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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.
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.
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
Central 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 www.codc.govt.nz.
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 |
| 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)
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