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Central Otago’s Rail Trail is increasingly boosting real estate fortunes in the area.
Several hotels have been advertised over the past couple of years as benefiting from the cycle trail and other outdoor activities in the area.
The latest is the historic Waipiata Country Hotel 10 km from Ranfurly, northwest of Dunedin.
The Central Otago Rail Trail runs through Waipiata town.
The pub dates from 1933 but has undergone considerable refurbishment over the past four years under its current owners who bought the property and business after visiting the hostelry while cycling on the trail.
Vendors Stephen and Sarah Jones also run the Patearoa Hotel about 16km away.
The country hotel has seven bedrooms and operates a 40-seat restaurant. It also has a manager’s residence.
An independent report commissioned by the Central Otago District Council on the economic benefits of the 150km rail trail highlighted an opportunity for retail and entertainment providers to capitalise on cyclist numbers. The average rail trail rider spends 4.3 nights on the journey.
Waipiata’s biggest claim to fame is the iron bridge, known locally as the Green Bridge, the only flood-free road crossing of the Taieri River in the Maniototo region. The bridge was built in 1896.
Chris Hutching for NBR NZ Property Investor
Thu, 19 Sep 2013
Thu, 19 Sep 2013
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Another pub offering on rail trail
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