Milton there are plenty of things to do.
BEST THINGS TO SEE IN MILTON
In a small town, located on SH1 the elaborate art deco former post office is now the Tokomairiro Museum. A substantial collection of Milton Pottery, as well as artefacts retrieved from a sailing ship that wrecked near Milton in 1907, are on display.
Milton is home to a butcher’s museum. The museum’s historic equipment and photographs dating back to the early 20th century are managed by Rex Spence.
As you drive through the town perhaps you will notice an odd kink in the road. There are several theories why Milton has a decided bend in its main street, the favourite being two surveyors were heading towards town from different directions and weren’t quite on the same page regarding direction.
For holiday ideas check out 10 family walks near Milton what to see and do.
WHAT TO DO IN MILTON, HIGHLIGHTS
Milton heritage trail highlights:
- Gothic-inspired Tokomairiro Presbyterian Church (1880s)
- Sod Cottage, a stopping place for gold miners on their way to Tuapeka goldfields
- McGills Flour Mill & Bruce Woollen Mill heritage buildings
- Butchery Museum with historic equipment and photographs dating back to the early 20th century, managed by Rex Spence who is a practicing butcher (South Kill Abattoir)
Milton Butchery Museum is the work of South Kill Abattoir owners, Rex and Joy Spence. Fascinating and definitely not suitable for vegetarians.
WHAT TO DO NEARBY MILTON
- Sinclair Wetland boardwalk trails understand what the landscape looked like before massive drainage schemes created the current pastoral landscape. The region was known to pre-European Maori as Tokomairiro, “poling a canoe through reeds.’ The Sinclair Wetlands explains this very apt name and its importance ecologically.
- Bull Creek estuary on the nearby coast for a summer dip
WHAT TO DO WITH THE KIDS IN MILTON
- Whale Fossil Lookout where the kids can imagine the marine world at their feet
- Butchers Museum where the reality of McDonald’s burgers are explained
WHERE TO TAKE THE BEST SELFIE IN MILTON
- Lake Waihola and Sinclair Wetlands
- Gothic church in the background
- Butchers Museum
- Your find in one of the second-hand shops
MILTON’S SOCIAL MEDIA
MILTON TOWN’S SLOGAN
- Town of opportunities
FESTIVALS IN MILTON
- Tokomairiro A&P Show – December is a classic rural event with equestrian competitions, dog trials where sheep behaviour is the main entertainment, agricultural trade displays, lots of home-baked goodies, and crafted goods from tea cozies to knitted baby clothes.
WHO TURNED UP AND NAMED MILTON?
- Milton is a town with fervently loyal community supporters. There are interesting independent shops ranging from a butcher, complete with a quirky museum to funky second-hand stores. The local museum is managed by volunteers.
WHAT KEEPS MILTON TICKING?
- Milton is a service agricultural centre for the Clutha District. Its location means the town is a hub for interior Otago, Southland as well as the iconic Catlins tourist route.
Milton was originally known as Mill Town after its large flour and oat mill. That mill later became part of the Bruce Woollen mill and major employer (closed 1999). The main street, named Union Street, wanders an impressive 2.25 km and has its unique bend in the middle of the street. The town’s name honours 17th-century poet John Milton, and the streets are named after British poets or have a poetic inclination.
MILTON’S POPULATION
- 2000
WEATHER IN MILTON
JUDGMENT ON MILTON
- Cheeky charm, definitely worth a stop on State Highway 1
Every town adds to the richness of things to do and see. For more details about the region check Dunedin & Otago Region nearby attractions and events.
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