Queenstown to Cromwell via Gibbston

The Kawarau Gorge is the main road between Queenstown and Cromwell. Start in Arrowtown for its old gold-mining streets, drop to the Gibbston Valley's cellar doors, then follow the river through the gorge to Cromwell. Add Bannockburn's sluicings and Central Otago pinot noir vineyards on the way. It's easy as a half-day tasting drive or as the first leg to Wānaka or Dunedin.

The stops

1. Start

   Queenstown

2. History

   Arrowtown

   Gold-rush town with a restored Chinese settlement and autumn colour

3. Worth a look

   Kawarau Bridge

   Historic bridge over the Kawarau, also the site of a well-known bungy

4. Wine

   Gibbston Valley

   Cluster of cellar doors in a steep river valley

5. History

   Goldfields Mining Centre

   Historic gold-mining site beside the Kawarau River

6. History

   Cromwell Old Town

   Heritage precinct on the shores of Lake Dunstan

7. Walk

   Bannockburn Sluicings

   Eroded gold-mining cliffs and tracks, plus vineyards around

8. Finish

   Bannockburn

When to go

Year-round; autumn colour at Arrowtown in April–May

On the road

The Kawarau Gorge section of SH6 is winding with limited passing; allow extra time in summer. Pick a designated driver or book a tasting tour. Stop only in the marked bays.