Cromwell was established by gold miners, but now its treasure is stone fruit. Explore nearby ghost towns and soak up the tranquil lakeside scenery.
Located on the shores of Lake Dunstan, Cromwell has the appearance of a modern town, but its history stretches back to the gold rush days of the 1800s. This history is best experienced in 'Old Cromwell Town’, a feature attraction for visitors.
In the 1980's and 90's Cromwell underwent a major transformation with the construction of the Clyde Dam power station. When the dam was completed in 1992, the valley behind it was flooded to create Lake Dunstan. As a result, the original site of Cromwell's historic business district at the junction of the Kawarau and Clutha Rivers now lies at the bottom of the lake.
Before the lake was created, many of the town centre's historic buildings were painstakingly removed to higher ground by dedicated volunteers. Others that could not be moved were faithfully reconstructed. Stone-by-stone and plank-by-plank, local craftsmen made sure that 'Old Cromwell town' would live on.
Visitors can wander through the historic precinct to inspect buildings from 1860 to 1900 that reflect the town's gold mining and pioneering past. These include the London House Stables, Captain Barry's cottage, the Cobb & Co Store, Belfast Store and Jolly's Seed & Grain Store. In front of the restored town centre, a wharf provides a convenient departure point for tours of Lake Dunstan aboard a beautifully restored 1929 wooden motor launch.
Old gold mining sites in the area include Bannockburn and Bendigo, where you’ll find ruins of miners’ cottages.
Today, Cromwell’s major industry is fruit growing – if you’re here over summer, roadside fruit stalls are a delicious temptation. Functional facts: Approx. population 4900, i-SITE Visitor Centre, shopping centre.
Anderson Park Motel provides free use of bikes, golf clubs and other sporting equipment. A 2-minute drive from Old Cromwell Town, it offers free on-site parking and free Wi-Fi access.
Heated guest rooms have a kitchenette with a microwave, a fridge and kitchenware. Other amenities inclu... (more)
ASURE Central Gold Motel offers quality 4 star plus accommodation at a very affordable price
11 ground-floor, spacious, quiet and self-contained studio and 2-room units. Our units are visually pleasing and well appointed, with quality furniture and fittings throughout. Heated floors, ai... (more)
Featuring satellite TV and kitchenette facilities in every room, Carrick Lodge Motel offers 250MB of free Wi-Fi access per stay. All rooms have heating, electric blankets and double-glazed windows.
Carrick Lodge Motel Cromwell is a 1-hour drive from the Cardrona and Coronet Peak ski fie... (more)
Central Gateway Motel offers spacious self-catering accommodation with large flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. Located in Cromwell town centre, it is a 5-minute walk to the historic Old Cromwell Town.
Situated in a quiet location off the main road, Central Gateway Motel Cromwell features ... (more)
4 star rated self contained and daily serviced motel in the heart of Central Otago. A variety of spacious, well appointed units set in picturesque and relaxing grounds.Walk to local restaurants,bars,supermarket and takeaways.Your hosts Tony and Jenny will welcome you and attend to your acc... (more)
Centrally located in Cromwell Mall less than 100 metres from the i-Site and the nearest backpackers to the bus/coach stop.10 beds in 5 roomy bedrooms with shared facilities, available as single, twin, super king double or dorm.Made up beds include all bedding, towels and WiFi at no extra c... (more)
Cromwell Motel is within walking distance of Lake Dunstan and Cromwell's historic quarter It offers modern apartments with fully equipped kitchens.All units of Cromwell Motel are situated on the first floor, and are equipped with TVs and DVD.Guests can relax by the outdoor swimming pool, o... (more)
Cromwell TOP 10 Holiday Park is set on spacious park-like grounds in Cromwell, Central Otago. Accommodation available includes tent sites, powered campervan sites, self-contained units and park motel units.At the Cromwell TOP 10 Holiday Park you will find modern amenities and clean facilit... (more)
Just a 3-minute drive from Cromwell Town Centre, Gavan Family Apartments features a patio with garden views and outdoor furniture. Free on-site parking is available.This self-contained, 2-bedroom apartment is a 5-minute drive from both Cromwell Golf Course and Cromwell Racecourse. Garden V... (more)
Golden Gate Lodge is Central Otago's gateway accommodation in 47 Qualmark rated (3-star plus) suites each with French doors opening onto a balcony or patio to make the most of stunning mountain, high country and vineyard views. Four suites have spa baths. Three suites are disabled accessib... (more)
Pisa Range Lake Resort offers luxury self-catering accommodations in Cromwell, on the edge of Lake Dunstan and the Sugar Loaf range. There are a number of ski fields nearby.The unique villas are located on a newly-built marina, on the lake front. Each unit is stylish and modern, with state... (more)
From the breath-taking views of Mountains and Water to the fun of staying in a villa built over the Marina. Park your boat under your luxurious accommodation!The Moorings Restaurant & Bar on site is open everyday from 8am till late! We have kayaks for hire so you can explore Lake Dunstan o... (more)
Located next to Cromwell Golf Course, Lake Dunstan Motel offers spacious accommodation with mountain views. Free Wi-Fi internet access and more than 50 satellite TV channels are included.Lake Dunstan Motel received a 2013 Trip Advisor Award for "Best Service" in New Zealand. The property i... (more)
Just 850 metres from the Kawarau River, Lake Villas feature a private balcony or patio with outdoor seating. Each apartment has a 42-inch flat-screen TV. Most apartments also have lovely mountain views.Lake Villas Cromwell is 10 minutes’ walk from the Old Cromwell Town Historic Reserve. Qu... (more)
Welcome to The Chalets Holiday Park in Cromwell, set in 12 acres of landscaped grounds. We can offer you year-round, warm, affordable accommodation ideally placed in the Queenstown Lakes district with its abundance of vineyards and access to five ski fields. Make The Chalets Holiday Park y... (more)
In the heart of Central Otago, we are set on spacious park-like grounds, blessed with a hot summer climate, surrounded by great lakes and rivers with fabulous attractions and scenery.
Adjacent to Lake DunstanPlayground with jumping pillow Tour information & booking office
For decades... (more)
Join Richard Young, Ken Wright & Shaun Barnett, on a 17-day photography tour showcasing some of the South Island’s most iconic landscape including Milford Sound and the Moeraki Boulders along with some of the country's ... more
Join Ken Wright and Shaun Barnett on a 7-day tour showcasing some of New Zealand’s rarest wildlife and most distinctive coastal landscapes. New Zealand’s underrated East Coast is full of surprises including ... more
Based in Wanaka our Autumn Masterclass Workshop is programmed in for the month of April when the Autumn colours are at their best. With landscape photographers Rob Brown and Richard Young as your tutors, utilising ... more
Queenstown Airport, QueenstownThu 23 Apr 2020 9:00AM / EducationJoin Richard Young, Ken Wright & Shaun Barnett, on a 17-day photography tour showcasing some of the South Island’s most iconic landscape including Milford Sound and the Moeraki Boulders along with some of the country's ... more
Queenstown Airport, QueenstownTue 28 Apr 2020 9:00AM / Public Talks & ToursJoin Ken Wright and Shaun Barnett on a 7-day tour showcasing some of New Zealand’s rarest wildlife and most distinctive coastal landscapes. New Zealand’s underrated East Coast is full of surprises including ... more
Distinction Wanaka Alpine Resort, Wanaka, Queenstown LakesSat 18 Apr 2020 8:00AM / Public Talks & ToursBased in Wanaka our Autumn Masterclass Workshop is programmed in for the month of April when the Autumn colours are at their best. With landscape photographers Rob Brown and Richard Young as your tutors, utilising ... more
