Oturehua on the Otago Central Rail Trail
Oturehua is a tiny township in the Ida Valley, 25 minutes from Ranfurly and a key stop along the Otago Central Rail Trail. Despite its size, it punches above its weight in heritage and atmosphere. Framed by tussock-covered hills and wide skies, the town has long been a hub for farming life and local ingenuity, and it’s home to several iconic Central Otago landmarks.
Rail trail charm and dry country views
The Rail Trail runs directly through Oturehua, and it’s one of the most scenic stretches. From here, you can bike north toward the Poolburn Gorge tunnels or south toward Wedderburn. The landscape is classic Central Otago: dry grasslands, schist outcrops, and big skies that shift constantly with the light. Oturehua is also one of the highest points on the trail at 500 metres.
Māori and European history
The area around Oturehua was used seasonally by Ngāi Tahu for mahika kai (food gathering) and can mean “place where the summer stands still”, or “place where the summer star stands still”. It may relate to navigation or simply refer to the hot summers that would have prevailed during times of food gathering.
European settlers established the town as a rail and farming centre in the late 1800s. The post office, general store, and former schoolhouse still stand. Their character has been preserved, and they are often still in use.
Historic and Delightful Gilchrist’s Store
Gilchrist’s Store, operating since 1902, is one of New Zealand’s oldest continuously running general stores, as well as a stop for coffee. Inside, original shelving and vintage tins mix with modern supplies. You can also purchase local honey and artwork by Graham Sydney, arguably the most renowned artist in the region.
Across the road, the old Railway Hotel is now a popular accommodation spot for trail riders, and the area around the town is dotted with historical markers and relics from gold and coal exploration.
How to get there
Oturehua sits off SH85 between Ranfurly and Alexandra, roughly 2 hours from Queenstown. It’s easily reached by car or bike, with good signage from the highway and rail trail access from both directions.
Hayes Engineering Works, Idaburn Dam and Golden Progress Mine are very close by. Other small historic towns around the region include St Bathans, Ōmakau and Ophir.
