Exploring Bannockburn
Bannockburn, a historic gold mining town and site, is located southwest of Cromwell in Central Otago. As you drive in, you will see the quite substantial sign promoting the small historic town as the "Heart of the Desert". It is undoubtedly one of the driest regions in NZ, however, the area is better known for its gold history and scenic vineyards. Bannockburn has a small collection of historic buildings, repurposed as a pub and cafe and has an especially interesting walk into New Zealand's gold mining past.
Bannockburn Sluicings Historic Reserve
The Bannockburn Sluicings Historic Reserve is the town's most interesting historical attraction. Situated next to Mt Difficulty Wines on Felton Road, this area was extensively excavated by water hoses and sluiced for gold.
You can take a two-hour loop walk that traces the remnants of the gold mining era, including diggings, water races, man-made caves, and the remains of a dam at Stewart Town, a small ghost town, where water was stored to support the diggings. The walk also takes you through fields of wild thyme, introduced by the miners, which fill the gully with a delightful fragrance.
There is also a vineyard next to Stewart Town and additional vineyards along Felton Point Road.
Additional Trails to Discover
Beyond the Bannockburn Sluicings, there are other walking trails behind the small town of Bannockburn. These paths offer further exploration of the area's natural beauty and history.
The Lake Dunstan Trail (cycling) crosses the bridge of the Kawarau River in front of the Bannockburn sign and heads around the southern edge of Lake Dunstan, opposite Cromwell, on the way to Clyde. You can also walk or drive this route on Cairnmuir Road, with a lovely reserve in Bannockburn Inlet, followed by Vineyards to Cornish Point.
Getting to Bannockburn
To reach Bannockburn from State Highway 6, take Pearson Road after exiting the Kawarau Gorge to Bannockburn Road. Alternatively, follow the signs through Cromwell to Bannockburn Road. This road will lead you over Lake Dunstan and directly to the heart of this historic town. Felton Road is to the right before you reach the town.
For a more adventurous road trip, continue through the town to where it meets the gravel Nevis Road and Hawksburn Road. Both are rugged high country roads that take you into some of the most remote places in New Zealand, and. are best done in fine weather. You can get to Duffers Saddle and the Nevis Valley in a 2WD, but an AWD is required to get beyond the Nevis Valley.
