Oturehua Tavern: A Great Stop on the Otago Rail Trail
by Kakapo2
I am sure this accommodation is not as flash as others but we found it glorious. Of course, you find every clean bed and shower glorious after a day on the bicycle when your back and neck are sore. But still I think this container-cottage behind the Oturehua Tavern where we stayed for a night on the Otago Rail Trail was very nice.
Somehow this village is in the middle of nowhere - a feeling that you get rather often in Central Otago. When we arrived there no other guests were around, just one local in the bar, and he soon left. The owner told us that sometimes they have busloads of tourists for lunch, so it must be busy at times. Not so during our visit, and that was wonderful. It was already mid-afternoon when we arrived, and you could feel the peace of the place. No noise, nearly no cars passing on the main road - and in your room you would not hear this anyway as the container-cottage is sitting behind the main building, nearly closer to the Rail Trail than to the road.
The rooms are simple but clean, and that is all you need after a day on the bike. They are motel-like with an extra kitchen sink and crockery. The beds were separate singles but we did not mind ;-)
We could store our bicycles at a safe place which was good. And there were washing lines in front of the rooms, so we could wash our sweaty gear and hang it out to dry.
The meals in the tavern were rustic and came in good portions. Do not expect health food ;-) The woman of the house was out, the owner had to cook and did it very well. Steak, chips and salad can be highly recommended.
They also have a beer garden and BBQ.
Across the road is Gilchrist's Store which is an interesting historic general store from 18something.