Bendigo Ridge: Your Ultimate Accommodation in Central Otago

Bendigo Ridge is a fully-catered accommodation provider offering a variety of activity packages to enjoy during your stay, including golfing, hiking, mountain biking, wine-tasting and stargazing with more options on request.

Book direct with us to get the most from your stay. Stay for 2 nights or more to get the most from what the property and surrounds has to offer.

Bendigo Ridge is a big sky property, surrounded by ruggedly magnificent mountains with expansive valley views unfolding below. Your accommodation is in a breathtaking mountain setting, backing onto a reserve rich in local gold mining  history. Everything you need in-house has been catered for. To make the most of your time with us we have tailored a range of bespoke activities for active relaxers that will suit varying interests and fitness levels. Get out amongst it during the day, returning later to put your feet up, sit back and relax with a beverage or snacks from the free minibar. Let the sun setting over the Pisa Range transition to a night of stargazing. Enjoy our delicious meals (if you book direct) prepared with quality ingredients and products sourced where possible from local growers. Drift to sleep in your choice of the Merino or Gold rooms. Both are set up with King-size beds and high-quality linen.

On your arrival day we will serve you a welcome platter with your choice of locally sourced drinks. This is sufficient for your first dinner. Book direct and get home-cooked dinner on your other nights too.

Wake up refreshed whenever you like and enjoy your nutritious continental breakfast packed with local ingredients according to the seasons, accompanied by fresh juice and a barista coffee or tea.

Bendigo Ridge is located at an altitude of 465m in the hills of Bendigo between Wanaka and Cromwell, Central Otago, New Zealand, an hour’s drive from Queenstown Airport. We are the highest accommodation on our side of Lake Dunstan, and the house furthest from the sea in all of New Zealand.

Please note that we are a strictly smoke-free environment – indoors, outdoors and surrounding.

Cathy L – Waipu

We had a delightful stay at Bendigo Ridge. The views are simply breathtaking and our accommodation was super comfortable with top quality bedding to snuggle into after a busy day exploring. I was especially grateful for how they went out of their way to provide a map and step by step guidance as I decided
…

Hugh B – Melbourne

Bendigo Ridge is a truly exquisite escape that I would reccomend to all. Alongside fantastic hosts, the location is spectacular. Nestled amongst the high hills and peering out over the valley, I spent hours just sitting and savouring the view (especially when the hawks flew overhead!). My word was the bed comfortable!

Christine M – Auckland

Bendigo Ridge – wonderful welcoming hosts, amazing location with spectacular daytime views and dark sky. Very comfortable accomodation with luxury bathroom. Easy access to historic and scenic reserves on adjacent DOC estate offering picturesque walking and biking trails. Super destination for active relaxing!

Panel 1

Rooms

The Merino room surveys the farmland below where sheep often graze. These days it is mostly covered in vineyards, cherries and other activities.
Merino is warm and light with a plush bed

A cozy bedroom featuring a plush bed with white linens and dark throw blanket, large glass doors opening to scenic views of farmland and hills, and soft natural light streaming in through the curtains.

The Gold room has a restful seating area to the front and views of the rugged cuttings and hills where gold miners might have dug at the back. It is filled with light and has a firm bed.

A cozy bedroom featuring a plush bed with decorative pillows, a warm throw, and a bedside table with a water jug. Large glass doors offer a view of the outdoors and the surrounding landscape.

Our two rooms are well appointed with quality bedding and have great views to the North over vineyards and valleys. Each has its own external access.

They are similarly appointed and each is approx 10m2. They feature a King Size bed – the Merino bed is ‘plush’ and the Gold bed is ‘firm’. Both are very comfortable. The beds are not split so we cannot accomodate two singles in one room unless they are willing to share.

The rooms are air-conditioned and climate controlled. You have the ability to turn it off if you prefer.

The bathroom is shared between the two rooms. There will only be one party staying at a time, so you don’t need to share with strangers. There is also a second toilet.

