Roxburgh

Roxburgh is a sleepy fruit-growing town on the banks of the Clutha River in Central Otago, famous for its summer stone fruit and the towering Roxburgh Dam. It's a classic Kiwi country stop that rewards travellers with genuine hospitality, historic gold-mining relics, and some of the best summer stone fruit you'll ever taste.

Highlights & What to See

• Roxburgh Gorge Trail – One of New Zealand's Great Rides, this 14km cycle-and-walk trail hugs the Clutha River through dramatic schist rock canyons, with e-bike hire available in town.
• Roxburgh Dam – A massive concrete hydro dam built in the 1950s; take the short walk across the top for views up and down the lake and river.
• Fruit orchards and farm gates – In summer (January–February), roadside stalls overflow with juicy apricots, peaches, nectarines, and cherries. Pick your own at orchards like Ettrick Gardens or Roxburgh Fruit Packing.
• Jimmy's Pies – A legendary bakery serving award-winning pies (try the apricot chicken) and fruit ice creams made from local stone fruit.
• Gold mining history – Explore the historic gold-mining settlement of Teviot (just north) and the ghost town of Ophir, with its 1880s post office and bridge.
• Roxburgh River Trails – Gentle walking and cycling paths along the Clutha, perfect for a post-pie stroll.

Suggested Time to Spend

Roxburgh works best as a half-day stopover or an overnight stay if you're cycling the Roxburgh Gorge Trail. Most visitors spend 2–3 hours exploring the town, grabbing a pie, and walking across the dam. If you're doing the full trail loop (including the boat shuttle across Lake Roxburgh), budget 4–5 hours. The town itself is compact, so you won't need more than a day unless you're picking fruit or fishing.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Alexandra – 35km northeast, with its own fruit trail, historic precinct, and the famous clock on the hill.
• Clyde – 55km northeast, a beautifully preserved gold-rush town with great cafes and the Clyde Dam.
• Queenstown – 1.5 hours west via the Crown Range or Kawarau Gorge, for adventure and lake scenery.
• Dunedin – 2 hours southeast via SH8 and SH1, for wildlife and Victorian architecture.
• Catlins – 2.5 hours south, for rugged coastal scenery, waterfalls, and penguin colonies.

Please check official sources for current details.