Discover Duntroon

At the Museum of the Vanished World, geological history and landscape come together in Duntroon. The museum is the centre of the Vanished World Trail; historic sites and the Duntroon Wetlands offer other points of interest. The range extends from fossils from ancient marine ecosystems to traces of small businesses and a path through wetlands.

Fossils and landscapes along the trail

Through its exhibits, the museum explains fossils, rocks, fossil sites and landforms along the trail. The fossils include whales, dolphins and invertebrates. They offer insight into Oligocene marine ecosystems from around 20 to 30 million years ago. This timespan puts the finds into context; the exhibits also show how fossils, rocks and fossil sites relate to the landforms along the trail.

A fossil preparation room gives children their first hands-on experience with fossils. This chance to try things out complements the exhibits: visitors planning a trip to Duntroon with children will find a practical activity here beyond simply looking at the displays. For families who want to explore natural history together, the museum combines geological topics with a hands-on activity.

Crafts, history and architecture

Nicol's Blacksmith Shop is a Category I historic site and a rare, well-preserved representative example of the small businesses found in small New Zealand towns in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Its tools and fittings have been preserved. The focus is therefore not only on the historic blacksmith shop, but also on its work tools and furnishings.

Duntroon's jail was originally built in 1910 and has been restored; it offers a glimpse into the past. Together with Nicol's Blacksmith Shop, it illustrates two different aspects of local history: a jail building and a historic blacksmith shop with its original fittings preserved. At Saint Martin's Anglican Church, the focus is on architecture. The church invites visitors to admire its design.

Wetlands and trails

The Duntroon Wetlands are home to a variety of insect and bird species. The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail passes through the wetlands. There is also a wheelchair-accessible path, suitable for a leisurely walk or cycling. This offers different ways to explore the wetlands: the route of the Cycle Trail and a path for walks or bike rides. If you are planning a ride on the trail, check the latest trail information in advance.

The seventh section of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail can also be described in specific terms: the route between Kurow and Duntroon is 27 km long, rated easy for fitness and ability, and has a difficulty grade of 2. These details help distinguish the stage from a leisurely walk or bike ride on the Wetlands path. They are two different planning considerations: a designated cycling stage with a set length and rating, and a path through the wetlands offering the walking and cycling options mentioned above.

Choose accommodation to suit your travel plans

There is a campground at Duntroon Domain; availability may change. Check in advance if you are planning to stay there overnight. If you are looking for a hotel, you can also tailor your search to the interests you want to focus on during your stay.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Oamaru, Herbert, Otematata, Black Point, Kakanui, Waianakarau, Kurow, Hampden.

Back to the regional travel overview: Waitaki District.