Roxburgh

Roxburgh is a small, sun-baked town in Central Otago, best known for its stone fruit orchards and the mighty Clutha River that rolls right through its centre. It’s the kind of place you slow down for – not because you have to, but because the pace of life here is contagious. Summer brings roadside stalls piled high with apricots, peaches, and nectarines, while the surrounding hills and river gorges offer a serene backdrop for walking, fishing, and gold-mining history.

Highlights & What to See

• Roxburgh Gorge Trail – a walking and cycling track that hugs the Clutha River, cutting through dramatic schist rock walls and past historic gold workings. It’s part of the Otago Central Rail Trail network, so you can ride right into town.
• Roxburgh Dam & Lake Roxburgh – the dam creates a broad, calm lake that’s popular for kayaking, jet-boating, and trout fishing. The viewpoint from the dam wall is worth the short detour.
• Fruit Orchards & Roadside Stalls – from December to March, the fruit is at its peak. Stop at any of the honesty-box stalls for a bag of sun-warmed apricots or a jar of local honey.
• Roxburgh Museum – a small but charming museum housed in the old post office, telling the story of the town’s gold-rush roots and orchard heritage.
• Jimmy’s Pies – a local institution. Grab a mince-and-cheese pie and eat it on the riverbank – it’s the quintessential Roxburgh experience.

Suggested Time to Spend

A half-day is enough to explore the town centre, visit the museum, and sample some fruit. If you’re cycling or walking the Roxburgh Gorge Trail, allow a full day – the trail is 14 km one way, so you can ride out and back or arrange a shuttle. For a relaxed overnight stop, book a cabin at the Roxburgh Campground or a room in the historic Roxburgh Hotel, and spend the evening by the river.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Alexandra – just 40 km north, with its own fruit region, the Alexandra Clock, and the start of the Otago Central Rail Trail.
• Millers Flat – a tiny settlement with a historic bridge and another section of the river trail, perfect for a short walk.
• Te Anau & Fiordland – a longer drive (about 3 hours) but a stunning route through the Eyre Mountains, leading to the gateway of Milford and Doubtful Sounds.
• Queenstown – about 2.5 hours west, via the Crown Range Road, offering world-class adventure activities and lake scenery.
• Dunedin – 2 hours southeast, with its Victorian architecture, wildlife on the Otago Peninsula, and the famous Baldwin Street.

Please check official sources for current details.