There is an outside seating area directly off the bedrooms. There are plenty of private places around the property to escape to, grab a bean bag, a beverage, a book then relax and unwind.

Amenities include: fridge and minibar snacks, mirror, hair dryer, binoculars, torch, pull-out luggage storage, yoga mat, foam roller

If you liked the look of Bendigo Cabins, you will love Bendigo Ridge! Book here…

Panel 2

Activities

Walking

There are some great walks from our property, including the Matilda Battery Walk that takes in old gold mining relics, the Aurora Loop that traverses beautiful mountain trails with spectacular views and old mine shafts, and the Kanuka Loop walk (3+ hrs, more difficult) that takes in the hills to our west and south including fantastic views of Lake Dunstan and the Pisa Ranges.

Sturdy Footwear that you don't mind getting dusty, day pack, sun hat, sunscreen, comfortable walking clothes, wind or rain jacket, waterbottle, a camera  and a sense of adventure

Golfing

Front 9 Golf will tailor a package to suit your golfing interests and ambitions. Our nearest courses are Cromwell (links) and Tarras (9 hole), Wanaka is not far as are Dunstan, Alexandra and Roxburgh, and in Queenstown, the revered Millbrook (x2), Arrowtown, Queenstown (Kelvin Heights) and Jacks Point.

  • Smartish clothes for the golf course. Gentlemen and ladies a shirt with a collar, shorts, trousers or skirt. Even under the Otago sun it can get chilly so  pack a warm top
  • Some golf courses allow active wear. Non spike golf shoes on most of the Central Otago courses. Clean shoes for the clubhouse
  • Avoid jeans, cargopants, boardies and logo T Shirts, jandals and sandals
  • Golf clubs, trundlers and carts can be hired directly on the day if you do not have your own. Let us know in advance if you have special requirements (left-handed etc)

Biking

For the keen mountain biker, there are some fun trails near the property including the Aurora Loop, which is tough and a bit technical but enjoyable if you have the fitness and ability (or just an ebike and ability!)

The Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail is 20 mins away in Cromwell. We don’t have an official activity/tour, but as cyclists ourselves who are very familiar in this area we’ll let you know what we think the best options are for your requirements.

Stargazing / Astronomy

Enjoy our clear skies with little light pollution with our tripod-mounted celestial binoculars and 8″ Dobsonian telescope, guided by our trained astroguide (Barry) or just enjoying the Milky Way, stars and planets on your own from a beanbag and a blanket. Use our star gazing suitability predictor to avoid disappointment. Note that weather happens, and the cloud cover predictor is based on historical data. Autumn, winter and spring are the best stargazing seasons. If the weather doesn’t allow for outdoor activity, we will arrange an alternate indoor activity or reschedule for the following night.

Our unique customer Stargazing Calendar identifies the best nights based on the moon’s illumination (bright moons are not so great if you want a dark sky), the weather prediction (eased on historical patterns or weather forecasts), and what constellations or planets are visible before midnight. Closer to the time, it also includes predictions for Auroras.

Barry is a trained Astroguide through AAA and a member of the Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand.

Wine Tasting

We are surrounded by some of the best pinot noir vineyards and we will gladly point you in the right direction of where to go and which cellar doors will be open. We are working with a couple of neighbouring vineyards who are establishing their own bespoke tasting rooms where they would love to talk to you about their vineyards, share their stories and of course drink their fabulous wines.

Panel 3

Pricing

Accommodation

ItemPrice (NZD)Includes/Excludes
Accommodation Base 2 nights$9501-2 pax, 2 nights. Welcome platter on night 1, breakfast daily, dinner on night 2, complimentary minibar
Accommodation Base 1 night (available on request – may be subject to 2 night minimum)$4751-2 pax, 1night. Welcome platter, breakfast, complimentary minibar
Additional Night$400Dinner and breakfast – 1-2 pax
Additional Room Base 2 nights$850As per first room – 1-2 pax

Activities

ItemPrice (NZD)Includes/Excludes
Walkers PackageComplimentarySnacks and drinks for your local walks including Kanuka Loop, Aurora Loop, Matilda Battery Loop
StargazingComplimentaryWeather permitting, your guide will point out stars, planets, the Milky Way and Magellanic Clouds. View through astronomy binoculars.
Golfers Package
POA
Front 9 Golf will host and guide you around local courses including Wanaka, Cromwell or Tarras. Pricing for individuals and up to 4 guests available.

