Southern Destinations: October 02, 2016

CROMWELL NOVEMBER 2016 29
Cromwell
Heritage Precinct
One of Central Otago’s
best kept secrets, the
Cromwell Heritage Precinct
is tucked away on the
shores of Lake Dunstan,
at the confluence of the
Kawarau and Clutha arms
of the lake.
From an idea in the mid eighties the
historic village has been developed
by volunteers over the years. Some
buildings have been re-built from
stone from the original buildings while
others are a faithful re-creation built to
modern building code. It is not only
a delightful and free visitor attraction
with historical displays and charming
buildings, but also a hub for artists and
craftspeople.
The schist stone cottages and shops
are tenanted by a quality-focused
arts collective, international-standard
printmaker, renowned goldsmith,
highly original wire sculptor and a
plant expert and maker of herbal
creams and perfumes. There is also a
charming second-hand book store,
unique gift outlets and two great
cafes.
The historic displays tell the story
of the incredible 1860s gold rush
when sparsely populated Central
Otago was suddenly inundated with
thousands of hopeful prospectors.
Children love the talking ‘locals’
who tell the yarns, life-size horses and
secret alleyways, as well as the ducks,
fishing wharf and picnic areas.
Named in 2014 as one of New
Zealand’s best ‘hidden gems’ by AA
Directions Magazine, the precinct
is gradually being discovered by
overseas visitors, Kiwi families, makers
of television commercials and locals.
Located on Melmore Terrace, the
Precinct hosts the Cromwell Farmers
Market every Sunday from Labour
Weekend to Easter.
Höglund Art Glass
Gallery
World renowned blown glass
& glass jewellery.
Nelson glass artists
Ola and Marie Höglund
recently opened a glass gallery
in their new home
on state highway 6 between
Cromwell and Wanaka.
Visitors welcome
OPEN DAILY 9-5
Höglund Art Glass Gallery
1767 Luggate-Cromwell Road 9383
Central Otago
Phone 03 442 7210
www.hoglundartglass.com
Welcome to The Gate,
Cromwell’s Tourist Centre
An enormous roadside 'Big Fruit'
sculpture welcomes visitors to
Cromwell, a town mostly drowned
when the Clutha River was dammed
at Clyde to form Lake Dunstan, now
teeming with trout and boating
opportunities. In reinventing itself,
Cromwell is a holiday town and
thriving commercial hub for Central
Otago with Wanaka just
40 minutes away and
Queenstown under an
hour.
Surrounded by
mountain ranges,
Cromwell is the heart
of the Central Otago
wine industry, a main
fruit growing centre,
location of one of the
South’s best golf links and
with Highlands Motorsport Park and
Central Motor Speedway, a motor
racing mecca.
Opening in December on the
corner of State Highway 8B (linking
State Highways 8 and 6) and
Cromwell’s main street, Barry Avenue,
‘The Gate’ will further set Cromwell
apart from other Central Otago
towns.
A large, eye-catching building
complex, The Gate houses three
independent hospitality outlets …
Five Stags Bar & Restaurant, Forage
Information Centre & Café and
Harvest Hotel. In the grounds at
The Gate, which are landscaped
to create a village green feel, is a
standalone conference/wedding
centre and Super Liquor store.
Five Stags has a traditional
hunting lodge theme but
given a 21st Century twist.
Forage Information
Centre & Café is an
exciting new concept
allowing visitors to
Central Otago and
the Southern Lakes to
seek out information
and self-book attractions
and accommodation in
Queenstown and further afield.
Cromwell’s only hotel
accommodation, Three Star Plus
Harvest offers 47 suites available as
standard and premium doubles,
twins and triples. With French doors
opening onto a balcony or paved
patio, all suites afford stunning Central
Otago views. For further information
visit www.thegate.nz , email stay@
thegate.nz or ph 03 445 1777.
Old Cromwell Town Art
Art Gallery & Workshop
Specialising in works on paper
OCTA Gallery, according to many of its visitors, is considered quite
unique in this part of the world. Operating from a historic building in
Cromwell’s Heritage Precinct, Central Otago, it provides a living art
space, showcasing limited edition original prints and an eclectic mix
of art work created by renowned national and international artists.
During the last few years, OCTA Gallery has established a reputation
for the quality of its diverse, eclectic, and interesting works, as well
as the excellent service it provides.
Its directors, Gail and Chris de Jong look forward to your visit and
are keen to share their extensive knowledge and experience as
professional artists and educators.
Stunning Central Otago Views From Every Room
Formerly Golden Gate Lodge, Three Star Plus Harvest Hotel is Cromwell’s only
hotel accommodation and is ideally located at The Gate, an exciting
redevelopment that includes Five Stags Bar & Restaurant, Forage Information
Centre & Café (both opening early December 2016), Black Panther Pizza and
Super Liquor.
All 47 suites, premium and standard, afford stunning Central Otago views
ranging from mountains and vineyards to the next-door championship
Cromwell Golf Course.
Harvest Hotel is the place to stay to make the most of the many attractions of the
Cromwell Basin. Vineyards and wine tasting. History and culture. Water sports
and motorsport. Walking and relaxing. And lots more.
Phone 03 445 1594 | Email octa@artlover.com
Online Smartfuel Savings
CNR SH8B & BARRY AVE, CROMWELL 0800 104 451 03 445 1777 stay@thegate.nz