EXPERIENCE KUROW
Nestled in the heart of North Otago, Kurow is a small town with a rich history, stunning landscapes, and a surprising variety of activities. Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer, a wine lover, or a history buff, Kurow offers something for everyone. From scenic bike trails and riverside walks to local wineries and heritage sites, this is your gateway to exploring the upper Waitaki Valley.
Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail
River T Winery
Kurow is located in the latter stages of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, roughly 44 km from Otematata (the end of Section 5) and 27 km from Duntroon (the start of Section 8). Cyclists passing through can enjoy quiet country roads, riverside trails, and breathtaking views of the Waitaki Valley hills. Kurow offers a convenient place to rest, refuel, and explore local attractions before continuing on the trail.
Just 5 km east of Kurow, River T Winery offers a cellar door experience set in a picturesque vineyard with mountain views. Visitors can sample award-winning wines and enjoy seasonal platters featuring local produce, including Waitaki salmon and Whitestone cheese. The winery also serves coffee and craft beer, with a log fire providing warmth on cooler days. River T is open from September through June from 10 am and stocks a wide range of wines from across the Waitaki Valley.
Valli Wine Bar
Right next door to the Waitaki Hotel, Valli Wine Bar is set in the historic Kurow Post Office building. You can enjoy tasting flights of local wines, explore current vintages, or pick up a bottle from their library selection. The building’s heritage has been carefully preserved, and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, perfect for a stop while exploring Kurow.
Fishing
Kurow Hill
Wetlands Walk
The Waitaki River and surrounding waterways are popular with anglers for their trout. Brown, rainbow, and salmon are commonly found, making it a great spot for fishing enthusiasts of all levels. The scenic river setting adds to the experience, whether you’re casting from the bank or wading into the water.
A fairly steep climb of 45 minutes to 2 hours takes you to the top of Kurow Hill, where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views over the Hakataramea Valley. The track starts at the end of Grey Street and passes through a working farm, so visitors should stay on the formed track and close all gates.
Just a few minutes from Kurow town centre, the Kurow Wetlands offer an easy, flat walk of about 15–20 minutes. Created and maintained by local volunteers, the wetlands protect the braided river environment and provide a great opportunity to experience native wildlife and the Waitaki River up close. Future stages of the trail will extend the walk by another kilometre.
Kurow Museum
Visit The Dams
Awakino Ski Feild
The Kurow Museum offers a glimpse into the lives of the region’s early settlers. Through photographs and exhibits, it tells the unique story of the Waitaki Valley, highlighting developments in agriculture, hydroelectricity, and social reforms. It’s a great place to learn about the history that shaped Kurow and the surrounding area.
The Waitaki Valley is home to several iconic hydroelectric dams. Just 7 km from Kurow, the Waitaki Dam has a free lookout with views of the power station and the weir. Benmore Dam, New Zealand’s largest earth dam, creates Lake Benmore and is reached via a scenic drive from Otematata. Aviemore Dam, between Benmore and Waitaki, can be seen from the road. The dams combine history, engineering, and stunning scenery.
Awakino Ski Field is a friendly, club-operated skifield high in the St Marys Range near Kurow. Its sunny, north-facing slopes offer views over the Waitaki Valley and Hakataramea, with terrain suited to all abilities. Known for deep powder, extensive ski-touring, and a laid-back, community atmosphere, Awakino provides a timeless alpine experience away from the crowds.