Payments

Upon booking confirmation, you will receive a secure link to pay 50% deposit for your accommodation by credit or debit card.

21 days before arrival, you will be sent another secure link to pay the remainder.

Golfers Package is invoiced by Front9 and paid directly to them.

We don’t hold any credit card details, nor are these visible to Bendigo Ridge staff or the Bendigo Ridge website. We use Stripe to process payments and refunds.

Panel 4

Bookings Calendar

To plan your visit, we have also compiled a calendar of events in the area and regionally. Events Calendar–>

Availability is shown in the calendar below. Please note that not all packages may be available at your time of choosing due to provider availability – but we can advise. Availability will be better mid-week than on weekends, public holidays and school holidays. The events calendar will help you find the right time.

Booking Enquiry

Booking Enquiry

Panel 5

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

The drive to Bendigo Ridge can be considered the start of your adventure.

From Christchurch. Follow signs towards Queenstown. From Tarras, after 9km turn left onto Bendigo Loop Rd. Brown signs show "Mondillo Vineyard". Turn left into Blue Mines Rd after 3.7km

From Queenstown. Head to Cromwell and towards SH8. When you cross the Cromwell Bridge at the T junction turn left towards Tarras/ Christchurch. After 14km turn right onto Bendigo Loop Road and after 3.4km turn right into Blue Mines Road

From Wanaka. Follow signs to Christchurch. At the T-junction (Christchurch left, Queenstown right) turn right. After 7.9km, turn left in Bendigo Loop Rd. Brown signs show "Mondillo Vineyard". Turn left into Blue Mines Rd after 3.7km

Our entrance is 1.8km up the gravel Blue Mines Road which winds through the picturesque vineyards. Follow the small signs to 186A Blue Mines Road. The road is rough and can be bumpy. No special vehicle is required. Just head up the hill at a speed you are comfortable with and we will see you at the top. At the highest vineyard there are wooden posts on your right marked as a private road, that's your turn. We are 750m along the marked private road. If you get to a cattle grid with low stone walls you are now entering The DOC Bendigo Scenic Reserve and have missed your turn by 200m. Retrace the turn off will now be on your left, enjoy the  views.

Our entrance is flanked by two large rocks. At night it is lit so that you don't miss it.

Google Maps: 186A Blue Mines Rd

Breakfast - all ingredients sourced locally where possible

Cereals, yogurt, fruits, toast, baked goods, fruit juice, barista coffee, selection of teas

Dinner - 2 course - Main and dessert

Menu: This will change depending what is in season. You will not go hungry

  • Full refund if you cancel 21 days ahead of arrival date.
  • 8 to 20 days before your arrival date, a refund of 50% of your fee. Please discuss with us if you would like to rebook for a later date and we can hold your fee towards that date.
  • 7 days or less before your arrival date full payment will be held. If we can resell your booked  dates we will refund your fee less a $50 administration fee.

In summer (December - March) it can get very hot in the daytime (25-32℃) and typically much cooler at night (15℃. It can rain, but infrequently.

In winter (late May-mid Sept) is a lot colder (5-12℃ daytime), often 0 at night. It can snow but that is rare and typically doesn't last

In spring (September to December) it is getting warmer and can be windy

Autumn months (March/April/May) the weather is typically settled and very pleasant

However, it is a mountainous area and anything can happen at any time, but within a few days tends to be quite predictable. We use the Windy weather app with the MeteoBlue model and find it quite accurate for our area (Bendigo New Zealand)

Yes, 50% deposit at time of booking, the remainder 21 days before your arrival date. If booking is within the 21 days of arrival date full fee required. After your booking has been accepted and we have refined your itinerary and activities, we will forward you a secure payment link using Stripe.

