Middlemarch is a lovely day outing from Dunedin, a popular place for tourists, and a starting point for the Otago Rail Trail. My Three things to do in Dunedin are fairly laid back and people of all ages and fitness can enjoy. However, before we get onto my Middlemarch gems, there is value in relaying the experience of driving into Middlemarch.
The road into Middlemarch on State Highway 87 feels like you have driven into a cinema screen while watching Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings movies. Outcrops of schist rock is everywhere, there could be elves or orcs hiding around any boulder, but, in reality, more likely sheep or cows. The ancient rock formations provide for quite the dramatic vista to the Rock and Pillar mountain range beyond.
Spectacular roadside schist rock dots farmland all the way to the Rock and Pillar mountain range.
1. The Kissing Gate Cafe
Getting to Middlemarch from Dunedin generally involves about an hours drive. So, the first thing you need to do in Middlemarch is stop for a coffee and a bite to eat. The Kissing Gate cafe is located on the main road on the edge of town closest to Dunedin. It provides a meeting point for locals as well as a welcome stop for travellers. On my recent visit I ordered a Cheese puff, and was offered basil pesto or butter as an accompaniment. Top class I say! I’m not sure if basil pesto is a regular offering, it might have something to do with the sky-rocketing price of butter in New Zealand (currently between NZD $7.00- $8.00 for a 500gm block of butter) maybe basil pesto works out cheaper!
Click on the images to enlarge.
It’s worth pointing out across the road from the Kissing Gate Cafe, is truely, an iconic New Zealand scene. A sheep station stands adjacent to the local rugby ground, together symbolic of how historically sheep farming and heartland rugby have helped shape our national identity.
Middlemarch rugby ground
2. The Middlemarch Railway Station
The Middlemarch Railway Station is my second pick of things to do on your visit. Opposite the Railway Station is a line of old historic buildings, central of which is the Strath Taieri Hotel. Their porch style verandas have an impressive colonial western charm, and as for the Bank of New Zealand building, surely this has to be the smallest bank in New Zealand. Mind you, no ATM in sight, so I’m not counting it’s been open for a year or even maybe fifty.
Across the road is the Middlemarch Train Station. It’s definitely worth taking a stroll and looking right around the station area. These days there is almost a graveyard type feeling to the place, as you can see it was once well used, but now it feels a little desolate, almost abandoned.
3. Middlemarch Museum
Third on my must things to do in Middlemarch, is the Museum. The outside of the Museum almost disguises the size of the building. The building feels like Dr Who’s Tardis, it opens up with multiple large spaces, jam-packed with important historical treasures and curios. To be fair one particular display literally feels like a fish out of water… I’m still scratching my head about the inland submarine parked up outside next to the building, It’s just a little bonkers, and I think I love it.
Middlemarch Museum
So there you go, a fun set of activities await you in the lovely town of Middlemarch. PS. The public toilet is kept nice and clean as well.
About the Author: Trev Hill is a professional photographer based in Dunedin, New Zealand. He is also a tour guide for Rams Bottom Tours.
