Manuherikia

The towns ofOmakau and Ophir are both rich in history — and they’re separated by just 2km and the Manuherikia River.

Omakau Trots.

T A L E O F T W O T O W N S

P O O L B U R N D A M

Photo: Allied Press Files.

Hidden away in the Ida Valley, Poolburn is the place to go if you’re looking to get away from it all and relax under the Central Otago sun. Poolburn Dam, also known as Poolburn Reservoir, is a popular area for anglers, boaties, picnickers or anyone else wanting to escape and enjoy the solitude surrounded by the beautiful Central Otago scenery. The reservoir is located on the Old Dunstan Rd and the flooded area was once the site of five hotels. The area’s gold mining history can still be found around the landscape. Access to the dam is easiest from the site of the former Poolburn Pub on the Ida Valley Rd. Turn left on to Moa Creek Rd then turn left into Webster Lane just past the old school. The dam is signposted past the old Moa Creek Hotel, where a right turn is made.

If a leisurely lunch is required hit one of the pubs, cafes, or restaurants and let the world go by. Refreshed and ready to explore again, take a trip to the Poolburn dam site of filming for The Lord of the Rings, or historic Matakanui.

OMAKAU The former mining town of Omakau is a quaint little settlement that has held onto its charm. Located on the famous Otago Central Rail Trail between Alexandra and Ranfurly, it’s a great place to stop by. Stroll past historic buildings including the Old Stone Stable at the back of the Omakau Commercial Hotel which was originally the first homestead, built in 1898 and learn a few things about the old gold mining days. Be sure to stop and have an interesting yarn or two with the friendly locals too. Hop off the bike or settle in after your fishing trip for a well-earned glass of wine or craft beer and a feed, or there’s a nice picnic spot at Thomson’s Creek Bridge. Check out the grand St Peter’s Catholic Church on the hilltop to the north of the town. Enjoy a game of golf at the 9-hole golf course with beautiful views, or there’s a bowling green and tennis courts for the sporty. If you’re visiting over the Christmas and New Year period, don’t miss the Omakau races. The event draws large crowds and is a superb family day out with on and off track entertainment, food, drink and lots of merriment. OPHIR Like so many of Central Otago’s heartland towns, Ophir is rich in charm and steeped in gold mining history. Located on the eastern banks of the Manuherikia River, between Alexandra and Ranfurly, Ophir was founded in 1863. It grew to become the biggest town in the Manuherikia Valley during the gold rush, until the railway bypassed it. Previously known as Blacks, after Charles Black — a landowner who came good when gold was discovered in his back yard. The name of the town was changed to Ophir in 1875 after the biblical land where the Queen of Sheba gave gold to King Solomon. The post office opened in 1886 and is New Zealand’s oldest continually operated post office. Send a postcard from here and it’ll get rubber stamped with a gold miner’s pick and shovel. Admire the attractive schist structure and engineering of one of Central Otago’s few remaining suspension bridges that spans the Manuherikia River at Ophir. Built in 1880 and named after Daniel O’Connell, an Irish hero (the area was heavily populated by Irish Catholic immigrants at the time), the bridge was originally made from wood then rebuilt with prefabricated steel shipped out from the UK. The one-lane bridge has one end extending through solid rock.

Blacks Hotel, Ophir Good as gold

Great accommodation –all rooms ensuited Excellent & varied menu, including kids Great garden deck for light lunches, evening meals or just a cold drink Come and visit our Historical Village

6 5 3 7 7 2 5

P: (03) 447 3826 • 027 7641284 W: www.blackshotel.co.nz E: info@blackshotel.co.nz

Restaurant and Boutique Accommodation in the charming historic township of Ophir, near the Otago Central RailTrail

03447 3240 www.pitches-store.co.nz