Things to do in St Bathans
There are so many things to do in St Bathans and the surrounding Central Otago area.
Sit back, relax and do nothing!
That’s right, do nothing. Spend the day in the sun on the verandah of the Constables Cottage and watch the light and colours change on Blue Lake below. Light a fire in winter and enjoy a good book. St Bathans is great for those after a bit of rest and recreation. |
Walk around the Blue LakeTake an easy short walk (30 min to an hour) around the Blue Lake. Look at the old sluicings and remnants of the goldmining days on the Department of Conservation walkway around the Blue Lake. |
Explore St Bathans Gold Mining townExplore St Bathans and its buildings. An old mining town with a rich history in Central Otago, read more about the historic places and structures in St Bathans by visiting Heritage New Zealand. The Vulcan Hotel, St Bathans Hall and St Albans church are just some of the St Bathans listed heritage structures. Enter St Bathans in the location box on the Heritage NZ website for more information. |
Walk two minutes to the Vulcan HotelPossibly the best scones in New Zealand, the Vulcan Hotel can book out in busy season so be sure to book if you’re travelling at peak times. |
Adventure horse trekkingThis company, based in Waimate, takes guests horse trekking through the Dunstan Ranges and other locations between St Bathans and Omarama. St Bathans - and our Police Camp - are often a destination for these trekkers after a couple of nights in mountain huts. After accommodation with basic facilities, the Constable's Cottage and the Jail are luxurious. |
Oteake Conservation ParkOteake Conservation Park covers large tracts of the St Bathans, Ewe, Hawkdun, Ida and St Marys ranges, and parts of the upper Manuherikia Basin. |
The Blue Lake - the lakes ambience sound libraryThis video was made by Tim Prebble who stayed in the jail. The Blue Lake at St Bathans is the last of these lakes. Read his testimonial here |
The Otago Central Rail TrailMake a stay at the Constables Cottage and St Bathans Jail part of a bicycle tour on the Otago Rail Trail; the most popular rail trail in New Zealand. Oturehua is just 18 km away. |
Ice-skating and Curling - NasebyGo ice-skating and curling at Naseby or Alexandra. Naseby is indoor and open all year round for ice-skating and curling. Curling is something a little different that’s fun for all the family. Give it a go! |
Alexandra IceInLineIce-skating and curling in Alexandra is from May to June and outdoors. Curling is something a little different that’s fun for all the family. Get your skates on! |
Visit Art Deco RanfurlyAre you a fan of Art Deco? If so you have to visit Ranfurly. It has the only Art Deco Museum in the Southern Hemisphere; the Rural Art Deco Gallery. Check out the Rural Art Deco Ranfurly Walk. |
Visit Ophir and the Daniel O’Connell Memorial BridgeOphir is another historic gold mining town with a rich history in Central Otago, The Daniel O’Connell Memorial Bridge is one of the last surviving suspension bridges in Otago and part of the Central Otago Rail Trail. The town has a lot of beautiful historic stone buildings and one had a predominantly Irish gold rush population. |
Book a stay at St Bathans Constables Cottage and JailThe Constables Cottage can have up to six people, with three bedrooms. One with two single beds, and two with queen-size beds. The jail offers one bedroom with queen size bed and ensuite bathroom. Two of St Bathans’ original buildings, they have a strong sense of history, while also having modern conveniences. Both include a simple, continental breakfast. Check availability and book online today. |
