Duntroon & Kurow – the heart of a region

The heart of a region

Even before Duntroon became the penultimate stop as cyclists head east on the Alps2Ocean Cycle Trail, people were being drawn to the town.

Located on State Highway 83, the town is steeped in history. It was named Duntroon by Robert Campbell an early run holder, after Duntroon Castle, the Campbell's ancestral home in Scotland. The nearby settlements of Livingstone and Maerewhenua still provide evidence of their gold mining days. With mountains and hills for a backdrop, the mighty Waitaki River glistening within walking distance and the Maerawhenua river bounding Duntroon on the east, a golf course a short distance away - the appeal is obvious. Although a rural location, the town is populated by an eclectic mix of people. A short 25-minute drive to Oamaru makes for an easy commute for some residents. While others have chosen to retire here and/or create their own living within the town. This gives the town its distinctive vibe. A drive around Duntroon's quiet streets will reveal art works in back yards and at gateways. Even the public toilets provide a background to travellers as they pose before the splendid mural painted by local legend Burns Pollock.

• Domestic and Commercial • Whiteware Maintenance/Service • Competitive Rates • Free Quotes • Prompt Service • Friendly Staff

rob@a2oelectrical.com 022 189 3250

Although the town does not occupy a large area, there is a lot to enjoy within a short distance. There are two eateries. The Duntroon Hotel, one of the South Island’s oldest hotels, having been built in 1864, was practically rebuilt before being reopened in 2019. The Flying Pig Cafe, had an enviable reputation for its food in the past. The cafe too has reopened recently and has made an impressive debut. Both establishments offer quality food. The Hotel also offers accommodation, as do other operators within Duntoon and nearby. On the main highway is the only working blacksmith shop open to the public. Nicol's Blacksmith Shop has been operating since the 1890s. In 1974 four local farmers bought it complete with tools of trade and it has since been restored it to its former glory. A category one Heritage building where training days and workshops are now available to the public, as are the articles wrought from within by the very gifted artisans who utilise the forge. Directly behind the forge is a spring in the limestone embankment known as the Brewery Hole. Prior to European settlement the travelling Maori people used to stop there and later, European settlers brewed cider using the spring water. Guarding the Brewery Hole are two metal sculptures. A massive Moa standing proud and a Haast eagle suspended over the spring. Both constructed out of scrap metal from Nicol's Forge. Towering over these, is the section of bridge span saved from the old road/railway bridge that was replaced in 1975 by the existing road bridge. The railway having been closed in 1983. Across the road where the Alps2Ocean cycle trail emerges into the town, is the Gaol. The original holding cell for the Duntroon Police Station. This is now a mini museum, complete with a policeman, albeit and a mannequin. A minute’s walk from this area is the Vanished World Heritage Centre. Thousands of visitors a year enjoy the presentation of geologic displays and excavating their own fossils at the centre.

KUROW

MEDICAL CENTRE

Kurow Medical Centre is a pro-equity practice. This means that as a medical center we are actively working towards achieving equitable health outcomes for our patients.

SERVICES

• Aviation, workplace medicals • Vasectomy • Diabetic reviews and healthy heart checks • Ear Health • Cryotherapy and Diathermy • Maternity and general ultrasound • Steroid injections • Minor surgery • Mole checks and mole removal • Audiometry • Spirometry • Childhood immunisations • Tongue tie surgery and much more!

03 436 0760 / 03 976 0503 info@kurowmedicalcentre.org.nz www.kurowmedicalcentre.org.nz

Enchanting views of the picturesque Waitaki Valley by day, and unrivalled starry skies by night. Experience a luxurious getaway at this secluded property.

Phone. 03 436 0876 Mobile. 027 501 6534 westernhouse.kurow@gmail.com

Kurow Holiday Park

Theo and Diane Curtis invite you to enjoy our peaceful park-like surroundings with landscaped terraces graduating down to the Waitaki River.

76 Bledisloe Street, Kurow Phone: 03 436 0725 / 0800 142 649 Email: office@kurowholidaypark.co.nz www.kurowholidaypark.co.nz

Showcasing our beautiful area, the lavender we grow, and the products we make. Stop to visit our shop, bring a picnic, enjoy the peace and the garden.

The Centre is also the starting point for the Heritage Fossil Trail that takes travellers around the district to view Maori drawings and geological sites of significance, such as Earthquakes and the famous elephant Rocks. But the area produces more than fossils. Additional to the usual farming produce, are the internationally acclaimed Ostler Wines and award winning Dansey's Pass Lavender. Duntroon is in the heart of “Whitestone country” and Saint Martin's Anglican Church showcases the local limestone to perfection. Resembling a Gothic cathedral, it was built in 1901, financed by a bequest from Emily Campbell the wife of Robert Campbell. It is one of the most photographed churches in the country. But not everything in Duntroon is about the past. The same spirit that has motivated a small group known as the Duntroon and District Development Association, to fundraise to protect the town's heritage, has driven them to create an asset for future generations. Over $100,000 dollars in funds and volunteer labour has created a haven for fauna and flora known as the Duntroon Wetlands. Wheelchair friendly and only a few hundred meters from the town centre, the wetlands provides a daily walk enjoyed by locals and an extra treat for visitors. For a town with the population of approximately 120 people, Duntroon punches well above its weight.

Kurow

Kurow is centrally located in the middle of the Waitaki Valley and provides the base for many activities including watersports, camping, cycling and fishing. It is also well-known and popular for its wine. The Waitaki Valley wine region - centred around Kurow - specialise in cool climate varieties. There are a number of producers, boutique labels and cellar doors for your sample these unique Waitaki wines. With the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail passing them all, Kurow is a great place to stop and savour the flavours. If you’d prefer to kick back, relax and enjoy a bit more wine, take a wine tour. Vintner’s Drop is the cellar door for Ostler Wine, located in the old Post Office in the Kurow township. Just down the road you’ll find River T Estate Cellar door and Kurow Winery side by side. For more information, visit: www.newzealand.com/nz/kurow.

All our food is homemade and extremely delectable and have been told the coffee is fantastic! We use coffee from coffee worx.

Opening Hours: 8am to 3pm 7am for coffees Tuesday to Sunday

www.flyingpigcafe.co.nz

WAI WELL NESS

BOOK YOUR SESSIONS NOW!

PILATES • APOTHECARY • MEDITATION 65 BLEDISLOE STREET, KUROW WWW.WAIWELLNESS.COM @WAI.WELLNESS.NZ ON INSTAGRAM

THE KUROW HOTEL

Based on Kurow’s main street, you can’t miss the beautiful architecture of the Kurow Hotel. It is an 1864 historic hotel located within walking distance of Waitaki River. The building includes a public bar with bar meals, a function room, restaurant and laundry facilities on site. A guest lounge with tea/ coffee-making facilities & 16 rooms with cooked breakfast option. Explore the hydro dams or just relax with excellent fishing and boating on the door step. Your hosts Ross & Trish look forward to welcoming you.

Feliz

GIFTS, POST & MORE

When you shop with us you are truly supporting NZ small business, from our unique giftshop in the beautiful Waitaki Valley.

Official partner of Alps2Ocean Cycle Trail, which comes right beside the gate!

Experience tranquility

118 Livingstone - Duntroon Rd, Duntroon, North Otago Phone. 03 431 2774 or 0274 821 591 www.grandviewfarmstay.co.nz