Omakau: Gold mining history on the Rail Trail

Omakau lies on the Otago Central Rail Trail and has a rich gold mining history. This former mining town is in a region historically shaped by gold mining. It makes a suitable stop for cyclists and their companions to spend the night or take a refreshment break. Visitors interested in history and historic buildings will also find plenty to explore in Omakau.

Gold mining history and historic buildings

The Omakau Commercial Hotel at 1 Harvey St was Omakau’s first homestead. It was built in 1898 as Pomona House on a 200-acre farm. Behind the hotel is the Old Stone Stable, a historic building dating from 1898 that was originally associated with Omakau’s first homestead.

The churches are also local attractions. St Mary’s Anglican Church is listed in the Central Otago District Plan register of historic buildings, places, sites and objects. To the north of Omakau, St Peter’s Catholic Church stands on a hill.

Visitors can stroll past historic buildings in Omakau and learn about the town’s earlier gold mining history. This combines a walk through the town with a glimpse of its past, without requiring a longer tour to be the main focus.

Cycling, golf and events

The Otago Central Rail Trail shapes the visitor experience in Omakau: the town is a suitable place for cyclists and their companions to stay overnight or take a refreshment break. The town area of Omakau is listed as a parking location for this section of the trail. Check local parking options before you arrive.

Just before Omakau, there is a picnic and rest area at Thomson’s Creek. Omakau also has a 9-hole golf course with beautiful views. Check the current course status before your trip. Alongside cycling and a walk through the town, these offer more options for planning your day.

The Central Otago A&P Show in Omakau includes equestrian competitions, among other events. If you want to plan your visit around the show, check the dates and programme details in advance.

Central Otago District: landscapes and routes

The wider travel destination of Central Otago District offers another regional perspective. The Bannockburn Sluicings are a scarred landscape shaped by a brief gold mining era. A range of tracks make it possible to explore on foot or by bike. Here, the gold mining history is experienced through the landscape, while Omakau offers a different perspective through its town history and buildings.

The Roxburgh Gorge Trail follows the Clutha Mata-au River past eroded rock faces and old gold mining sites. The trip involves a 21-kilometre bike ride and a 13-kilometre boat trip; the trail is graded 2–3 and designed for a one-day tour. In the same wider destination, the Otago Central Rail Trail is 152 kilometres long, graded 1 and suited to tours of one to five days. It can be ridden in either direction, with access at various points. The details on distance, difficulty and duration make it easier to compare the one-day combination of cycling and boating with a longer trail tour.

Art and culture are also part of the region’s offerings: the Central Otago Arts Trail provides opportunities to visit galleries and meet artists in their studios. Visitors can also explore sculptures and murals along the trail, each with its own story.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Clyde, Patearoa, Naseby, Waipiata, Conroys Gully, Coal Creek Flat, Earnscleugh, Lindis Valley.

For the wider travel overview: Central Otago District.