Kokonga

The township of Kokonga was settled in the 1890′s as a railway workers camp providing the impetus for a more permanent settlement.  With the closure of the store and post office in 1980 and the closure of the railway in 1985, it was not to be.  However, this has lead to the retaining of a slice of paradise alongside the Otago Central Rail Trail and the Taieri River with superb fishing and the chance to take the time to relax.

Kokonga Lodge

Kokonga Lodge, just a few minutes drive from New Zealand’s only rural Art Deco town of Ranfurly and literally right beside one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions, the Otago Rail Trail, is the perfect choice.  Kokonga Lodge sits on a commanding elevated site with panoramic views across the Maniototo – landscapes that have inspired writers and artists for more than 100 years. The lodge offers six beautifully furnished and luxurious en suite rooms each of which have lovely rural or garden views … (more)

Hyde

Hyde (named after a former Mayor of Dunedin) is a typical gold rush era town.   Experiencing a huge amount of growth when the Otago Central Railway reached the general area in 1894, there were soon churches, hotels, a school, stonemason, baker etc.  Today, the town consists of function centre, hotel, cafe, eclectic craft shop and quaint holiday homes.

Otago Central Hotel

This original beauty overlooks the Rail Trail with all the grandeur of a gold mining country saloon.  Fabulous food, wine and accommodation provides one of the best stops on the Rail Trail. There’s the choice of four double rooms with ensuites, 2 doubles with shared facilities and 2 ’boutique’ suites and linen is supplied to clean and comfortable bunkroom accomodation for the more price conscious.  Courtesy transport is also available.  Evening meals are provided. Food and refreshment is also available in the café attached to the hotel. The café is generally closed from early June to September… (more)