Activities
Bannockburn is a historic town which was once the centre of a thriving and successful gold mining industry. Remnants include the hotel, Post Office, Stewart’s store, and many old dwellings. Now a restful area centred on viticulture and agriculture.
There are fantastic walks and mountain biking that explores the historical gold mining relics, scenic picnic spots and also cafes and wine tasting at the local vineyards. From Bannockburn, there are many 4WD, or longer walks or mountain bike trips. You can visit the Australian Water Wheel in the Carrick Range, or explore Carrick Town, or 4WD through the Nevis Valley to Garston.
For school groups, there is a wide variety of activities both around the camp and wider Central Otago area.
Swim in the pool, take part in archery, tent pitching or some of the historic walks. Many schools participate in sailing, kayaking, gold mining and trekking within the local community.
Cromwell Aquatic Centre
On the shores of Lake Dunstan, the College has established a vibrant centre of water safety education. The Centre provides a safe and fun environment for people of all ages to experience a range of water sports including yachting, kayaking and windsurfing. The Centre is available for hire from all school or other groups and has equipment suitable from Year 5 students up.
Carricktown Tracks & Walks
Carricktown is high on the Carrick Range behind Bannockburn and the site of another Central Otago gold town from the 19th century. This area was never very rich with gold but that didn’t stop hundreds flocking here seeking their fortune. Today there are but few remains; stone ruins, a stamper battery, dams and rock walls. However, it is an awe inspiring place for a walk.
Goldfields Mining Centre
• Step back in time to visit this unique site where the early miners toiled in search of the elusive gold.
• Follow the paths to the mine shafts and tunnels, the land laid bare by ground sluicing, the Chinese Village and the many heritage sites still in evidence.
• Wonder at the ingenuity of the early miners who brought water to the site from many miles distant to work their claims.
• Marvel at the extraordinary stamper battery used to crush rock, and the awesome power of the California sluice gun both still working today.
• Experience for yourself the thrill of finding gold amongst virgin soil where valuable nuggets are still to be found.