Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The scenic
Taieri Gorge Railway
( 03-477 4449;
www.taieri.co.nz
; Sun May-Sep,Fri & Sun Oct-Apr)
has only limited runs between Dunedin and Middlemarch; most services end at Pukerangi
Station, 20km away. Both of the main cycle companies offer shuttles to Dunedin, Puker-
angi and the Rail Trail towns.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Ranfurly & Around
POP 663
After a series of fires in the 1930s, Ranfurly was rebuilt in the architectural style of the
day, and a few attractive art deco buildings still line its sleepy main drag. The teensy town
is trying hard to cash in on this meagre legacy, calling itself the 'South Island's art deco
capital' and holding an annual
Art Deco Festival
(
www.ranfurlyartdeco.co.nz
)
on the last weekend of
February. There's even an Art Deco Museum in the admittedly fabulous Centennial Milk
Bar building on the main street.
For a self-guided tour, grab a copy of the
Rural Art Deco - Ranfurly Walk
brochure
the old train station. While you're there, check out the local history and Sports Hall of
Fame displays.
To explore the rugged terrain made famous by noted local landscape artist Grahame
Sydney, contact
Maniototo 4WD Safaris
(
03-444 9703;
www.maniototo4wdsafaris.co.nz
; half-/full day
$130/190)
.
There are a couple of cafes in town and an old pub which serves meals and rents rooms.
Sleeping
Peter's Farm Lodge
( 03-444 9811;
www.petersfarm.co.nz
; 113 Tregonning Rd, Waipiata; per person $55)
Set on a sheep farm
13km south of Ranfurly, this rustic 1882 farmhouse offers comfy beds, hearty barbecue
dinners ($25) and free pick-ups from the rail trail. Kayaks, fishing rods and gold pans are
all available, so it's worth staying a couple of nights. Further beds are available in neigh-
bouring Tregonnings Cottage (1882).
LODGE
$
Hawkdun Lodge
MOTEL
$$
