Between Queenstown and Dunedin lies a land of awesome skies and country hospitality. Here are some of the top activities, sights, and attractions near Middlemarch in Central Otago.

Middlemarch

Middlemarch is an hour’s drive from Dunedin and a wonderful introduction to the ‘big sky country’ of Otago. Nestled at the foot of the Rock and Pillar Range, this rural town is known for the Otago Central Rail Trail that starts or ends here, depending on which way you ride. The Otago Rail Trail is a 150km walking and cycling track that follows the historic train route from Middlemarch to Clyde.

The scenery is spectacular any time of the year. In summer, heat devils dance above the rocks and tussock, whereas wintertime brings a blanket of hoar frost and snow-tipped mountainsides. In winter, most businesses reliant on tourists close, so it is best to check ahead. However, you’ll find good tucker, beverages, and company at the Kissing Gate Café, historic Strath Taieri Hotel, or Maggie’s Dairy.

Other attractions in Middlemarch include:

• Middlemarch Museum (check the opening hours before you visit)
• Cycle hire shops (usually closed in winter)
• The annual Singles’ Ball
• Foulden Maar fossil site
• Go hiking up the Rock and Pillar Range (advanced tampers only – 1000m+ ascent, avoid the winter avalanche season)
• Visit Macraes gold mine
• Experience star gazing at its best thanks to low light pollution
• Photography: capture stunning vistas, wildlife, and astrophotography

If you’re lucky, you might spot the ‘Taieri Pet’ that forms above the Strath Taieri in certain winds. The pet is a distinctive cloud that looks like stacked dinner plates.

Sutton Salt Lake

Sutton Salt Lake is New Zealand’s only saline lake, situated 10km south of Middlemarch township. The high salinity of the water is caused by the weathering of surrounding rock. In periods of low rainfall, the lake often dries up completely. A walking track (approx. an hour return) leaves from the carpark in a paddock. After rain, the track can get quite marshy, so sturdy, waterproof footwear is recommended.

Directions: Turn onto the gravel Kidds Road off Highway 87 (on your left going north). Continue until you see the small DOC sign on the left and parking area on the grass.

Natural attractions: Golden tussock, matagouri with vicious thorns, and enormous stacks of schist. Spot sheep roaming between the tors ad kāhu (harrier hawks) lazily circling on the updrafts. Also keep an eye out for the rare Kārearea (NZ falcon). Amazingly, this area was once covered in thick forest and Māori travelled the lands as they hunted for Moa. Since the goldrushes of the 1860s, the bush was cleared in for sheep stations.

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Want to learn more about the Otago Rail Trail?

I’d recommend the Otago Rail Trail if you’re seeking wholesome adventure, whether you’re solo or with friends and family. Here’s some handy packing & tips for cycling the Otago Rail Trail. You can also learn from my crazy first-hand experience (full of laughs, ups and downs) here.

Need to hire a bike? Learn about affordable hire options in Dunedin.

Travelling further around Otago? Check out Central Otago – A World of Difference for highlights and activities in the Maniototo region.