Roxburgh

Roxburgh is a sleepy Central Otago town that punches well above its weight, thanks to a sublime setting on the banks of the Clutha River and a landscape quilted with orchards, vineyards and rocky schist outcrops. It’s the heart of New Zealand’s stone-fruit region, and when the summer sun ripens the cherries, apricots and peaches, you can taste the essence of Otago in every bite. The town’s old-school main street feels like a time capsule, while the river offers swimming, fishing and kayaking. Roxburgh is a perfect slow-travel pause between Queenstown and the Catlins.

Highlights & What to See

• Roxburgh Gorge – hike or mountain-bike the Roxburgh Gorge Trail, a spectacular 13.5 km section of the Otago Central Rail Trail that weaves through towering schist cliffs and past the historic Roxburgh Dam.
• Cherry picking – in summer, visit local orchards like Roxburgh Cherries or Cheeki Cherries to pick your own sun-warmed fruit (or buy bags from roadside stalls).
• Roxburgh Dam & Lake Roxburgh – walk across the hydro dam for views up the lake, then picnic on the grassy banks below. The lake is great for kayaking and trout fishing.
• Jimmy’s Pies – a legendary local bakery on the main street, famous for its flaky mince-and-cheese pies and fruit pies made with local stone fruit.
• Roxburgh Museum – a small but charming museum in the former post office, telling the story of the town’s gold-mining and fruit-growing heritage.
• Clutha River walks – several short trails along the river, including the Roxburgh River Track, which offers easy walking under giant poplars and willows.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors find a half-day to a full day in Roxburgh sufficient. If you’re cycling the Otago Central Rail Trail, you’ll likely stop for a night – the town has a handful of motels, B&Bs and a holiday park. For a day trip from Queenstown (1.5 hours’ drive), allow at least three hours to explore the gorge, grab a pie and wander the main street. Summer visitors should plan to hit an orchard in the morning before the heat sets in.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Alexandra – 30 minutes north, with the famous Clock on the Hill, more orchard stalls and the start of the Otago Central Rail Trail.
• Millers Flat – a tiny settlement 15 minutes south, with a beautiful historic bridge and a great swimming hole.
• Lawrence – 40 minutes south, a gold-rush town with a lovely main street and the Gabriel’s Gully historic reserve.
• Queenstown – 1.5 hours west, the adventure capital of New Zealand, easily combined as a day trip or stop on a longer itinerary.
• The Catlins – 2.5 hours south, a wild coastal area with waterfalls, penguins and sea lions – a perfect contrast to Roxburgh’s inland orchards.

Please check official sources for current details.