ASURE Central Gold Motel

Landscape
The region has a unique landscape with each season presenting a different face:

Summer has bare brown hills, with tussock and purple thyme dotting the landscape and scenting the air. Autumn brings glorious colour, which has to be seen to be believed. Acres of covered vines add a modern twist to the landscape. The still warm days and cool nights make for spectacular golden poplars and the varied hues of other deciduous trees.

Winter brings sparkling white frosts which glitter in the sun and snow-covered mountains against a clear blue sky (most of the time).

In Spring the new foliage and the blossom on the fruit trees give the landscape a freshness and a promise of another glorious summer just around the corner

Climate
The area has a continental climate, with greater seasonal extremes than anywhere else in New Zealand, which results in hot summers and cold winters. In winter heavy frosts can occur at any time between March and October — usually followed by beautiful sunny days. Hot dry summers are followed by very dry cool autumns — great for wine. Rainfall is relatively low.

Activities
Lake Dunstan is a recreational paradise. Its clear waters are made for fishing, water-skiing, swimming, boating of all kinds, windsurfing and picnicking. A man-made lake, it was formed just over 10 years ago after the Clyde dam was constructed. Guided fishing trips can be arranged. Several wineries and vineyards are located in the area — some with restaurants and all with excellent wines to try. Pinot Noir is the major grape variety grown and the Cromwell basin produces powerful concentrated grapes that produce wines ranging from perfumed and spicy to the fruitier plummier wines. Pinot Gris is the second most planted variety. Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc are the other key wines grown.

The region's many orchards have delicious fruit in season with apricots, peaches and apples being the predominant crops.
The area has a rich heritage based on gold mining. The Otago Goldfields Heritage Trail covers 22 sites, mainly in Central Otago. The huge Bannockburn sluicings at Cromwell are part of the trail and well worth a visit. A signposted walk is the easiest way to see this area. Cromwell owes its existence to the discovery of gold in 1862 and the old town is part of this history. Old Cromwell town is all that remains of the business district that was drowned when the lake was filled. Explore the shops and other buildings. A visit to the Goldfields Mining Centre in the Kawarau Gorge is recommended.

There are several excellent walks in the area — for a leisurely stroll or for the more serious walker. Four-wheel driving is a popular pastime with many excellent tracks. The Cromwell Golf course is in very close proximity. This is an 18-hole course which is noted for its excellent conditions.

Winter visitors can visit any of the 5 excellent ski fields in the area — Cardrona, Wairau Snow Farm, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Treble Cone. All are within easy driving distance.

Go shopping in the mall and try out the town's restaurants.
And for the more adventurous try jet-boating, bungy jumping, para-sailing, white-water rafting or compete in the area's numerous multi sport events.

Cromwell is also a great start or finish to your Rail Trail experience.

Activities can be arranged
Golf, Swimming at the pool,Water Skiing, Fishing ,Snow skiing (including transport to the field of your choice) Winery tours, Walking tours