The thriving rural supply and services centre with the added attraction of art deco buildings
Named in honour of the Fifth Earl of Ranfurly, NZ’s 13th Lieutenant Governor, Ranfurly is the busy rural supply and services centre for a vast farming region between Wedderburn and Hyde and spanning from the Hawkdun, Ida and Kakanui Ranges to the Rock and Pillar and Lammerlaw Ranges. Ranfurly owes its importance to the Otago Central Railway crossing the Maniototo Plain rather than making a dogleg to Naseby, then the district’s biggest town. It was also decided Ranfurly would be the line’s main engine, freight and passenger change over station. Further rubbing salt into the wounded pride of Naseby townsfolk, many of their business buildings were relocated to Ranfurly. Perhaps this was behind a series of suspicious fires in the early 1930s that destroyed many Ranfurly buildings. If it was, it backfired as the architect in charge of rebuilding followed the then fashion of art-deco designs to create Ranfurly’s reputation as NZ’s Rural Art Deco Centre. Along with the only hospital on the Rail Trail, Ranfurly offers a large pharmacy, i-Site, Four Square store, car hire, petrol station and a variety of cafes, beverage and accommodation services. Next door to the Ranfurly Station building, the Centennial Café is now the Rural Art Deco Gallery where in a series of rooms sets the glamour and glitz of this stylish era is brought to life.
Our accommodation is located at 5 Thomas Street in Ranfurly. (Opposite the Police Station).
Railway Cottage was built in 1921 and can accommodate up to 6 people in either double or twin share format.
Railway Retreat, built in 2019, sits behind Railway Cottage and features 3 fully self contained rooms which can be set up as a double room or twin share.
more infoPrivate, peaceful and affordable accommodation
relax after your biking with a cold beer or wine, cook your own bbq
or short stroll to pubs restaurants and supermarket.
2 units ($120 per couple) and fully equipped house ($110 per couple)
more infoLocated on the Central Otago Rail Trail on Ranfurly’s Main Street directly across from the Visitor Center, this Historic Hotel Built in 1934 the ‘Art Deco Era’ offers affordable Accommodation & Restaurant/Café meals surrounded by warm inviting hospitality.
Rates:$75 single share up to $140 for King ensuites
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Come and relax in our friendly country holiday park situated in the heart of the Maniototo. A great central base for the Rail Trail, fishing, hunting, 4WD tours, horse trekking and rural art deco. We have a range of facilities including motels, cabins, power and non-power sites.
Rates:All base prices are per night for 1 or 2 people:
*Children are 2-14 yrs, under 2 free
Motels from $120 - $23 extra adult and $15 extra child
Cabins from $62 - $20 extra adult and $12 extra child
Powered sites $36 - $18 extra adult and $9 extra child
Tent sites $32 - $16 extra adult and $9 extra child
Please note: Prices and minimum night stays may vary at peak times.
more infoRanfurly Motels have been lovingly refurbished in Art Deco colours in keeping with the theme of the town. We are situated just 100metres from the trail in a quiet cul-de-sac.
Set on a 2 acre block of tranquil grounds with beautiful willow trees to rest under.
Studio $140 (1 – 2 people), 2-bedroom $160 (2 people) - $25 extra adult
Continental breakfast available on request.
Home-made pies and other delectable goodies.
6 Pery Street. Ph: 03 444 9307
Open 9:00 am to 9:00 pm 7 days a week over the summer season.
Tasty hamburgers, fish and chips and much more. 17 Northland St.
Groceries. Postal Agency.Newly opened cafe. The café is open 7am – 6pm Monday to Friday, 8am – 5pm Saturday and Sunday, and 8:30am – 5pm on public holidays. 1-3 Pery Street.
Open all day for casual dining and evening meals. The lounge bar has been restored to reflect the art-deco era, of the towns theme. Enjoy a beer on the sports bar or on the veranda.
10 Charlemont Street East. Ph: 03 444 9140.
The aroma of E-Central’s coffee will bring you in, and their pleasant patio will keep you there. Quality meals and treats.
14 Charlemont Street. Ph: 03 444 8300.
Groceries, beer, wine. 24 Charlemont Street.
Housed inside the original Centennial Milk Bar building. Displays of Art Deco furniture, arts and homeware. The Art Deco Museum also provides a gift shop. Next to the Ranfurly Information Centre.
Opening hours Tuesday to Sunday ( October to December 1-4 pm, January to May 11am - 4pm )
John Thomson was chief surveyor of Otago. From 1856 until 1858 Thomson surveyed and explored large sections of the interior of the South Island, covering most of the southern half of the island.
View art deco buildings and enjoy shopping.
Experience the rugged terrain of the local landscape and see historic gold mining sites.
John Mulholland Ph: 03 444 9703
Kennel Tours and Rides with wonderful Alaskan Malamutes & Canadian Eskimo dogs. On the corner of SH85 and Bypass Road. 4kms from Ranfurly.
Ph: 03 444 9952
The Ranfurly Swimming Pool is open from November to early April, every day until 8.00pm. This complex provides a 30 metre long pool with a separate toddler’s pool.
John Street. Ph: 03 444 9394
Maniototo Golf Club offers a 9-hole course.Tyrone Street.
Ph: 03 444 9633
Ranfurly tennis courts and squash courts are located within Maniototo park.
Ranfurly Bowling Club. John Street. Ph: Terry McCloy 444 9559
Bike Sales and 24 Hour fuel service with card access for out of business hours.
6 Charlemont Street. Ph: 03 444 9747.
Petrol and a selection of food. ATM inside.
5 Northland Street. Ph: 03 444 9011.
Opposite Ranfurly i - SITE.
Located in the old railway station the Visitor Centre provides information as well as souvenir DVDs, postcards, clothing, etc. Old telephones and local area displays. Friendly staff will assist you with any Rail Trail or general inquiry.
Standard Hours:
Winter: Monday to Sunday 9.00am to 5.00pm
Summer: Monday to Sunday 9.00am to 5.30pm
Public Holidays 9am-5.30pm. Anzac Day 12pm – 5:30pm, Labour Day and Queens Birthday 9.00am-5.00pm, Christmas Day closed
Ph: 03 444 1005
25 Charlemont Street. Ph: 03 444 9111.
A & P Shows are an important event in any rural community. Among the traditional horse and sheep events, machinery displays and, always the favourite, the Grand Parade. There’s candyfloss, a variety of food and retail stalls and, depending on the weather, a kids slippery slide. A truly rural experience!
When: 14th February 2024
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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