Tarras

Travel Guide

Tarras showing signage, a small town or village and wildflowers
Tarras which includes interior views
Tarras showing a small town or village
Tarras featuring signage
Tarras
This quiet rural town is surrounded by lush green pastures and rolling mountains in Central Otago. Tour wineries, visit gold rush sights and hike scenic trails.

Tarras is a flourishing agriculture and viticulture town set amid breathtaking natural scenery in the south-central region of the South Island. Tarras stands on an ancient route traversed by Maoris on their way to the lakes Hawae and Wanaka. Interest in the area grew upon the discovery of gold in the mid-1800s. Visit Tarras today to sip on fine wines, venture along hiking routes and discover remnants of the gold rush.

Tarras Village is a cluster of independent shops and a café that make up the quaint town center. At Tarras Mrs. Robinson, browse clothing made from locally sourced wool and elegant homeware and furniture. Townsfolk congregate at the pretty Tarras Church. Step inside to observe tapestries that depict local history and women’s suffrage in New Zealand.

Vineyards scattered around the town are famous for their cultivation of pinot noir and riesling grapes. Stroll among vines, sample a range of pinot noirs and enjoy a riverside picnic at Maori Point Vineyard. Tastings are also available at Mondillo Vineyard and The Canyon at Tarras Vineyards. Golfers can play 18 holes at the Tarras Golf Club.

The nearby Lindis Valley area was the site of Otago’s first gold rush. See the remains of Lindis Pass Hotel, which was used by prospectors, inside the Nine Mile Historic Reserve. Put on a pair of comfortable shoes and follow the Lindis Peak Track to the 4,022-feet (1,226-meter) tall summit of Lindis Peak. Views from here reach toward the St. Bathans Range and Mount Aspiring.

Within the Bendigo Conservation Area are more picturesque walks and remnants of gold rush history. Spot mine shafts, stamping batteries and settlement houses as you wander around a region of alpine tussock and shrubland. Walk the Kanuka Track to enjoy views of emerald valleys, lakes and mountains.

Located in the Central Otago District, Tarras is 30 minutes by car from Wanaka and 90 minutes from Queenstown. As one of New Zealand’s driest areas, it’s perfect for exploring during both the mild summers and chilly winters.

Edgewater
Edgewater
4.5 out of 5
54 Sargood Drive, Wanaka
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$178 nightly
The price is $206 total per night from Jul 31 to Aug 1
$206 total
Jul 31 - Aug 1
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Wānaka. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (999 reviews)
"Stayed one night at Edgewater and wished we could have stayed longer. Stayed in a 1 bedroom suite a d had everything we needed including washer dryer machine. Great views out across lawn and short walk to lake. Will stay next time we visit for sure!"

Reviewed on Jun 9, 2025

Edgewater
Archway Motel & Chalets
Archway Motel & Chalets
3 out of 5
64 Hedditch Street, Wanaka
Stay at this 3-star motel in Wānaka. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Wānaka ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (355 reviews)
A Wonderful Stay
"We had a wonderful stay! The manager and staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, making our family feel right at home. The room was clean and comfortable, and the whole experience was relaxing. Highly recommend this place to anyone — we’ll definitely be back when we get the chance!"

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Archway Motel & Chalets
Wanaka Hotel
Wanaka Hotel
3 out of 5
71 Ardmore Street, Wanaka
$114 nightly
The price is $131 total per night from Jul 25 to Jul 26
$131 total
Jul 25 - Jul 26
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Wānaka. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (676 reviews)
Excellent ust service and a comfortable and clean.
"An old hotel but well maintained. Noise from room above disturbed sleep. Convenient for town and the lake with a partial view of the mountains. Parking and WiFi were excellent."

Reviewed on Apr 25, 2025

Wanaka Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
 Marsden Lake Resort Central Otago
Marsden Lake Resort Central Otago
5 out of 5
15-23 Perriam Place, Cromwell, Mount Pisa
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Mount Pisa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a marina. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (945 reviews)
Try the Villas
"Nice spot just out of Cromwell when you want to get away from the busyness of Queenstown or Wanaka"

Reviewed on Jun 25, 2025

Marsden Lake Resort Central Otago
Alpine Motel
Alpine Motel
3.5 out of 5
7 Ardmore Street, Wanaka
Stay at this 3.5-star golf aparthotel in Wānaka. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (686 reviews)
"Good value"

Reviewed on May 30, 2025

Alpine Motel
Clearbrook Motels Wanaka
Clearbrook Motels Wanaka
4 out of 5
72 Helwick Street, corner Upton Street, Wanaka
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Wānaka. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (399 reviews)
"I was not sure what to expect, but we were happy with our choice. When we arrived we upgraded to a one bedroom from a junior. The extra space was nice. A big plus - washer and dryer and soap provided. The location is also perfect for roaming rhe town on foot."

Reviewed on Jun 13, 2025

Clearbrook Motels Wanaka
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Tarras