The Campus & Venues
Regional Venues
There are three main venues for learning on the Central Otago campus, in the regions three largest centres - Cromwell, Queenstown and Wanaka. Programme activities also extend to several of the areas natural learning environments like local ski areas, vinyards and hotels and restaurants.
Cromwell
Our main Central Otago Campus is based on Erris Street, Cromwell with the Horticultural Unit located on Bannockburn Road.
Cromwell was once a thriving gold mining trading area. Although the gold is now long gone, fruit and wine production continues to draw people from far and wide. Fruits, such as apricots, plum, cherries, apples and peaches grow in abundance and a thriving wine industry continues to make Central the fastest wine growing region in the country. The township lies on the shores of Lake Dunstan, a man-made lake and reservoir which provides irrigation for nearby stone fruit orchards and vineyards. The Clyde Dam was completed in 1992 as part of New Zealand’s enviable hydro power system and the valley behind it was flooded to create Lake Dunstan.
As a result, the original site of Cromwell's historic business district at the junction of the Kawarau and Clutha Rivers now lies at the bottom of the lake. Before the lake was created, many of the town centre's historic buildings were removed to higher ground and ones that could not be moved were reconstructed. Local craftsmen made sure Old Cromwell would live on.
Queenstown
A range of short courses are offered from various venues in Queenstown including the Community Learning Centre and Queenstown Resort College.
Queenstown is a must see for tourists visiting New Zealand. It is the hub for a massive array of activities, from tramping to paragliding and every possible outdoor pursuit in between.
Queenstown's hospitality industry is impressive and it shares a natural relationship with our School of Hospitality and School of Applied Business.
See study options for this venue.
Wanaka
Mountain-based Snowsports and Avalanche courses are taught from Cardrona Alpine Resort and Otago Polytechnic classrooms in Cliff Wilson Street, Wanaka.
Wanaka is one of the most picturesque places you're ever likely to visit. Two ski fields, numerous opportunities for water sports, walking, mountain-biking fishing and it's growing. See what we can offer you in Wanaka.