A new touring route has been launched in Central Otago aimed to encourage people to explore further off the well beaten track.
Photo: Otago District Council
The 341km route winds through Central Otago from Queenstown to Dunedin via Ranfurly and Middlemarch with two additional electric car charging stations and new viewing points along the way.
Today Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan, Dunedin Mayor Aaron Hawkins and Queenstown Lakes Mayor Jim Boult exchanged a stone from their regions before declaring the route open.
Map outlining Central Otago touring route. Photo: Otago District Council
Tourism Central Otago general manager Dylan Rushbrook said the touring route had been a long time coming.
"A touring route has long been a vision for Central Otago communities and seeing that vision come to life is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when regions collaborate on a project," he said in a statement.
"When we look at other touring routes (the connecting Southern Scenic Route for example) it is clear there are economic, cultural and social benefits for the many communities along the journey.
"Having an officially recognised and marketed touring route is a great way for us to inspire people to explore further and in more depth, those places and diverse authentic experiences the three partner regions have to offer. And we know that New Zealanders love a good road trip."