Central Otago: Difference between revisions
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The area is dominated by mountain ranges and the upper reaches of the [[Clutha River]] and tributaries. The wide flat plateau of the [[Maniototo]] which lies between the upper reaches of the [[Taieri River]] and the Clutha's northern tributary the [[Manuherikia River|Manuherikia]] is also usually considered part of Central Otago. |
The area is dominated by mountain ranges and the upper reaches of the [[Clutha River]] and tributaries. The wide flat plateau of the [[Maniototo]] which lies between the upper reaches of the [[Taieri River]] and the Clutha's northern tributary the [[Manuherikia River|Manuherikia]] is also usually considered part of Central Otago. |
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Characterised by cold winters and hot, dry summers, the area is only lightly populated, although there has recently been considerable development around the tourist towns of [[Queenstown, New Zealand| Queenstown]] and [[Wanaka]]. First significant European occupation came with the discovery of [[gold]] at [[Gabriel's Gully]] near [[Lawrence, New Zealand|Lawrence]] in [[1861]], which led to the [[Central Otago goldrush]]. Other towns and villages include [[Albert Town, New Zealand|Albert Town]], [[Alexandra, New Zealand|Alexandra]], [[Arrowtown]], [[Bannockburn, New Zealand|Bannockburn]], [[Clyde, New Zealand|Clyde]], [[Cromwell, New Zealand|Cromwell]], [[Hawea]], [[Millers Flat, New Zealand|Millers Flat]], [[Naseby, New Zealand|Naseby]], Oturehua, [[Ranfurly, New Zealand|Ranfurly]], [[Roxburgh, New Zealand|Roxburgh]], [[Saint Bathans, New Zealand|St. Bathans]], and [[Wedderburn |
Characterised by cold winters and hot, dry summers, the area is only lightly populated, although there has recently been considerable development around the tourist towns of [[Queenstown, New Zealand| Queenstown]] and [[Wanaka]]. First significant European occupation came with the discovery of [[gold]] at [[Gabriel's Gully]] near [[Lawrence, New Zealand|Lawrence]] in [[1861]], which led to the [[Central Otago goldrush]]. Other towns and villages include [[Albert Town, New Zealand|Albert Town]], [[Alexandra, New Zealand|Alexandra]], [[Arrowtown]], [[Bannockburn, New Zealand|Bannockburn]], [[Clyde, New Zealand|Clyde]], [[Cromwell, New Zealand|Cromwell]], [[Hawea]], [[Millers Flat, New Zealand|Millers Flat]], [[Naseby, New Zealand|Naseby]], [[Oturehua]], [[Ranfurly, New Zealand|Ranfurly]], [[Roxburgh, New Zealand|Roxburgh]], [[Saint Bathans, New Zealand|St. Bathans]], and [[Wedderburn, New Zealand|Wedderburn]]. |
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Since the [[19th century]], most of the area's economic activity has centred on sheep, [[stone fruit]], and tourism. In recent years, [[deer]] farms and [[vineyard]]s have increased the region's economic diversification. Recently the cool climate varieties [[Riesling]] and [[Pinot Noir]] have been recognised as being especially suitable, and as the vines age [[Central Otago Wine Region|Central Otago wines]] can be expected to improve even further, as the plantings are new and increasing rapidly. Central Otago is the world's southernmost commercial wine production region. |
Since the [[19th century]], most of the area's economic activity has centred on sheep, [[stone fruit]], and tourism. In recent years, [[deer]] farms and [[vineyard]]s have increased the region's economic diversification. Recently the cool climate varieties [[Riesling]] and [[Pinot Noir]] have been recognised as being especially suitable, and as the vines age [[Central Otago Wine Region|Central Otago wines]] can be expected to improve even further, as the plantings are new and increasing rapidly. Central Otago is the world's southernmost commercial wine production region. |
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Revision as of 13:34, 4 December 2006
Central Otago is the inland part of the New Zealand region of Otago in the South Island. The area commonly known as Central Otago includes both the Central Otago District and the Queenstown-Lakes District to the west.
The area is dominated by mountain ranges and the upper reaches of the Clutha River and tributaries. The wide flat plateau of the Maniototo which lies between the upper reaches of the Taieri River and the Clutha's northern tributary the Manuherikia is also usually considered part of Central Otago.
Characterised by cold winters and hot, dry summers, the area is only lightly populated, although there has recently been considerable development around the tourist towns of Queenstown and Wanaka. First significant European occupation came with the discovery of gold at Gabriel's Gully near Lawrence in 1861, which led to the Central Otago goldrush. Other towns and villages include Albert Town, Alexandra, Arrowtown, Bannockburn, Clyde, Cromwell, Hawea, Millers Flat, Naseby, Oturehua, Ranfurly, Roxburgh, St. Bathans, and Wedderburn.
Since the 19th century, most of the area's economic activity has centred on sheep, stone fruit, and tourism. In recent years, deer farms and vineyards have increased the region's economic diversification. Recently the cool climate varieties Riesling and Pinot Noir have been recognised as being especially suitable, and as the vines age Central Otago wines can be expected to improve even further, as the plantings are new and increasing rapidly. Central Otago is the world's southernmost commercial wine production region.
Administration
The Central Otago District Council, based in Alexandra, controls territorial authority matters, while the Otago Regional Council has overview of environmental matters such as clean air and water resources.
"Central"
The colloquial name for Central Otago is simply "Central". Residents from the surrounding regions may not talk about being in Central Otago or going to Central Otago - instead referring to being or going "up Central" (this usage is mainly limited to residents of Canterbury, Otago and Southland). The former Otago Central Railway, which ran through most of the major towns of Central Otago, was also referred to as 'the Central'.
External links