Cromwell’s historic district at the junction of the Kawarau and Clutha Rivers was swallowed by the lake in the late 1980’s due to the construction of the Clyde Dam. The heritage precinct was carefully removed and reimaged in its current location by the newly created Lake Dunstan foreshore. Today visitors continue to stroll through a heritage precinct. Buildings from 1860 to 1900 reflect the town’s gold mining and pioneering past including the London House Stables, Captain Barry’s cottage, the Cobb & Co Store, Belfast Store and Jolly’s Seed & Grain Store. Gravel soils, river valleys and warm summers underpin a successful horticulture / vintner industry fostering a farm to gate culinary experience for visitors. Fresh fruit, single origin estate wines and boutique artisan goods have become part of the gold fields’ magic experience. Best time to visit Cromwell is summer for fruit extravagenca, winter for skiing, and spring / autumn for walks, cycle adventures and heritage exploration. Cromwell has a semi-arid climate with little rainfall occurring between December to March.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Glorious semi-arid landscape interspersed with gold mining historic relics
- Summer fruit bounty
- Boutique vineyards
- Walking and cycling trails