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ADVENTURES IN

Central Otago

​​From the historic walls of Earnscleugh Castle, just minutes from Clyde, step into the vibrant heart of Central Otago, a region bursting with unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a foodie, wine lover, nature walker, cyclist, or history buff, adventure is always just around the corner.

Personally curated by your hosts, Ryan Sanders and Marco Creemers, these handpicked experiences showcase the best of the region, and show why it is rated one of the best holiday destinations for families. From world-class dining and wineries to scenic trails and gold rush-era towns you can weave your own story into this timeless landscape.

STAY AT THE COACH HOUSE
Menu

Restaurants

All within a 15-minute drive of Earnscleugh’s luxury accommodation, these dining spots combine stunning Central Otago flavours with warm local hospitality:

EARNSCLEUGH, 2 MINS

The Packing Shed

Only two minutes away from our boutique accommodation, Central Otago is our favourite hideaway that serves farm-to-table roasted lamb with wild thyme in a cozy barn setting. Only open for lunch Monday to Friday.

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CLYDE, 5 MINS

Oliver's Restaurant

Near our historic accommodation and housed in a 19th-century stone building, Oliver’s Restaurant is steeped in gold rush heritage. Savour venison carpaccio and apricot tarts while taking in the beauty of this historical building.

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ALEXANDRA, 10 MINS

The Finery

A family-owned riverside haven offering delectable local dishes and whiskey tastings. It’s the perfect location and atmosphere for celebrations and relaxed gatherings such as romantic weekend getaways and family trips.

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CHATTO CREEK, 15 MINS

Chatto Creek Tavern

A stay in historic accommodation is not complete without a visit to this historic pub. Offering delicious lunch and dinner options in a welcoming atmosphere with indoor dining and a large garden, perfect for Rail Trail stops.

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BANNOCKBURN, 25 MINS

Bannockburn Hotel

A gold rush-era pub with warm wooden interiors, offering slow-cooked lamb shanks, local craft beers and a terrific wine selection. The perfect place to relax on your Central Otago getaway.

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Wineries

Enjoy award-winning pinot noir, rosé, and more at these stunning cellar doors all of which are a short drive from the castle. These Central Otago wineries provide an excellent opportunity to enhance your romantic weekend getaway.

CLYDE, 5 MINS

Monte Christo Winery

The birthplace of Central Otago winemaking since 1864, offering vibrant Pinot Noir in a historic stone cellar doorThe birthplace of Central Otago winemaking since 1864, offering vibrant Pinot Noir in a historic stone cellar door. A must-visit for your Central Otago getaway.

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CLYDE, 5 MINS

Clyde Village Winery

A boutique vineyard overlooking historic Clyde, specialising in award-winning Pinot Noir with intimate cellar door tastings and scenic views of the surrounding landscape. A great spot for your romantic weekend getaway.

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EARNSCLEUGH, 3 MINS

Three Miners Vineyard

Only three-minutes from The Coach House heritage stay, this family-owned single estate vineyard sits on the banks of the Clutha River, producing elegant Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Gewürztraminer with relaxed tastings in a welcoming rural setting.

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ALEXANDRA, 10 MINS

Como Villa Estate

Step back 150 years into this historical boutique vineyard, enjoying medal-winning Pinot Noir, Malbec, and Merlot in a unique cellar door steeped in Central Otago heritage. Add Como Villa Estate to your next Central Otago getaway.

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ALEXANDRA, 11 MINS

Ruru wines

Just down the road from Earncleugh Castle and nestled in the Alexandra Basin, Immigrants Vineyard is a family-owned gem crafting affordable, award-winning wines with sustainable practices, boasting gold medals and high scores for their exceptional quality at a terrific price.

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Walks

A stay at our Alexandra accommodation or in Clyde isn’t complete without exploring one of the many scenic walks and trails in the region, most of which are just minutes from Earnscleugh Castle.

