Central Otago

Central Otago can lay claim to a few titles - New Zealand's coldest region, its warmest and certainly its driest - yet the shock of the seasons doesn't stop the area, which extends through the towns of Cromwell, Bannockburn, Alexandra, Roxburgh and Ranfurly and the Maniototo, from producing some of New Zealand's best stone fruits, apples and berries. The thyme=covered hills surrounding Lake Dunstan and Cromwell are also a rapidly growing wine region producing not only world-class pinot noir but also flinty riesling and lush chardonnay. Pick the right time of year, and the roadsides are bursting with farm gate produce, mainly fruit, with many orchards allowing you to pick your own.