The region prospered on the basis of Central Otago gold in the 19th century, and today there still remain many fine old buildings that are a legacy of those times.
A tangible link with gold mining - Mitchells Cottage is one of the best examples of a stone mason's craft in New Zealand.
The cottage was built by gold miner, Andrew Mitchell, for his brother John and sister in law Jessie. Andrew began the project in 1880 and using local stone built the cottage using stone masonary techniques he had learnt from his father at home in the Shetland Islands.
Building the cottage became a long term project. It was finally completed in 1904 with 5 bedrooms and housed John and Jessies' family of 10 children.
The cottage stands amongst large schist rock tors with a fantastic view over Fruitlands Valley.
Andrew Mitchell planted holly, spruce and other trees that remain today. He has also left another legacy of of his remarkable skill - a sun dial chipped out of solid block.
The cottage was purchased a historic reserve in 1980 and is located some 10 minutes south of Alexandra on State Highway 8 heading towards Roxburgh.
Easily Accessible From The Trail
Ophir Bridge
Constructed between 1879 and 1880, this attractive structure is a characteristic example of Central Otago suspension bridges with schist masonry towers.
Hayes Engineering
Hayes Engineering Works & Homestead is the former home and engineering works of the gifted inventor Earnest Hayes and his family.
Golden Progress Mine
The Golden Progress mine was worked by three lignite-fired boilers, two for the Poppet Head to drive the winding gear and one to drive the battery further down the g…
Ophir Post Office
Ophir's wealth can be measured in heritage buildings – especially the Ophir Post and Telegraph Office, which is the longest running Post Office in the country.
Gilchrists Store
The oldest continuously trading store in New Zealand – you can buy goods here, but it is also like a “living museum”.
Lower Manorburn Dam
The Lower Manorburn dam is one of the most commonly frozen pieces of ice in New Zealand.
If You Have A Little More Time
Buster Diggings
Located within Oteake Conservation Park, Buster Diggings is a spectacular sculptural landform created by alluvial gold mining and was once New Zealand’s highest alti…
Mitchells Cottage
A tangible link with goldmining - Mitchells Cottage is one of the best surviving examples of the stonemason's craft in New Zealand.
Hamiltons
Hamiltons was named after the pastoral station owner, who controlled the land at the time of the gold discovery in 1863.