Exploring the Historic Hamlet of Ophir
Ophir is a small settlement located about 30 km north of Alexandra, at the southern end of the Manuherikia Valley in Central Otago. Situated just off State Highway 85, Ophir was once a bustling gold rush town with over 1,000 residents in the 1860s. Today, it has a population of approximately 50, but it remains a testament to the charm of historic buildings and local stories.
A Town with Fascinating Stories
Ophir's history is rich with interesting tales. Originally named Blacks, the town was renamed Ophir following the discovery of gold. The name references the legendary goldmines of King Solomon. Another notable aspect of Ophir is its climate. On 3 July 1995, the town recorded New Zealand's second-lowest official temperature of -21.6 °C. In contrast, Summers in Ophir are typically dry and hot, and the region has one of the widest temperature ranges in the country.
While in the Manuherikia Valley, take a detour from Ōmakau on State Highway 85 to explore the local café or Blacks pub. The hamlet is also only a short ride from the nearby Central Otago Rail Trail.
Getting to Ophir
To reach Ophir, travel north from Alexandra along State Highway 85 towards Ōmakau. Just before you reach Omakau, take Ophir Bridge Road south across the historic swing bridge into the town. You can also take Ida Valley Omakau Road from the centre of Omakau. The drive is 22 minutes and 27 km.
Nearby, you can also visit the Ida Valley, where you can discover the Idaburn Dam, Hayes Engineering Works, Oturehua and Golden Progress Mine.
