Cromwell, originally known as "The Junction", is a town in central Otago, New Zealand. It sits right at the confluence of the Clutha and Kawarau Rivers, on the South Island. The settlement expanded rapidly after 1862, when news went out that gold was discovered nearby. It's surrounded by rather picturesque landscapes, in which both rivers have cut beautiful gorges. It's also knowns for it's vineyards.
Get in
[edit]State Highways 6 and 8 are the main roads in and out, with the first connecting to Wanaka and Queenstown, while the latter connects north and south to the Lindis Pass and Alexandra.
Intercity buses stop at Cromwell from Wanaka before heading to Queenstown. The bus stop is on the Lode Lane, near the public toilet of The Mall.
The nearest airport is at Queenstown.
Get around
[edit]Having transportation of your own is most convenient. It's possible to rent cars of -better yet- campervans at the airport. Hiking and biking are great ways to explore the direct surroundings.
See
[edit]- Cromwell Gorge. This famous gorge lies on road to Alexandra.
- Former goldfields.
Do
[edit]- Lake Dunstan. The blue waters of this man-made reservoir are a popular place for all kinds of water sports and activities. Swimming, fishing, waterskiing and rowing are just a few of your options.
- Kiwi Water Park an inflatable water park situated on Lake Dunstan
Buy
[edit]There's a mall with a range of shops. The Paper Plus there offers postal services.
Eat
[edit]Drink
[edit]Sleep
[edit]- 1 The Chalets (The Chalets Cromwell), 102 Barry Ave, ☏ +64 3 445 1260. Once the quarters for dam workers.
Go next
[edit]Nearby towns include Wanaka, Alexandra and Clyde. Queenstown is about 60 km away.
| Routes through Cromwell |
| Wanaka ← | N  W
|
→ Queenstown |
| Omarama ← | N  S
|
→ Alexandra |