ALEXANDRA, 10 MINS

Alexandra-Clyde River Track

( 2-3 hours, 8km)
Enjoy a gentle walk along the turquoise Clutha River, spotting native birds along the way and stopping for coffee at either end before returning to your historic accommodation at Earnsleugh Coach House.

ALEXANDRA, 10 MINS

Butchers Dam Track

( 1 hour, 1.5km )
Close to Earnscleugh Castle, is a serene loop walk around a reservoir, framed by wild thyme hills and tranquil picnic spots.

ALEXANDRA, 10 MINS

Conroys Dam Track

( 1-2 hours, 3km )
This child-friendly trail is perfect for your family trip, winding through orchards and rocky outcrops, offering rugged vistas of Alexandra.

CLYDE, 5 MINS

Tucker Hill Track

( 1-2 hours, 2km )
Close to Earnscleugh Castle, this is a scenic climb to gold mining remnants, offering panoramic views of Clyde and the Dunstan Range.

BANNOCKBURN, 25 MINS

Bannockburn Sluicings

( 1.5 hours, 3.7km )
A loop through gold rush relics, with eroded cliffs and sweeping Cromwell Basin views, only 25 minutes from your historic accommodation.

Mountain Biking Trails

Central Otago is one of the best holiday destinations for families and a great getaway for cyclists and thrill seekers. These nearby trails offer thrills, views, and easy logistics from the Coach House:

Lake Dunstan Trail

(41km, Grade 1-3)
A scenic ride from Cromwell to Clyde, passing vineyards and the iconic Hugo Suspension Bridge, is just a short distance from our heritage accommodation.

Roxburgh Gorge Trail

(21km, Grade 2-3)
Enjoy this thrilling journey through dramatic gorges, with a jet boat transfer and gold rush history. This is a must do for anyone seeking an adrenaline-filled getaway in Central Otago.

Otago Central Rail Trail

(135km, Grade 1-2)
A smooth ride from Roxburgh to Lawrence, showcasing orchards and gold mining heritage. This is an ideal trail for family trips and weekend getaways.

Flat Top Hill Tracks

(1.5-13km, Grade 1-2)
A network of trails with epic Roxburgh Gorge views, perfect for adventurous riders close to Earnscleugh Castle’s historic accommodation.

Historic Towns

Book a stay in the Earnsleugh Coach House and step back in time to explore five nearby towns, each rich in gold rush history, charm, and character.

5 MINS

Clyde

A great stop for family trips and weekend getaways, this gold rush gem boasts cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and the Clyde Historical Museum. It’s perfect for a coffee stop.

45 MINS

St Bathans

This haunting mining village is a must-visit for a reflective escape. Explore the historic Vulcan Hotel and the captivating Blue Lake on your next Central Otago getaway.

1 HOUR

Naseby

Explore a Victorian-era town, just an hour from our self-catering accommodation, Clyde. This charming destination boasts curling, the Royal Hotel, and 50km of forest trails, perfect for a visit brimming with heritage.

20 MINS

Ophir

Much like our historic accommodation, this gold mining town boasts preserved Victorian buildings, New Zealand’s oldest post office, and a charming suspension bridge, all offering a captivating glimpse into Central Otago’s rugged past.

45 MINS

Oturehua

A quaint rural village home to the innovative Hayes Engineering Works museum, historic Gilchrist’s general store, and the Otago Central Rail Trail, celebrating Kiwi ingenuity and pioneer life. Oturehua is a must-visit on your next Central Otago getaway.

Plan Your Central Otago Adventure

Make the beautifully restored Coach House your base, or join the Castle Waitlist to be among the first to experience the main manor’s grand reopening.

STAY AT THE COACH HOUSEJOIN THE CASTLE WAITLIST

Our Location

Central Otago is one of the best holiday destinations for families and is the perfect spot for weekend getaways. Our heritage stay is located on Earnscleugh Road, a five-minute drive from Clyde town centre. If you need a pickup from Clyde or Alexandra, we are happy to arrange it, just let us know before your stay.

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