A popular stop on the Otago Central Rail Trail, the Art Deco town of Ranfurly looks after visitors with friendly accommodation and tasty meals.
Ranfurly was established in 1898 as a railhead for the Central Otago railway line. At the time, the neighbouring gold rush town of Naseby was the main centre of Maniototo, but because the railway bypassed Naseby, Ranfurly gradually took over as the administrative and economic centre of the area.
In the early 1930s Ranfurly's increased status, coupled with several suspicious building fires, created a demand for a large number of new buildings. Art Deco was the architectural style of the time, and before too long Ranfurly was smartly outfitted with jazz-age buildings. This trend wasn't short-lived, because the local architect and builder continued to build Art Deco houses long after the fashion had faded.
Today, Ranfurly's beautiful buildings have been enthusiastically restored to their former glory. A highlight is the Centennial Milk Bar, which now houses a fascinating Art Deco museum. Browsers will also enjoy the second-hand Art Deco furniture and fittings shop, and the self-guided Art Deco walk. And if you're around in February, be sure to fit in Ranfurly's Art Deco festival.
As a popular stop on the Otago Central Rail Trail cycle journey, Ranfurly offers a choice of eating places and a broad range of accommodation, including motels, hotels, backpacker lodges and a camping ground.
Functional facts: Approx. population 710, i-SITE Visitor Centre, range of shops, medical centre, fuel.
Located beside the Otago Central Rail Trail, Hawkdun Lodge offers free Wi-Fi and free BBQ facilities. All accommodation boasts a flat-screen TV with satellite channels.Hawkdun Lodge Ranfurly is 3 minutes’ drive from Maniototo Golf Course and Ranfurly Medical Centre. Queenstown Airport is a 2-hour drive away.In the evening you can prepare a meal in the commun... (more)
Offering stunning views of the Kakanui Mountain Ranges or the lovely gardens, Kokonga Lodge offers B&B accommodation with free Wi-Fi and free parking. Guests also enjoy free use of bicycles to explore the area.An ideal stop on the Otago Central Rail Trail, Kokonga Lodge Otago is 120 km from Dunedin and 190 km from Queenstown. Local activities include gold-pa... (more)
Ranfurly Holiday Park & Motels is 500 metres from Ranfurly’s town centre, where various dining options, shops and the sports stadium are located. It offers a barbecue area, a shared kitchen and free parking on site.All apartments have a private bathroom and a well equipped kitchenette. Guests can also choose to stay in rooms with shared kitchen and bathroom ... (more)
We are the rural Art Deco hotel of the South Island, conveniently situated on the Central Otago Rail Trail, which has become an icon of this area. Thousands of people bike the trail every year to see wide open spaces and beautiful snow-capped mountains in winter.
HISTORIC HOTEL OFFERS:
Delicious meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner in our Art Deco res... (more)
