Waipiata

Close to Waipiata and popular for swimming, fishing and kayaking is NZ's third longest river, the 318 km Taieri River 

Originally called Lower Eweburn, the opening of the township’s first school saw the name changed to Waipiata, Maori for “glistening (or clear) water” referring to the nearby 318km Taieri River. The Waipiata train station was originally the disembarkation point for the 112 bed tuberculosis sanatorium.Quite literally in the middle of nowhere, this large, mainly brick complex was built in  built in 1920s near the Hamiltons gold diggings and long-disappeared township. After the sanatorium closed, it was a youth detention centre and is now the religious retreat ‘En Hakkore. Well worth visiting, the road carries on to the restored Hamiltons Cemetery offering spectacular Maniototo views then to Patearoa looping back to Waipiata.

In Waipitata the railway goods shed remains along with a number of historic buildings including the library, mud brick cottages, Presbyterian and Anglican churches, Waipiata Hotel and the former rabbit processing factory.

Info

Population: 24





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Komako Peonies Cottage Garden Accommodation

Tagged as: Bed & Breakfast

We have a 10 acre lifestyle block 1km on the Ranfurly side of Waipiata.
Our property borders the rail trail and is clearly signposted from the town of Waipiata and the Rail Trail.

Accommodation consists of a choice of 3 quaint rooms situated in the garden with shared guest kitchen, bathroom and toilet. 

Rates:

$60 per person including continental breakfast
$100 per person including hearty barbecue or roast dinner and continental breakfast

more info

Peter's Farm Lodge

Tagged as: Bed & Breakfast, Historic, Farmstay

Warm comfortable heritage accommodation at affordable prices.

Enjoy the ambience of a historical homestead with spectacular views over the Maniototo plain & surrounding mountain ranges. Peter's Farm Lodge was built in 1882 of mud brick and volcanic rock.

Rates:

$80 per adult, $60 per child under 12 years, single room $95 per person

All guests get a free continental breakfast each morning.

more info

Waipiata Country Hotel

Tagged as: Hotel

Stunning Accommodation, Licensed Restaurant, Bistro & Bar with Alfresco Dining... just paces from the Otago Central Rail Trail and only 10km from the Art Deco town of Ranfurly. 

Rates:

From $70 pp which includes a full continental breakfast.  Group rates are available.

more info

Tussock Lodge

Tagged as: Bed & Breakfast

Aptly named after the prolific native grasses that dominate the Central Otago Landscape, Tussock Lodge was built in 2009 to cater for the growing demand for quality accommodation along the world famous Otago Central Rail Trail. 

Rates:

$75.00 pp which includes a full continental breakfast.
Group rates are available

more info

Tregonnings Cottage

Tagged as: Self - Contained, Historic

Tregonninng cottage was built in 1880 of mud brick and schist. This quaint cottage still stands strong today with remaining features like the original H.E SHACKLOCK ORION No.1 coal range and the 5 foot 8 inches doors which lead to the three bed rooms. 

Rates:

$80 per adult, $60 per child under 12 years / minimum booking is $400.

All guests get a free continental breakfast each morning.

more info

Waipiata Country Hotel

Come and meet the friendly locals.  Ph: 03 444 9470


Waipiata Man

Grab a photo with the Waipiata man which is made of steel.


Historical Churches

Cycle down the main street of Waipiata, which is only about 200 meters long. You will see one very small library, an original mud brick cottage, and two historical churches (one of which is made of the same rock as the Dunedin railway station). Both are now privately owned.


The Historic Green Bridge

To find the historic Green Bridge, cycle through Waipiata’s main street and turn left at the end of the road. Keep on the tar seal road and you will soon come to the historic Green Bridge.


Original Tuberculosis Hospital

Drive to the building complex which is used to be Tuberculosis sanatorium located near the old gold mining town of Hamiltons at the eastern base of the Rock and Pillar range. This complex then became a Youth Centre and is now a Christian religious retreat called En Hakkore which is located about 7 km from Waipiata town.


Hamiltons Cemetery

Drive past the religious retreat, En Hakkore, to find Hamilton’s diggings. Carry on driving and you will find the restored Hamilton’s Cemetery with its spectacular views. This road carries on to Patearoa where you can drive in a loop back on the bottom road to Waipiata.


Swimming, Kayaking and Fishing at Waipiata

New Zealand’s third longest river, the 318km long Taeiri River, is close by and is popular for swimming, kayaking and fishing.


Waipiata Tennis Courts

There are two tennis courts available for the general public to use.  


Waipiata Bowling Green

The remaining hubs for the local community are the bowling green and the Waipiata Hotel.


Freedom Camping

Two km’s past Waipiata towards Hyde is the only bridge over the Taieri River on the Trail. Freedom camping is permitted just past the bridge and toilets are provided. No fires. Contact DOC for further information.

 


Camping/Overnights

A public domain offers very basic facilities. A donation is recommended.


Maniototo Rodeo

Gate Prices: Adult $15, Children 10 -15 $5, Under 10 Free, Family pass $40

Contact : Kim Parker  03 444 9158, 021 108 6508. maniototorodeo@gmail.com

When: 25th Feb 2024

Where : From Ranfurly head along Charlemont Street East, turn right on to Stafford Street then left onto Waipiata Road, turn left on to Barneys Lane, drive right to the end and turn right onto Waipiata-Naseby Road. Rodeo grounds are on the right.

 

 


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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