PATEAROA

In one corner of the Maniototo lies the tiny township of Patearoa, again another settlement occurring as the result of goldmining.  Called Sowburn when mining began, it relied on nearby Hamiltons for many of its needs but by 1890 a post office, store, blacksmith, and a bakery/butcher were established. Today there is a nine hole golf course, bowling green and tennis courts, but the hotel and garage are the only remaining commercial entities. An early storekeeper, Robert McSkimming, toured the goldfields with a cart, selling his wares.  His wife was the postmistress, and his nickname is remembered on the old store building, Crockery Bob's.  A legacy of those far off days is the remains of a small Chinese settlement which can be reached by the Sowburn Walkway, a recently opened walking track. Patearoa is now host to a number of crib (holiday home) owners.   The Maniototo Irrigation Scheme, situated in this predominantly farming community, is also an attraction for visitors to the area. Patearoa is used as a base by many fishermen, who return to the area year after year to try their luck with the extraordinary fish that inhabit the Taieri River and its extensive wetlands area.