Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Ophir lays claim to the country's largest range of temperatures: from -21.6°C to 35°C
(Alexandra, just up the road, once recorded a temperature of 38°C).
Sleeping & Eating
Muddy Creek Cutting
B&B $$$
( 03-447 3682;
www.muddycreekcutting.co.nz
;
SH85, Lauder; per person $80)
Art fills the
walls of this charmingly restored 1930s mudbrick farmhouse, with five bedrooms that
share two bathrooms. Dinners with a local, organic spin are also available ($55 per per-
son).
Omakau Commercial Hotel
PUB $$$
( 03-447 3715;
www.omakauhotel.co.nz
; 1 Harvey St, Omakau; s with/without bathroom from
$79/55, d from 109/105; )
There's an old-fashioned ambience to this venerable pub,
where good-value rooms, excellent food and local company are all on tap. The bedrooms
don't have televisions or kettles, but these are available in the guest lounge downstairs.
Chatto Creek Tavern
HOTEL $$$
( 03-447 3710;
www.chattocreektavern.co.nz
; 1544 SH85, Chatto Creek; dm/s/d without bath-
room $50/90/120)
Dating from 1886, this attractive stone hotel sits right beside the Rail
Trail and highway, 10km southwest of Omakau. Pop in for a whitebait fritter (in season)
or steak sandwich, or rest your weary calf muscles in a dorm bed or double room. Rates
include breakfast.
Pitches Store
B&B, RESTAURANT $$$
$$$
( 03-447 3240;
www.pitches-store.co.nz
;
45 Swindon St, Ophir; r $250, brunch $9-19, dinner
$33-35; restaurant 10am-late daily Nov-May, 11am-late Fri-Mon Jun-Oct)
Formerly a general
store and butcher, this heritage building has been sensitively transformed into six elegant
guest rooms and a humdinger of a restaurant. Exposed-stone walls may speak of the past
but the menu is stridently contemporary.
Stationside Cafe
CAFE $
(Lauder-Matakanui Rd, Lauder; mains $8-18; 7am-5pm Oct-Apr)
Home baking and country
cooking are showcased at this great little trailside place. Options include healthy salads,
sandwiches, soups and pasta.
Muddy Creek Cafe
CAFE $
