Central Otago & Lakes

In contrast to Dunedin's moderate coastal climate, the inland region of Central Otago enjoys extreme seasons that allow snow sports in the winter and water sports in summer.
Alexandra
Central Otago in autumn is a beautiful sight. With the change in climate the trees in the region turn from green to gold, orange and red.  The region offers numerous outdoor activities, including skiing, snow-boarding, jet-boating, climbing and fishing. And if throwing yourself off a bridge into a gorge is your thing then visit Queenstown - it was the world's first bungy site and now offers four AJ Hackett bungy sites.
 Warbirds over Wanaka
Wanaka is the home of the "Warbirds over Wanaka" international airshow held at Easter weekend every two years. It is one of the largest 'warbird" airshows in the southern hemisphere and features classic aircraft, modern jets and an aviation trade expo.
 
The population of Central Otago is about 15,000.  This represents 0.4 percent of New Zealand’s usually resident population.
 
The main towns and their population are:
Alexandra - 4,500
Cromwell - 2,750
Roxburgh - 700
Ranfurly - 700

Queenstown Lakes DistrictCentral Otago’s population density of 1.5 people per square kilometre is the lowest in the country (the New Zealand average is 13.1 people per square kilometre). This, together with the landscape, gives Central Otago its particular character. The roads are long and straight and are seldom crowded.  The wide-open spaces and vistas are a particular source of pride and pleasure to the locals.  But the population is not so thinly spread that the main centres do not offer the same retail and entertainment infrastructure as found in other New Zealand centres of the same size.  Even if it is necessary to go to Dunedin or Invercargill, they are only two to three hours away.

Central Otago District also encompasses the Queenstown Lakes District which currently has a population of 32,500 (2006, census).

Housing

The standard of housing in Central Otago is high. The climate demands that houses be fully insulated and of sound construction.  Double glazing and underfloor heating (electric or hot water) is now common in new houses. Plaster or roughcast finishes are also popular. Stacked stone exterior cladding – reflecting Central Otago’s heritage – is also a feature on many upmarket homes and commercial buildings.

Housing costs are still relatively modest compared with the rest of the country.  While building costs are going up the housing dollar still goes further in Central Otago than in many other parts of New Zealand. A good quality, basic three-bedroom house can be purchased for between $220,000 and $300,000 in any of Central Otago’s towns. A very good house in a top location can be obtained for about $400,000 and up.

Information provided by the Central Otago District Council website.


Property Sales Statistics

Median Residential Dwelling Price Comparison from Previous Years

Year Median Price
as at Dec		 Total Properties
Sold		 Value of Total
Properties Sold
2010 $429,000 901 $462,628,750
2009 $432,500 1,068 $558,108,552
2008 $427,500 945 $541,489,166
2007 $419,000 1,508 $835,924,938
2006 $442,500 1,513 $766,607,000
2005 $490,000 1,473 $694,602,000
2004 $350,000 1,328 $591,602,000
2003 $375,000 1,638 $608,219,000
2002 $240,000 1,663 $427,942,000
2001 $205,000 1,395 $308,930,000
2000 $135,000 910 $174,657,000
1999 $171,500 892 $164,544,000
1998 $165,000 678 $114,004,000
1997 $170,000 696 $125,433,000
1996 $172,000 741 $135,131,000

NB - Dwellings include houses, townhouses, units, apartments, home and income, conversions and residential investment blocks.  Information provided by REINZ (Real Estate Institute of New Zealand)