Welcome to Cromwell!
Nestled in the heart of Central Otago, Cromwell is the perfect location to base yourself and explore our regional delights while enjoying the World Gold Panning Event.
Our Visitor Essentials Guide gives you a comprehensive guide to Cromwell, Accommodation, Transport, Tours and Events & Attractions. Click Here for places to Freedom Pan!
World Gold Panning Championships
26 September – 3 October 2026
Welcome to Central Otago. Cromwell is a sunny, historic town on Lake Dunstan. This region is famous for its vineyards, stone fruit, clear skies and dramatic landscapes. We look forward to showing you our region during the Championships.
Getting here — main arrival cities (by car)
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From Queenstown → Cromwell: about 60 km, typically ~50 minutes driving on State Highway 6.
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From Christchurch → Cromwell: about 420–425 km, typically ~5–5.5 hours driving (depends on route and stops).
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From Auckland → Cromwell: driving is a long trip (~1,495 km / ~25–26 hours). Most visitors fly to Queenstown or Christchurch first then drive to Cromwell.
Best transport options — recommendations
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Fly + hire a car (recommended): Fly into Queenstown or Christchurch, then hire a car. Queenstown is closest and often easiest for visitors. A hire car gives you freedom to visit wineries, trails and scenery.
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Campervan / motorhome: A popular choice for travellers who want flexibility. Major hire companies operate from Queenstown and Christchurch. Book early in spring to secure the vehicle you want.
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Taxis & local transport in Cromwell: Public transport in Cromwell is very limited. The main local option is Linger Longer Shuttles (shuttle/taxi service) — book in advance for transfers around town, to nearby wineries, or airport runs. There is no regular public bus service in Cromwell.
What to do — highlights (easy list)
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Lake Dunstan Trail — leisurely cycling or walking along Lake Dunstan (short sections available for one-day riders). Great for families and visitors who want outdoors time.
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Otago Central Rail Trail — world-famous cycle trail; consider day rides or shuttle-supported sections.
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Historic Clyde & Bannockburn — old gold-mining towns, wineries and local history.
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Wineries & cellar doors — Central Otago is famous for Pinot Noir and other cool-climate wines. Small-batch cellar doors offer tastings and lunches. If you’re exploring, consider organised wine tours for a safe, local experience
ACCOMMODATION
We are excited to be able to share some fantastic local accommodation providers who will be offering special rates for World Gold Panning attendees. See our latest offerings below.
Harvest Hotel Cromwell
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Superior Comfort
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Central Location
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Mountain Views
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Room Service
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Group Bookings
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Sky Sports
Gold Panner Rates Available :
Colonial Manor
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Central Location
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Spacious park-like grounds
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Free WiFi
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Free On-site Parking
Gold Panner Rates Available :
Central Park Apartments & Motels
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Highland Park location & 2km to Cromwell Centre
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4**** Star
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Apartment & Motel Accommodation Options
Gold Panner Rates Available :
More Accommodation
Options
Campervans and Motorhomes are a great option!
Accommodation is limited in Cromwell, seen as you are coming all this way you will likely want to spend a week or two either side of the Champs traveling NZ.
We have special deals for those traveling over for the world champs - Click the links to book and quote the code from your competition entry confirmation email.
Lake Dunstan Motel
Tony and Carrina: +64 21 0240 7240
Cromwell, New Zealand
For more accommodation options please CLICK HERE
TRANSPORT OPTIONS
Transport options are very limited around Cromwell.
We do not have any Uber or Taxis.
You can catch a bus from Queenstown or Christchurch airport see links and book direct.
Best plan would be to hire a car with friends! Hire cars must be booked in advance.
PRE-BOOKED TRANSPORT OPTIONS:
LINGER LONGER -
E: bookings@lingerlonger.co.nz
P: +64 27 754 6437
BUS SERVICES -
RITCHIES BUS NETWORK : https://www.ritchies.co.nz/wanaka
INTERCITY BUSES - https://www.intercity.co.nz/south-island-buses
CAR HIRE COMPANIES -
GORentals - https://www.gorentals.co.nz/rental-car-locations/queenstown/
APEX Car Rentals - https://www.apexrentals.co.nz/rental-car-locations/queenstown
EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS
