Middlemarch

Depending on which direction you want to go, Middlemarch is either at the beginning or end of your Otago Central Rail Trail experience

Scenery alone is enough to make Middlemarch a must stay. Located at the southern end of the Strath Taieri Plain, this rural centre of around 300 is dominated by the towering bulk of the Rock and Range (1450m) to the west, the Taieri Ridge to the east and to the south, the Maungatua (892m) Range. Little wonder Peter Jackson featured this scenery in ‘The Hobbit’. Just a taster of points of interest in and around Middlemarch is Sutton Salt Lake, the only inland salt lake in New Zealand, the remains of a 1873 gold mining submarine, albeit an ill-fated venture, a sheep yard built of schist rock, interesting public artwork, fish waiting to be caught in the Taieri River, southern hospitality at its warmest and lots more besides.

Info

Population: 300
Website: www.middlemarch.nz




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Lou's Place

Tagged as: Tourist Park / Camping, Historic, Self - Contained

Budget Accommodation Caters for Larger Groups (closed over winter)

This accommodation is suitable for those who have a group and are looking for budget accommodation in a place together in the peace and quiet set on 10 acres.  The house has a full kitchen, dining, lounge mens and  womens toilets,etc. Only 6kms from Middlemarch with lots of real raw Otago sights to see. The 4 bedroom house can be hired for 2 persons up to 12.  There is more accommodation on site for bigger groups. Single and bunk beds.  Can do up to larger groups - please enquire as well as paddock for horses and pets are at our discretion - we also cater for self contained motor homes.  

View our airbnb listing for more information 

https://www.airbnb.co.nz/rooms/52227617

Rates:

Closed over winter

Four bedroom house is for hire 2- 12 persons more than that the sleepouts and hall bunk room are utilised (all by prior approval and arrangement)

$135 p/p p/n  for 2 persons 

$45 p/p p/n each extra guest

Hired linen $5 p/p 

Cleaning fee applies 

please refer  to airbnb listing for more details and photos 

https://www.airbnb.co.nz/rooms/52227617

more info

Taieri Bank Cottage

Tagged as: Self - Contained, Historic, Bed & Breakfast

Beautifully renovated in keeping with the historic nature of this fully self contained stone cottage and all the amenities you will need.

We also have accommodation and transport options available from HYDE - just ask!

Rates:

From $225.00/night (2 people)

more info

The Farm Bed and Breakfast

Tagged as: Historic, Bed & Breakfast

Experience the old world charm of the historic schist stone buildings at The Farm Bed & Breakfast in Middlemarch, Central Otago. 

The Farm Bed and Breakfast is located 3 km from Middlemarch township close to SH 87 and the end of the Otago Central Rail Trail. Transport from the township is available.

 

Rates:

MERINO COTTAGE QUEEN with ensuite

Couple, per night 180.00NZD
Single occupancy 120.00NZD

ROMNEY QUEEN with ensuite

Couple, per night 180.00NZD
Single occupancy 120.00NZD

SHEPHERDS RETREAT COTTAGE TWIN (Short walk to a shared bathroom robes provided)

2 people, per night 140.00NZD
Single occupancy 80.00.00NZD

more info

Annandale Bed & Breakfast

Tagged as: Bed & Breakfast, Historic

Annandale Bed & Breakfast is located in sunny Middlemarch offering stunning mountain views.
This character home is conveniently located just 400 m from the Otago Rail Trail at Middlemarch and is close to the Rock & Pillar Ranges for day walks.

Rates:

Double $130.00 per night
Single $90.00 per night

Continential Breakfast is included in the price.

more info

Jailhouse Cottage

Tagged as: Self - Contained, Historic, Bed & Breakfast

Stay in a unique two-bedroom self-contained cottage offering spectacular open views of the Rock and Pillar Ranges, bathed in all-day sunshine.

Rates:

You are booking out the entire self-contained cottage for 2 to 4 guests. 

First room   $195 for two people

Two rooms  $60 per person for second room

more info

Strath Taieri Hotel

Tagged as: Hotel

The Strath Taieri Hotel in Middlemarch is a friendly country hotel with that traditional atmosphere - "the genuine article".  Located opposite the Middlemarch Railway Station and just 200 m from the beginning of the Otago Central Rail Trail, we offer great food, great entertainment, great ambience - be sure to visit us!

Rates:

Double room 2x guests $85 per night.
Single room 1x Guest $60 per night.

Rooms have shared facilities, guest TV Lounge available.

Complimentary Tea & Coffee. Continental Breakfast as required.

 

more info

Strath Taieri Hotel

Located directly opposite the train station on Snow Ave, The Middlemarch Hotel offers two bars with food and a great atmosphere. Rail Trail photos can be found in the bistro area.
Ph: 03 464 3800.


Maggie's

Groceries, milkshakes, cold drinks, ice cream. 16 Aberafon St. Open every day 9 am - 7:30 pm.

Ph: 03 464 3611


Kissing Gate Café

Great food awaits you. Located on State Highway 87 towards Dunedin.
Ph: 03 464 3224.


Middlemarch Museum

When the gold rush was on in 1873, miners were desperate to keep working even over the cold winter months when the Taeiri River was running high and ice cold. It was decided the best plan of attack was to build a submarine which could be lowered into the Taeiri River. With an open area at the bottom of the submarine, the ambitious miners could work their pans and hopefully make a fortune. Tragically the oxygen supply run out and 3 of the 4 miners died on the first launch. The museum also has farming and war memorabilia which is located on Aberafor Street just around the corner from Cycle Surgery. Ph: 03 464 3853


Original Railway Station Buildings

All the original railway station buildings have been very well maintained. It is arguably the best example of how things were when the line was in its glory days. Many photo opportunities are located in this historic area which is 100 meters from the Otago Central Rail Trail start/finish point.


Browse the town

Browse the town and you will find two churches, the war memorial, small grocery shop, and sheep and horses grazing on empty sections.

 


Rock and Pillow Range

You can view the impressive Rock and Pillow Range from the township (snow caped over winter months).


The Sutton Salt Lake

The Sutton Salt Lake is New Zealand's only inland salt lake, with water about half as salty as seawater. The Sutton Suspension Bridge which crosses the Taieri River has impressive stone abutments is located on Harcus Road. The Sutton Military Campwas used for artillery training purposes between 1913 and 1955.There was once accommodation for 3000 troops. The historic slab stone sheep yards located on Murrays Road is also worth a visit. Rail Trail Planner providing detailed tours, transport and scenic 4 wheel driving excursions. Ph: 03 464 3755 or 027 251 0049.


Middlemarch Swimming Pool

Swimming pool is located in the Middlemarch school grounds and is the complex used by the Middlemarch Swimming Club. Contact: Steph Macaulay. Ph: 03 464 3366

 


Middlemarch Golf Course
Garthmyl Rd. Ph:03 464 3867

Middlemarch Tennis Courts

For a small rural town, Middlemarch has done very well to maintain its public tennis courts available for public use.


Middlemarch Bowling Green

Middlemarch Bowling Club. Contact: Nola Tisdall, Ph: 03 464 3883


Middlemarch lockup

Behind Jailhouse accommodation is the historic 2 cell lockup (1863 -1947). Open to the public. 


Taieri Gorge Railway

From October to April the train travels from Dunedin to Middlemarch and return on Fridays and Sundays. The other 5 days of the week the train does a return journey from Dunedin to Pukerangi, 23km south of Middlemarch. Over the winter months (May – September) the train travels daily to Pukerangi. Refer to the Taieri Gorge Railway (www.taieri.co.nz or Ph 03 477 4449) for exact timetable details.


Strath Taieri A&P Show

Cattle, sheep, wool, dog trials, showjumping, in hand horses, hunter round the ring, led rein,small ponies. Great prizes for High Jump and Round the Ring, Supreme Champions for the Horses, Horses do not have to have height certificates, classing is run under Pony Club Guidelines, and are not eligible for Horse of the Year Classes. Home Industries Champions. Spouse Carrying competition and Lawn Mower Races as well.

Where : Showgrounds, Browns Rd, Middlemarch
When : 30th March 2024
Secretary: Tess Gibb
Email: strathtaierishow@gmail.com


The Rail Trail Guide Book

The single most important resource when travelling the Central Otago Rail Trail

A beautifully crafted book with amazing photography by Peter Andrews showing Central Otago as it truly is, one of the most rugged, extreme and beautiful locations on the planet. Stunning scenery, amazing and important historical and current information, detailed maps, lists of accommodation, frequently asked questions, where to eat, how far between towns, etc. It’s all in here.

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