We have very good free unlimited WiFi powered by Starlink. It is perfect for streaming and for 2-way video calling

Mobile coverage is generally good but is patchy. If you have WiFi calling on your phone, activate that when staying

Bendigo Ridge is an adults only property

  • Full refund if you cancel 21 days ahead of arrival date.
  • More than 8 days before your arrival date, a refund of 50% of your fee. Please discuss with us if you would like to rebook for a later date and we can hold your fee towards that date.

Please inquire. We appreciate that people might be travelling with their pets. We may accept your pet with some ground-rules. We are an unfenced property.

We have plenty of parking available

We don't have charging facilities for EVs - the nearest facility is in Cromwell 20km away at the BP and at New World

You are welcome to charge your ebike if you bring a charger

Your room has adequate power points but you will need your own phone chargers (we can help out if you get caught short of course!)

Power is 230V with Australia/New Zealand plugs. We are powered by the sun and the NZ grid which is 85-90% sustainably generated power

Yes! It is the most delicious pure filtered and UV treated chlorine-free water

No we are not a licenced premises, please feel free to bring alcoholic beverages should you chose

The nearest shops are in Cromwell which has two supermarkets, pharmacies, fuel and most amenities of a provincial town. The renowned alpine town of Wanaka is a 40 minute drive away. Tarras is a 15 minute drive and has Mrs Robinsons a popular stop for interior design enthusiasts, a classic country cafe which is located next to Perriam, the luxury clothing brand specialising in Merino whose family roots are found on Bendigo Station. There is The Tarras Village Store which will entice you in while you fill your vehicle with fuel or wait for your fruit ice cream to be made.

We offer a bespoke pre-booked wine-tasting experience through a couple of our local vineyards.
While we have many world-class vineyards close by, none currently offer regular open cellar door sales or tastings. The nearest one that does is Cloudy Bay (10min) and in Cromwell (Quartz Reef, Mishas, Wooing Tree, The Brae), in Bannockburn (Mt Difficulty, Felton Rd, Te Kano, Carrick, Akarua, Terra Sancta, Dicey).
Mondillo offers tastings for groups by appointment.

As all your meals are catered by us in-house we cannot guarantee a kitchen free from contamination. We use locally sourced lamb, beef, poultry, dairy, vegetables, fruit and nuts which will all be found in our kitchen supplies. 

Please advise at time of enquiry or booking if you have allergies and we will advise if we can cater to your specific requirements.

We offer a choice of dairy milk and oat milk in coffee and tea

The kitchen is not available for guests to use. 

Yes. There is a complimentary mini-bar fridge shared by the two rooms, including in it a range of drinks and snacks. You are also free to use this for your own supplies

No. Everything is supplied and is high quality

The bathroom has quality plant-based shampoo and conditioner and hand/body wash

Your room has a wardrobe, hair dryer, safe, torch and binoculars. If you need anything else for your stay for example yoga mats, a foam roller, please ask

We have no terrestrial reception and rely on streaming apps -- either on the TV or from your device. Each room has a TV that allows for Chromecast or AirPlay. The TV in the Living Room also has Sky Sport for your golf, tennis, F1, football or oval-ball fix

The WiFi is excellent so don't worry about streaming quality

The nearest 7-day pharmacy is in Wanaka. Cromwell has pharmacies which are only open Monday to Friday. Please ensure you have adequate medical supplies

We are in a remote area, The nearest A&E is in Wanaka at the Wanaka Medical Center.

This is a rugged mountain property and is not suited to mobility-impaired guests. If unsure please inquire and we can discuss further.

A Dark Sky Reserve is a bit like a conservation reserve - it enjoys certain protections. While the Tarras/Bendigo area is not yet a Dark Sky Reserve (watch this space), it already enjoys very dark skies which means you can see features like the Milky Way, the Magellanic Clouds, the Coal Sack Nebula, Jewel Box nebula and others either with the naked eye or simple binoculars.