Roxburgh: Churches, Sculptures and Historic Trails

Discover Roxburgh through its local history, public art and trails of varying lengths. Church architecture, the Teviot District Museum and culinary connections also add to the character of the town.

Churches, Art and Local History

St James’ Anglican Church is architecturally significant: built from local stone in the traditional English style, it features a simple Gothic Revival design. As a place of worship, it has spiritual significance for Roxburgh’s Anglican community, which has been active there for over 130 years. For planning purposes, note that the church is listed as private.

Scottish heritage is also reflected in the street names: all the streets are named after places in the Scottish Borders. Distinctive metal sculptures also help shape Roxburgh; a narrative sculpture is located near the public toilets. A large mural highlights the cultures associated with the Teviot Valley. The street names, sculptures and mural each offer a different emphasis, giving the townscape several cultural connections.

The Teviot District Museum is housed in the district’s first Methodist church, a building constructed from local stone in 1872. Its seasonal opening schedule lists visits from Labour Weekend to the end of May on Saturdays and Sundays from 2 to 4 pm; visits outside these times are available by appointment. Check the hours before your arrival.

Walking Loops and Trail Sections

A 5 km loop follows the town’s footpaths and the riverside trail to historic buildings and viewpoints. The 9.4 km section of the Clutha Gold Trail from Commissioners Flat to Roxburgh Town follows the Clutha Mata-au River and passes traces of the original gold mining. The two routes differ in length and focus: the loop takes in buildings and viewpoints in town, while the trail section links the river with the history of gold mining.

For Clutha Gold Trail users, Roxburgh can be a stopover when crossing the bridge: you can rest, get refreshments or visit the town’s creative artworks and sculptures. Pinders Pond is near Roxburgh on the Clutha Gold Trail and makes a good place to rest along the route. The Roxburgh Gorge Cycle Trail is also close by; check specific access points when planning your trip.

Local Connections and Longer Routes

Roxburgh is home to the family-run Jimmy’s Pies. Nearby, Hobbs Family Partnership Orchard and Fruit Stall offers pick-your-own apricots, peaches and nectarines. Fruit availability and opening hours are seasonal; check what’s available and the hours before you travel.

In the Central Otago District, the Clutha Gold Trail spans a larger area than the section near Roxburgh Town: the route runs 135 km between Roxburgh Dam in Central Otago and Waihola in the Clutha region. It is classified as an easy cycling and walking trail, Grade 1–2, and is intended for a two- to four-day trip. When planning your journey, note the difference between this longer route and the 9.4 km section near Roxburgh. This helps put the local trails and the Central Otago District’s offerings in context without conflating their different distances.

Discover more destinations: Lauder, Ranfurly, Kokonga, Naseby, Alexandra, Waipiata, Kyeburn Diggings, Cromwell

For the broader travel overview: Central Otago District.