Southern Destinations: March 22, 2018

MARCH 2018 | clyde
soutHeRn HolidAy destinAtions | 21
exploring central otago
by bike
olivers in clyde
Established in 1869 by merchant
Benjamin Naylor, Olivers in Clyde is one of
Central Otago’s most significant historic
landmarks with a Heritage NZ category one
listing. Naylor saw financial opportunity in
provisioning the many miners that flocked
to the region’s goldfields and for
over 100 years the buildings
have continued to provide
essential supplies and
sustenance to locals and
weary travellers alike.
Today’s owners, David
and Andrea Ritchie took
over Olivers 8 years
ago, meticulously and
sympathetically restoring
the buildings and relaunching
its boutique
accommodation. Eleven en
suited rooms within the old
stables and the original homestead
blend the old with the new, creating a
contemporary ambience integrally linked
with bygone days.
The final step in the refurbishment was
the re-opening of the restaurant in 2015,
within the stone walls of the original
Victoria Store. Fresh, clean flavours are the
hallmark of cuisine at Olivers Restaurant,
featuring superb local and seasonal
produce and where a “level of uniqueness’’
is providing diners with a memorable
experience.
Also, established on site is the
Victoria Store Brewery and
Bar, while a new extension
houses the Merchant of
Clyde Café and Deli. The
brewery offers a fine
selection of craft beers
on tap, while the café’s
house-made goods
cater for early morning
customers starting the
Otago Central Rail Trail and
those wishing to relax during
the day from the rush of the
world, have a coffee and fresh local
pastry in the courtyard!
Enjoy an architectural, historic and
gastronomic delight on your next visit to
Clyde or, for more information visit www.
olivers.co.nz
Scenic, historic and peppered with
some of our best vineyards, Central
Otago has become a mecca for
cyclists of all ages. There’s no better
way to explore the district, than to
team up with Bike It Now! Based in the
historic town of Clyde and centrally
located for people to ride all of the
region’s trails, Bike It Now! is owned
and operated by Duncan, Fletch and
Lisa, all residents of Clyde.
Bike It Now! offers top quality cycle
hire, full day (One Day Wonders!) and
multi day tours which accommodate
riders of all abilities. Their fleet with
its new Trek Roscoe 7’s with features
such as 27+ wheels and tyres for a
super smooth ride. All hire bikes have;
ergonomic grips, hydraulic disc brakes,
puncture resistant tyres, drop down
panniers, high spec componentry
and….. yes, plush padded seats too!
Bike It Now! has the latest Avanti
Discovery 3 bikes for those who
prefer a more upright riding style,
while their fleet of Scott and Haibike
E-bikes provide increased power via E
Technology supplied by Bosch if your
own pedal power is not quite enough!
As E-bike specialists with both rental
and purchase options, Bike It Now’s
Kathryn Fletcher says “E-bikes allow
more visitors to explore the many trails
of Central Otago, let social groups
of varying experience and ability to
ride together and encourage healthy
outdoor activity among people of all
ages.”
The company also has a selection of
kids’ bikes, baby seats, weehoos and
“tow- behinds” so that families can get
on their bikes too. Bike It Now! is also
a Trek, Scott, Avanti, Hai-bike, Merida
and Smart Motion authorised dealer,
selling a wide range of bikes including
the largest range of e bikes in the
South Island as well as accessories
and clothing (including Mons Royale,
Madison and Leatt) required by
cyclists. This is complemented by a
full workshop. The company operates
7 days a week and is only closed on
Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Some of the region’s most popular
trails include:
Wedderburn - this 2 day delight via
Poolburn Gorge includes transport
to Wedderburn and overnight stay in
Lauder.
Otago Central Rail Trail (152km), the
original great ride that you can do one
of our “One Day Wonders” or two day
“Fantastic Rides” if on a time limit,
otherwise 3 – 5 days is the way to go!
Clutha Gold Trail 73km from
Roxburgh Dam to Lawrence follows
the mighty Clutha River.
Roxburgh Gorge Trail (34km) is a
premier one day recreational cycle
trail that can join the Clutha Gold Trail
to make a 3 day ride between Clyde
and Lawrence.
Other New Zealand cycle trails can
be booked by arrangement with Bike
It Now! For further information and
“on your bike” inspiration visit www.
bikeitnow.co.nz
dunstan House - clyde
Located in the historic township of
Clyde, Dunstan House is an iconic building
offerings boutique bed and breakfast
accommodation amid heritage precinct
architecture and ambience.
With its origins in 1865 during the height
of the Otago gold rush, the existing
building was constructed in 1898. Fully
restored, earthquake strengthened and
modernised, it retains its historic charm.
Guests are treated to elegant rooms, each
with individual décor and modern facilities
that retain the historic feel, including those
deep claw-foot baths for a relaxing soak.
These are complemented by authentic
architectural features that include the
original ceilings and wall panelling, the
elegant handmade wooden staircase and
bike it now!
“Sensational Service”
Muzza_W23 Trip Advisor
“Couldn’t Ask for More”
Hamish 2018
“Freedom machines and all the thinking done for you!”
roserandom Trip Advisor
thick stone walls. The colonial veranda
begs visitors to relax and absorb the
timeless atmosphere.
The proud owners, Meredith and Ian
Kerrisk and their family, are also your
hosts. They maintain a discreet presence
while ensuring a relaxed “home away from
home” atmosphere.
Clyde is a recognised and popular tourist
destination. Travellers who, a century ago,
used to arrive on foot, by Cobb and Co
stagecoach, or on horseback, now arrive
by bus, car or bike as they explore the rail
trail and many other local attractions.
Dunstan House hosts guests from all over
the world and throughout New Zealand
and has a proud history of providing a
memorable and unique experience.
• Top quality bike hire
including e-bike specialists
• Bike retail
• Bike tours
• Itinerary planning
• Transport; including door to door
from Queenstown
• Otago Central Rail Trail
• Roxburgh Gorge Trail
• Clutha Gold Trail
• Half-day to multi-day rides
• www.bikeitnow.co.nz
• 0800 BIkenOw (245366)
• 25 Holloway St, Historic Clyde
• Facebook/bikeitnow
Clyde - Central Otago
This beautifully restored 1899 Heritage Hotel on main street historic
Clyde offers a unique boutique bed and breakfast experience.
Room rates are:
Deluxe suite: $260
Individual period ensuite rooms: $190-$220
Double period rooms with share bathroom facilities:
$130-$180
Rates effective from 1st September 2017 – 1st September 2018
Central Heating • WIFI • Guest Lounge • Part of the Heritage Precinct
29 Sunderland Street, Clyde Ph 449-2295
info@dunstanhouse.co.nz | www.dunstanhouse.co.nz
Your hosts: Meredith and Ian Kerrisk
Set within one of Otago’s most significant heritage
buildings, enjoy the fresh local flavours of award
winning Olivers Restaurant.
Taste craft beer brewed onsite or visit the Merchant of
Clyde café-bakery-deli for Hummingbird coffee and
delicious baked goods and our own range of preserves
and condiments.
Olivers Lodge and Stables provides luxurious heritage
accommodation in 11 en-suited rooms, within a
beautiful courtyard setting.
34 Sunderland Street, Clyde | P 03 449 2600
bookings@olivers.co.nz | www.olivers.co.nz