Tapanui: Culture, Landscapes and Hiking

Tapanui is located on State Highway 90 at the foot of the Blue Mountains. The mountains form the scenic backdrop to the town, and the Pomahaka River also shapes the surrounding landscape. If you are looking for a hotel in Tapanui, local history, historical collections, a golf course and a challenging waterfall hike can each offer a different focus for planning your trip. Nearby Leithen Glen Reserve adds riverside activities to the mix.

History and Culture in Tapanui

Tapanui’s architectural history includes the former All Saints’ Anglican Church. Built in 1878, it was designed by Benjamin Woolfield Mountfort. The West Otago Vintage Museum in Tapanui displays an extensive collection of historic tractors and farming equipment, as well as trucks, other vehicles and household items. The museum also preserves historical information about the businesses that traded in West Otago in the past, family history and photographs. Its collection therefore brings together physical artefacts, family and business history, and visual materials.

A film production also connects the town with a particular story: Tapanui served as the filming location for Millhaven in the 2016 film “Pete’s Dragon.”

Waterfall Hike, River and Golf

The Whisky Gully Waterfall Track begins at the end of Bushyhill Street in Tapanui, at the foot of the mountains. The route is a challenging two-hour return hike to a small natural stream and waterfall. The track is not well maintained, and its condition may change. Check current conditions before setting out.

Near Tapanui, Leithen Glen Reserve sits on the banks of the Pomahaka River, nestled in the Blue Mountains. Visitors can picnic, swim and fish from the rocks there. Trout fishing is also possible in the Pomahaka River near Tapanui. So alongside the challenging hike, there are also activities by the water to choose from. Tapanui Golf Club has an 18-hole course.

Further Points of Interest in the Clutha District

In the Clutha District, the Clutha Gold Trail offers a different timeframe: the trail is 135 kilometres long, rated easy (Grade 1–2) and designed to take two to four days. Check the route details before travelling. A 62-kilometre extension between Lawrence and Waihola opened on 25 August 2023. It connects the existing trail network in Central Otago and Clutha and continues as a cycle trail towards the east coast. In terms of time required, this multi-day trip contrasts with the two-hour return hike on the Whisky Gully Waterfall Track in Tapanui.

The Clutha District also offers a seasonal event: every spring, a daffodil show is held at Weatherston’s Brewery in Lawrence. As seasonal programmes can change, check the dates when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Larnachs Castle, Kaka Point, Milton, Balclutha, Tarara, Chaslands, Lawrence, Edievale

For the broader travel overview: Clutha District.