WELCOME
Two great properties right in the heart of Omakau. The old Post Office and Postmasters house have been lovingly restored to provide a wonderful accommodation option. Ideal if you’re cycling the Otago Central Rail Trail, a holiday home option, attending the Omakau races or a wedding hosted by Central Otago Country Weddings
Within one minute of the Omakau Bedpost you’ll find:
TAKE A PEEK
SOME HISTORY
Omakau (meaning the place of the spouse) is both a service town for the surrounding farming land and a popular holiday destination.
The population of Omakau is approx 400 and the town is situated on SH 85 between Ranfurly and Alexandra on the north west bank of the Manuherikia River. The river begins in the far north of the Maniototo, flowing southwest for 85 kilometres where it joins with the Clutha River at Alexandra. During the 1860s the Manuherikia valley was one of the areas of the Central Otago Gold Rush.
The Omakau township was put on the map when the rail tracks from Ranfurly arrived. It was decided the railway would come through Omakau rather than Ophir as it would save the cost of a bridge over the Manuherikia River. The track opened on 1st September 1904. The railway continued through to Alexandra at the end of 1906. The Rail link closed in 1989.
The Post Office opened in Omakau on the 27th May 1937. Built of triple brick. The Post Masters residence was built on a separate title behind the Post Office. The Post Office doubled as the local telephone exchange and has a small telephone booth inside that we hope to restore in the future.
When the Post Office was eventually closed, the large safe door was removed, but the vault still remains. The Post Office space was subsequently used as a craft shop and then eventually converted to Rail Trail accommodation. Since then it’s been used as both Rail Trail accommodation and long term accommodation for workers establishing the first dairy farm in this valley.
In December 2013, we purchased the property and re-established it for what we think is the best purpose for these wonderful old buildings, and that is accommodation for Rail Trailers and holiday home customers.
LOCATION
CYCLING IN CENTRAL OTAGO
Central Otago provides a huge number of cycling options for all skill levels.
Omakau is located right on the Otago Central Rail Trail, and within 13 km of the most popular section of the the Rail Trail.
Out and back, or one way trips are available on this section from SheBikesHeBikes who are about 100m away from the accommodation. Check out SheBikesHeBikes day trip options here.
Omakau is only 25 minutes from Clyde where you can ride the Lake Dunstan Trail, Roxburgh Gorge Trail or a delightful Clutha loop ride between Clyde and Alexandra.