There’s So Much to Do in the Maniototo
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![Golden Progress Mine]()
Golden Progress Mine
Explore lignite-fired boiler ruins, a rebuilt miner’s hut, and other diggings used when quartz mining expanded across the Central Otago landscape with gold being easier to spot in the highland schist rock, exposed from the harsh climate.
A short walk leads into the historic mine site across terraces and tailings, tucked at the foot of North Rough Ridge. A rare and impressive treasure of the Oturehua reef field, the poppet head, constructed in 1982, is the only surviving one in the Otago goldfields. This 14-metre-high structure for winding gear sits atop a 46-metre-deep mine shaft with a metal cage once used to move people, equipment, and gold-bearing ore.
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![Curling at Oturehua]()
Idaburn Dam
More than just a reservoir supplying water to the Ida Valley, the Idaburn Dam is a spectacular place to relax and explore. Take in the stunning views, cast a fishing line, enjoy a picnic, or wander through the rugged surrounding landscape.
In winter, when conditions allow, the frozen dam becomes the home of the famous Bonspiel, where skaters and curlers gather for this unique Central Otago tradition.
Idaburn Dam is also well known as the former home of the iconic Brass Monkey Rally. Although the official event ended in 2021, you'll still spot plenty of dedicated motorcyclists passing through over King's Birthday Weekend.
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![St Bathans Blue Lake]()
St Bathans
A charming, historic village where the past comes to life. Discover the beautifully preserved Victorian-style Post Office, built in 1909, the former Gold Office, and a collection of historic buildings that tell the story of the gold rushes that shaped the community.
At the heart of the village is The Vulcan, the iconic hotel built in 1882, where you can enjoy great food, a refreshing drink, and genuine country hospitality.
Wander down to the striking Blue Lake for a swim or paddle, or explore the walking track that winds around its edge, taking in the dramatic cliffs, historic sluicings, and reminders of the area's rich gold-mining heritage.
Beautiful in every season, St Bathans is a destination you'll want to return to again and again.
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![Hayes Engineering Works & Homstead]()
Hayes Engineering
Discover one of New Zealand's most significant engineering heritage sites, where innovation, ingenuity, and determination changed the future of farming.
Explore the original workshops, see pioneering machinery still in operation, and learn how inventions created here helped solve the challenges faced by early farmers.
Then step inside the beautifully-preserved Hayes family homestead to experience daily life and admire the household technologies that were decades ahead of their time.
Round off your visit with delicious homemade baking, great coffee, and a browse through Hannah's Café and Gift Store.
Walking
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Running
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Hiking
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Tramping
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Camping
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Mountain Biking
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4WD Adventures
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Swimming
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Hunting
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Fishing
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Golfing
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Curling
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Ice Skating
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Lord of the Rings Filming Locations
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Photography
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Antique Shopping
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Golden Progress Mine
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Lawn Bowls
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Historic Sites
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Local Arts
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Guided Tours
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Walking • Running • Hiking • Tramping • Camping • Mountain Biking • 4WD Adventures • Swimming • Hunting • Fishing • Golfing • Curling • Ice Skating • Lord of the Rings Filming Locations • Photography • Antique Shopping • Golden Progress Mine • Lawn Bowls • Historic Sites • Local Arts • Guided Tours •
Seasonal Events & Happenings
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Only Fools and Horses
Starting at our sister pub, Wedderburn Tavern, on the eastern side of Rough Ridge, this unique event takes you through some of Central Otago's most spectacular countryside. Run, walk, or ride across wide open landscapes and exclusive private farmland, following historic water races, climbing rugged ridgelines, and soaking up breathtaking views along the way.
Think you can outrun a horse? Enter on foot or on horseback and find out, or simply come along to cheer on the competitors in one of New Zealand's most entertaining rural events.
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Ida Valley Winter Art Show
Showcasing a remarkable blend of artistry and innovation, local creators display their pieces at this annual exhibition. Held at the historic Oturehua Community Hall over Matariki weekend, you’ll find paintings, sculptures, ceramics, hand-made knives, and photography with many works available for purchase. The event is topped off with a prizegiving ceremony for the people’s choice winner.
Central Otago is alive with artistic energy, so any time of year, there’s plenty to discover in the region where creativity flourishes through every landscape.
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Under the Rough Ridge Writers' Retreat
Oturehua has become a magnet for writers and each October, creatives from across New Zealand gather in the spectacular Ida Valley to dedicate time and space for their projects.
Endless skies and sweeping landscapes inspire creativity during a week of slowing down, dedicating time, and connecting with other authors of all genres and experience levels. Attendees take part in communal meals, group discussions and workshops, and learn from one another, also hearing from talented guest speakers.
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Speight's Ale Trail
From the start at Wedderburn Tavern (our sister pub) to the finish at the Waipiata Country Hotel, the annual Speight's Ale Trail combines spectacular scenery with a great cause. Whether you're tackling the half marathon, running the 8 km sprint, joining the fun run, or enjoying a leisurely walk, you'll experience the breathtaking landscapes of the Maniototo while helping raise vital funds for the Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter Trust.
It's an event the whole community gets behind and one that's enjoyed by competitors and supporters of all ages.