Goldfields Mining Centre, Cromwell, New Zealand

To better understand the life of the early miners who came to Central Otago, you must not miss visiting the Goldfields Mining Centre in the town of Cromwell, New Zealand. The facility sits on the banks of Kawarau River, dedicated to preserving the authenticity of the mining site where gold used to be mined in the last 100 years. Up until today, the Goldfields Mining Centre is home to gold pieces hidden in the gravels and rocks in the area. You will see an interesting collection of machinery and mining equipment used to extract gold from the rocks in the early days. To make your visit more exciting, you will get the chance to search for gold and learn how to do gold panning in the facility, as well.

A little over six miles from the mining center is Lake Dunstan, a man-made reservoir that provides irrigation to its surrounding vineyards and stone fruit orchards. Tourists also visit the lake for recreational activities, such as fishing, water skiing, and boating. Apart from the lake, make sure to stopover at the Aurum Wineries Limited, a family-owned estate in the town of Lowburn, a mile away from Cromwell. The boutique winery offers a vineyard tour and a wine tasting. If you are to visit the winery, it is best to stay at the 4.5-star Colonial Manor Motel, which is only a 26-minute walk from the vineyard. The upscale motel features a garden and picnic area plus free WiFi and parking. Meanwhile, The Lake Resort - Heritage Collection is the perfect option for travelers who wish to have a lakefront suite. It has a marina and ski storage, as well.