Cycling Itinerary Ideas for Foodies in Central Otago

Eat Taste Central on the Trails

Food & Wine

Celebrate Eat.Taste.Central on the Otago Trails this spring!

Celebrate Eat.Taste.Central on the Otago Trails

20th October to 12th November 2023

Eat.Taste.Central is an annual Spring celebration of local cuisine where you can take your palate to somewhere it's never been before! Local cafés, restaurants and cellar doors collectively produce a 'Central Otago Regional Menu' to celebrate a World of Flavour.

With most of the venues showcasing local produce for E.T.C. located along the Otago Trails, it's a wonderful opportunity to take the time to explore the tastes of Central Otago by bike. So, slow down and discover a range of cafes, cellar doors, country hotels and restaurants that have combined local and regionally sourced ingredients to create a special Regional Menu celebrating Otago's unique World of Flavour.

Eat & Taste Your Way Along the Lake Dunstan Trail

Bannockburn Inlet Lake Dunstan Trail Pano credit Will Nelson

The Lake Dunstan Trail winds through the vineyards at Bannockburn Inlet [Photo: Will Nelson].

If ridden in its entirety, the Lake Dunstan Trail is a challenging 55km, grade 2-3 trail. However, the easier section of the trail between Cromwell and Bannockburn and as far as Coffee | Burger Afloat before the steep Cairnmuir Ladder climb, is the perfect distance and grade for a gentle weekend walk or ride allowing you the time to slow down and discover a range of cafes, cellar doors and restaurants that have combined local and regionally sourced ingredients to create a special Regional Menu.

Scroll though the short videos below from each of the establishments along the Lake Dunstan Trail which have lovingly created a dish for Eat.Taste.Central 2023.

Carrick Winery & Restaurant, Bannockburn Inlet

Excelsior Mini Miner's Pies - rich braised beef, wild thyme, and Martinez pancetta. And / or Wild Cairnmuir Rabbit Terrine - wild rabbit, duck, and pistachio.

Pinot Junction, Cromwell Heritage Precinct

A succulent and soul restoring bowl of slow cooked Beef Bourguignon, topped with a puff pastry lid. And / or a Martinez prosciutto pizza paired with local cider

Burger Afloat, Lake Dunstan Trail

Cherry Bunny Burger - Central Otago rabbit burger with Asian cherry chutney and local tart cherry compote.

Experience a True Taste of Central Otago along the Rail Trail

OCRT Waipiata Biking credit Geoff Marks 171

The Otago Central Rail Trail meanders through the countryside near Waipiata. [Photo: Geoff Marks]

The Otago Central Rail Trail is New Zealand's original Great Ride and has become affectionately known as the "ale trail" thanks to the abundance of cosy country pubs conveniently located every 15km or so along the ride.

As well as the great pubs, the Rail Trail offers the opportunity for walkers and cyclists to taste sensational local produce at the cafes and restaurants the full length of the 152km trail. Whilst many people choose to ride the whole trail as a multi-day experience, it's also perfect for a day ride to sample the regional menus celebrating Eat.Taste.Central.

Check out the videos below to see what the local Rail Trail chefs have cooked up for E.T.C. 2023.

Centennial Court, Alexandra

Coffee Infused Venison -wild venison infused with coffee on a herb & potato Rösti, with honey glazed asparagus and smoked beetroot, over buttercup purée.

Hannah's Cafe at Historic Hayes, Oturehua

Adapt-Apple Pie - a windfall of apples, apricots, and walnuts - with a sprinkle of creamy blue cheese and a drizzle of honey and thyme.

Waipiata Country Hotel

Orangapai Pie - slow cooked Maniototo beef & horopito, or Coneys Creek beef Bulgogi burger with Swiss cheese, or Hamiltons fried pork belly on Spanish rice.

Maniototo Cafe

Shortland Station Spiced Lamb Pie - combined with feta, subtle spices and topped with creamy potato.

...And just off the trails

Spectacular views at the Cloudy Bay Shed, near Cromwell [Photo: Will Nelson].

Although not located directly on a cycle trail, it would be remiss not to mention The Cloudy Bay Shed and Highlands Pit Stop Cafe which both have a mouthwatering menu on offer and are only a short detour from the main cycle networks.

Find out what you can expect below!