Top Things to do in Central Otago
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What to do and see in Central Otago, South Island: The Best Historic Sites
Discover the best top things to do in Central Otago, New Zealand including Macetown, Bendigo Historic Reserve, Old Dunstan Road, Quartz Reef Point Historic Reserve, Hayes Engineering Works & Homestead, Ophir Post Office, Alexandra Bridges, Vulcan Hotel loved our time there.
Restaurants in Central Otago
1. Macetown
2. Bendigo Historic Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By marymH8851LH
DOC have done a great job in the historic area with excellent family friendly walks, information boards and preservation of this area. A pleasure to explore.
3. Old Dunstan Road
4. Quartz Reef Point Historic Reserve
5. Hayes Engineering Works & Homestead
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 151 reviews
Hayes Engineering Works & Homestead is the former home and engineering works of the gifted inventor Earnest Hayes and his family. Explore the 1900’s belt-driven works where significant agricultural inventions were created, including the still-in-use Hayes wire strainer and triplex. See what life was like for those working in the engineering trade and for those who lived in rural NZ. Discover the lives of the Hayes more intimately as you walk through the family Homestead or “the Big House”, where the inventions continued – this periodically restored, 1920’s mudbrick home had electricity, a flushing toilet and even piped radio through the bedrooms! Refresh yourself at Hannah’s Café with freshly made food and espresso coffee or browse our gift shop. Cool drinks and free water available. Hours 10am – 5pm 7 days from September through to May (except Christmas & Boxing Day). Or see the works in action on our Operating Days: Sundays January 3rd, February 7th, March 7th, April 4th 2021.
Reviewed By WellingtonKiwiJo
A stop here for coffee, lunch or the delectable food should also include a wander around the historic engineering works and homestead. It's a wonderful insight into early NZ history and will make you appreciate all of today's modern conveniences! Historic Places staff couldn't have been nicer- well worth your support. If you're cycling the Rail Trail, this is a good spot with super padded seats for comfort while you sup.
6. Ophir Post Office
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By RidgwayPark - Whanganui, New Zealand
The memorabilia here and the super-friendly post-mistress meant we stayed here so much longer than we thought we would need. Don't think twice about stopping in here to have a chat about the way things used to be. Franking our own postcards was fun too!
7. Alexandra Bridges
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By AllanJGJ - Wellington, New Zealand
You'll drive across the 'new' bridge to enter Alex, but it's worth having a closer look if your walking anywhere on the river. The steel truss bridge currently in use dates back to only 1958 but the piers of the original 1882 suspension bridge are just as handsome and look as solid as the day they were built. You have to love Victorian engineers!
8. Vulcan Hotel loved our time there
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 60 reviews
Reviewed By Fleischl - Auckland, New Zealand
I have stayed at The Vulcan a couple of times already this year. The new management are fantastic! There has been a few changes to the interior, the menu and the team which have really made a big difference. The beds are comfortable, the rooms are clean. I have had no encounters with any ghosts and I have stayed here alone. The walks around the area are beautiful and the Blue Lake across the road is well worth visiting. You can see why artists are compelled to paint! I highly recommend a trip to Saint Bathan
