A new touring route has been launched in Central Otago aimed to encourage people to explore further off the beaten track.
The 341km route winds through Central Otago from Dunedin to Queenstown with two additional electric car charging stations and new viewing points along the way.
Centres on the journey include Middlemarch, Ranfurly, Alexandra, Cromwell and Arrowtown.
Today Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan, Dunedin Mayor Aaron Hawkins and Queenstown Lakes Mayor Jim Boult exchanged a stone from their regions before declaring the route open.
"A touring route has long been a vision for Central Otago communities and seeing that vision come to life is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when regions collaborate on a project," he said in a statement.
"When we look at other touring routes (the connecting Southern Scenic Route for example) it is clear there are economic, cultural and social benefits for the many communities along the journey.
"Having an officially recognised and marketed touring route is a great way for us to inspire people to explore further and in more depth, those places and diverse authentic experiences the three partner regions have to offer. And we know that New Zealanders love a good road trip."
