Bendigo Cabins – Bendigo (Central Otago)

Bendigo Cabins is a special spot with two cabins on a hillside in historic Bendigo, the best-kept quiet little secret in Central Otago.

Architecturally designed to have a small environmental footprint and to sit in harmony with the natural landscape, the cabins are perched high on a rocky outcrop at the foothills of the Dunstan Ranges, overlooking the expansive Clutha basin. The only neighbours are the surrounding vineyards in their ever-changing colours.

The cabins are crafted from sustainably sourced local timber, accentuating their unity with the environment. Solar panels discreetly positioned on the roofs provide renewable energy, reducing reliance on external power sources.

Only 30 minutes from Wanaka, 50 minutes from Queenstown airport, and at the heart of everything that makes Central Otago so beautiful and unique.

You will probably not want to leave the cabin, but if you do, Bendigo has an activity for everyone.

The area has a rich history of pioneer gold mining and merino farming and is best known today as one of the finest Pinot Noir producing regions in the Central Otago. The mining relics of Welshtown and Logantown are a short drive down the road and into the winding hills.

Visitors can explore these relics through guided tours that uncover the stories of gold rush pioneers. Preservation efforts ensure these historical sites remain accessible for future generations, adding depth to the area’s rich cultural heritage.

There are beautiful and secluded swimming, fishing and picnicking spots on the Clutha River and Lake Dunstan shores below the cabins. You can amble round the hills and lakefront or walk the Quartz Reef Reserve, an 1 hour return walk through mining tailings and the Kanuka Track (4-5hours return) is the only DOC run bush walk in Central and is definitely worth the longer length for the views alone.

The Tarras Golf Club down the road is golf at it’s most relaxed, you’ll be sharing the fairway with the local sheep.

The area around Bendigo is a haven for wildlife, with the majestic New Zealand falcon often spotted soaring above. Walks through the region may reveal native flora like the colorful tussock grasslands, offering a glimpse into Central Otago’s ecological diversity.

15 minutes away is the nearest centre Cromwell, grab a coffee in Cromwell Old Town Area and check out the local art scene at small galleries by the lakefront. It also hosts an small but amazing artisan food and craft market most weekends where you can try local produce and stock up on picnic supplies.

And for the Wino’s there is some of the best tasting experiences nearby at next-door Mondillo, tranquil Cloudy Bay down the road and low-key Maori Point along the Clutha. If you have the chance try a long lunch at the historic Bannockburn Hotel is a must, their food and wine list is like no other in Central Otago. There’s much to explore from walks to wineries, and when back at the cabins why not pour yourself a glass of vino, soak in the outdoor tub and be awed by the panoramic views and the starry night sky.

A little more about the surrounding area:

Kayaking adventures provide a thrilling way to explore the serene waters of the Clutha, with local businesses offering equipment rentals and guided tours. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy guided trips targeting the river’s famous trout.

If you are to drive through the shear sided Dunstan Gorge you will reach the small historic town of Clyde that has an impressive dam, boutique cinema, and a selection of shops, cafes and fine-dining restaurants. You can hire a bike and cycle part of the world-famous Central Otago Rail Trail as it follows the Clutha river toward Alexandra. If you carry on past Clyde toward the Manuherikia Valley you will be greeted with the wide open landscapes, made famous by the New Zealand Landscape painter Graham Sydney. The area is has a number of traditional small-town pubs where you can stop for a meal and a handle and get a chance to meet some proper southern men. For the adventurous (and 4WD capable) the Thompson’s Gorge Track will bring you back over the Dunstan Range directly to Bendigo via a bumpy but spectacular high country track.

Clyde’s heritage is celebrated throughout the year with events reflecting its Māori and European roots, creating a lively cultural scene. The annual Clyde Wine & Food Festival highlights the region’s culinary and viticultural excellence.

Further afield – a full day outing through the majestic Kawarau Gorge can find you wine tasting on a bike in the Gibbston Valley, strolling quaint Arrowtown or amongst the bustling tourism mecca of Queenstown. 45 minutes away in Wanaka you can walk the lakefront, climb insta famous Roys Peak or ski the hills in Winter. For the angler some of the best trout and salmon fishing in New Zealand is found in the lakes and river catchments near the cabins. The drive through Lindis Pass to Ahuriri Conservation Area is straight out of Lord of the Rings and two hours further North you can soak in a hot spring in Tekapo or undertake a bush walk in beautiful Mt Cook National Park. And that’s just the beginning…

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