[ad_1]
This story was originally published on RNZ.co.nz and republished with permission.
A new tourist trail has been launched in downtown Otago with the goal of encouraging people to explore further off the beaten track.
The 341km route runs through Central Otago from Queenstown to Dunedin via Ranfurly and Middlemarch with two additional electric car charging stations and new lookouts along the way.
On Thursday, 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.
Otago District Council
The new 341 km tourist route through downtown Otago.
READ MORE:
* Dalefield: a getaway to downtown Otago to really get away from it all
* Central Otago Tourist Route to spread the benefits of tourism throughout the region
Tourism Central Otago CEO Dylan Rushbrook said the tourist trail had been a long time coming.
Otago District Council
A map that describes the Central Otago tourist route.
“A tourist trail has long been a vision for the Central Otago communities and seeing that vision come true 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 tourist routes (the Connecting Southern Scenic Route, for example), it becomes clear that there are economic, cultural and social benefits for the many communities along the journey.
“Having an officially recognized and commercialized tourist route is a great way to inspire people to explore more and in more depth those diverse and authentic places and experiences that the three partner regions have to offer. And we know that New Zealanders love a good road trip. “
This story was originally published on RNZ.co.nz and republished with permission.
