts a robust selection of vegetable meals. 

Click here to visit The Stoaker Room website. 

12. The Highlands Museum - Cromwell

If all this eating and drinking had got you satisfied (sorry, we just really love our food and drink here), then a trip to Cromwell’s Highlands Museum is a must-do for anyone who has an appreciation for motor racing, cars, or engines. With 50% off the Museum entry if you are a bowls visitor, just mention The Central App - you and your friends or family can do something that maybe you haven't yet expereienced.

Highlands itself is a must-see attraction, whether there are cars zooming about, events being held or simply admiring the museum’s exhibitions. There is simply so much to do. 

Even if you’re not a motorsport fan, these top of the line machines are impressive to come face to face with at Highlands Museum. 

Since you only ever see them in the movies or on TV, there’s just something about being in the same room as these rare special cars that gets everyone buzzing. 

Is it Michael Schumacher’s Benetton Formula One car or is it the $4.2 million dollar Aston Martin Vulcan that really draws in the crowds? 

The Central App does not know, but we do know the bathrooms at this place are amazing! 

Find out more about the Highlands Museum by clicking here. 

13. Grey Ridge Vineyard - Alexandra

Grey Ridge Vineyard is one of those wineries which you just love to love. 

Paul and Sue Keast are the owners “and the peasants” (their words, not ours) and are always delighted to share their wine and the beauty of the vineyard with every soul who enters their tasting room. 

Such is the heart of this vineyard, their tasting room is also their beautiful home’s dining room. 

Sue and Paul firmly believe in trying before buying - they honestly and warmly invite you to sit at their dining table and sip their wine. 

Even if you are like us, you are there way too much. 

Drop in, taste and discuss the current wines and hear their story.

The cellar door is open all year, Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 1pm to 5pm

You can visit the Grey Ridge website by clicking here. 

There is so much to do in Central Otago under Level 2 restrictions, and these were just the lucky 13. Photo File/Grey Ridge Vineyard. 

Go to our Things to Do section in this app as we have more ideas and anything cancelled due to Covid Level 2 we will keep you informed!