Oturehua

Gilchrists Store & The Old Shop B&B

The Otago Central Rail Trail has some wonderful accommodation experiences.  As the name suggests “The Old Shop B & B” was once a store, the original Gilchrists Store in fact that was opened in the 1890’s. What was 'out the back of the shop' now offers comfortable accommodation for up to six people...

2 persons $70.00 per head,  3 to 6 persons $65.00 per head
Includes continental breakfast.

Braeside Cottage

Previously used as a shearer’s quarters, the cottage has beautiful views over the valley – sunrises over Rough Ridge, the distinctive Hawkduns to the North, and stunning evening skies over Blackstone Hill in the west.

Dinner and Breakfast are provided at Braeside, and are included in your room rate.

Crow's Nest Accommodation

Just 100 m. from the Otago Central Rail Trail.  Multiple Accommodation options in Oturehua. 

Backpacker, cabin, & tent site from $15 to $90 p/p a night.  

Doubles rate for cabins $110 - $145 p/night

Child rates apply – 10 years and under.

Oturehua Railway Hotel

Whether you are riding or walking the Central Otago Rail Trail or driving through the Ida Valley stop for a while and enjoy the stunning views of Rough Ridge and the Hawkdun Ranges from our large family beer garden or alternatively warm up by our cosy fire on our comfortable couches.

$60.00 per person for two people or more. Single rate $75.00.

This rate includes a continental breakfast.

This is a working historical general store and has been operating continuously under the name of "Gilchrist" since 1902.They stock fresh fruit and vegies, groceries, pies and sandwiches, ice-creams, lollies, Grahame Sydney prints, and much more.

There is a cafe in one of the historical mud brick buildings which is part of Hays Engineering Works and Homestead. Closed over winter.

Situated half way along the Rail Trail we are your ideal stopover and children are welcome. A full range of meals and snacks are available, specialty coffees and Central Otago wines.

Hayes Engineering Works was an important hub for New Zealand innovation, with a variety of tools and farm equipment having been invented there. The inventor, Ernest Hayes, is most notable for inventing the Hayes Wire Strainer which is still used on fences throughout the world to this day. See the Engineering Works that still comes to life, or discover the fascinating story of the Hayes family as you wander through the restored homestead.

Contact: ph 03 444 5801

Email hayes@heritage.org.nz

www.hayesengineering.co.nz

Visit Oturehuas Gilchist Store.  This historic building in the centre of Oturehua town is one of the best known stores in Central Otago.  Built in 1899 this store is a rare delight for any nostalgia enthusiast, successfully merging the old and the new.  The shelves boast memorabilia such as the original telephone exchange, an antique bacon slicer, tinned coffee and food from the late 1800’s.  Present day goods are also sold.

A good opportunity to stretch the legs, the Golden Progress mine can be found ten minutes off the Rail Trail by following the sign-post on the town’s outskirts on the way to Wedderburn. Note that the mine is normally closed to the public in spring time due to lambing.

There are community tennis courts on the edge of town which are available to the general public.

Curling on the Ida Burn Dam can occur during the winter months if the ice is thick enough. The dam hosts the ancient curling Bonspiel tournament.

Ph: 03 444 9878

Experience the remarkable belt- driven Hays Engineering Works in operation wander the grounds and the view the interior of the grand homestead.

Where: 39 Hays Road, Oturehua

Guided tours of the Works (45 minutes)

On the hour from 10.30am - 3.30pm