Should You Visit Cromwell?

Are you thinking about visiting Cromwell, New Zealand? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.


Is Cromwell worth visiting?

Cromwell is worth visiting for one to two days so that you can explore everything that the town has to offer. Cromwell is a town in the Otago region on the South Island of New Zealand. It sits on the banks of Lake Dunstan and is surrounded by vineyards and walking trails. The town saw its surge during the gold rush and today it has a notable heritage area.

Dunstan Lake, Cromwell, New Zealand Dunstan Lake, Cromwell, New Zealand

Reasons to Visit Cromwell

Hiking
There are many beautiful walks in the area that take you through diverse landscapes and to impressive views.

Skiing
The town isn't far from several ski fields, so it attracts winter sports enthusiasts when the weather gets cold.

Museums
There are some interesting historical activities around town like Goldfields Mining Centre.

Food
There are charming cafes and bakeries where you can grab a light meal or snack. There are also quaint restaurants and wineries with nice meals available.

Nightlife
There are a few breweries and a number of wineries around town where you can have a relaxing night out.

Shopping
There's a farmers market in town as well as several local vendors and cute shops.

Authenticity
Cromwell has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.




Things to Consider Before Visiting Cromwell

Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.

The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Cromwell might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Cromwell here or see if Cromwell is expensive here.

Related

What is Cromwell most famous for?

Cromwell is most famous for its fruit farms, orchards, and vineyards. People visit this impressive town for its great hiking. It's also known for skiing, museums, food, nightlife, and shopping. It is often described as historical, cultural, and outdoorsy.

What is the most famous sight in Cromwell?

The most popular sight in Cromwell is the big fruit. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Cromwell on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for the big fruit and other attractions here.

How touristy is Cromwell? Is it a popular town to visit?

Cromwell is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

  • Ultimate Lake Dunstan Trail Experience Bike & Boat Return: $171
  • Queenstown: Mount Cook Premium Guided Day Tour: $147

How long should I spend in Cromwell?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Cromwell is one to two days. Since Cromwell has activities such as hiking, many visit for up to two days.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Cromwell? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Cromwell?.