Making the most of your stay
The township of Oturehua is not to be missed as it is one of the gems on the rail trail and there are numerous local sights and activities to make your stay memorable
Translated, Oturehua is “The place where the summer star stands high.”, but up until 1907 Oturehua was known as Rough Ridge after the range of hills the town is nestled below
Locally
Just across from the Oturehua Rail Station is New Zealand’s oldest continuously operating general store, Gilchrist's Store. Have a look around at the many shelves displaying nostalgic ‘Kiwi’ products of long-forgotten brands.
Oturehua is also the home of one of the most important contributions to New Zealand's farming. Hayes Engineering Works, on the outskirts of town, was the birthplace of the internationally acclaimed Hayes Permanent Wire Strainer in 1927. Today the mud-brick villa, grounds and workshop are open to the public between 9am to 5pm daily December through April.
At the other end of town on the way to Wedderburn is a very short detour up Reef Road to the historic Golden Progress Mine. Golden Progress Mine displays Central Otago’s last poppet head straddling one of the numerous shafts burrowing deep underground in search of gold-bearing quartz rock.
What our previous guests have said
We were welcomed into fantastic accommodation with outdoor spa overlooking great views of the countryside. Our room and general living area was clean and
Jenni
What a fabulous stay! Impeccably clean rooms, fabulous facilities and hosts who treated us like family. Our hosts warmly welcomed us, showed us the facilities
Flandidly
We stayed here whilst on the Otago Rail Trail. Friendly, helpful hosts, lovely room, great spa, delicious breakfast.
Janene Paynter
Inverlair lodge is AMAZING. Your hosts are the very friendly and helpful, and they are the best people you will meet on the whole Rail trail. The lodge is
Andrew S
Our group had an excellent stay. Our hosts were amazing and made everyone feel so welcome. This is a beautiful large house in an excellent scenic location. The
Tony, Australia
This was a highlight of our Otago Rail Trail. The hosts were friendly and accommodating without being intrusive. The facilities were superb and immaculate.
Hookachucka