In Ophir some of the locals wear “O-phir awesome” t-shirts, we like Ophir too. There are a surprising number of buildings that remain from the gold mining days.The smart Pitches Store is a top coffee spot and guests rate the attached accommodation highly.

Pitches Store, Ophir

Pitches Store, Ophir

Ophir is a short detour from the Otago Rail Trail, other cute cottage accommodation options are Ryan’s Cottage and Cottages on Swindon B&B.

Ryan’s Cottage

The Ophir Post Office was built in 1886 and still operates from 9am-12 noon Monday – Friday, unfortunately we visited out of hours so couldn’t see inside. Another unique place to post a letter is the tiny Chatto Creek Post Office nearby. The post office was closed in 1975, it was purchased for $20 and used as a sleepout in Alexandra for more than a decade before being found and returned home to Chatto Creek.

Ophir Post Office

Chatto Creek Post Office

Other historic buildings in Ophir that can be visited include the jail, and the Union Church turned Ophir Thyme Collectables.

Ophir Jail

Ophir Thyme Collectables

Have you ever thought about upping sticks and moving out of the city to restore a country cottage? If so, Time to Smell the Roses – A New Life in Ophir tells the story of a move from Dunedin to Elm Cottage. I think it’s fair to say the author would describe it as an O-phir awesome new life.

Elm Cottage