Map The Wine

Map / New Zealand

Central Otago

The world's southernmost wine region, with Pinot Noir among schist mountains.

Auckland IslandsCampbell IslandsAntipodes IslandsThe SnaresSouthlandMarlborough DistrictNelson CityTasman DistrictWest CoastOtagoCanterburyAucklandWaikatoThree Kings IslandsWellingtonManawatu-WanganuiTaranakiNorthlandBay of PlentyGisborne DistrictHawke's BayAucklandGisborneHawke's BayMarlboroughNelsonNorth CanterburyNorthlandWairarapaWaitaki ValleyCentral OtagoGibbstonBannockburnBendigoAlexandra
The shaded area contains the region, and the rounded shape shows its rough extent; the gold dot marks its centre. Drag to pan, or use the buttons or Ctrl and scroll to zoom. Other regions of New Zealand are linked on the map.

Where it is

Central Otago is in the South Island, inland from Dunedin. Subregions are Gibbston, Bannockburn, Cromwell Basin, Bendigo, Alexandra and Wanaka.

Land and climate

The only continental climate in New Zealand, with hot dry summers, cold winters, frosts and big day-night shifts. The vineyards are at roughly 200 to 400 m among schist hills.

Grapes and wines

Pinot Noir covers most of the vineyard area and makes ripe, fragrant wines. Pinot Gris, Riesling and Chardonnay are also grown.