Middlemarch

The Otago rail cycle trail starts at Middlemarch. Other activities include visiting the remote tussock lands of Te Papanui Scenic Reserve and exploring the many side roads. The town has an excellent volunteer managed museum with craft galleries and cafes serving flat white coffees with the best of them. The town boasts of a golf course and swimming pool. During summer when the Taieri Gorge Train (check for updates about whether the Taieri Gorge train is operating) arrives pop up craft shops open at the heritage railway station specialising in local artisan goods. As a memento of your stay in Middlemarch snap a photo of two merino Oamaru stone sheep forever waiting outside the local pub. The sheep are straddling schist pillars. For details where to go check Middlemarch: things to do in a trip guide.