Alexandra to Oturehua
SH 85 and return on Ida Valley-Omakau Rd. Great loop ride.
Oturehua is 40kms from Alexandra on Ida Valley Omakau Road. Originally known as Rough Ridge after the range of hills running northeast, Oturehua translates to ‘the sun God’. It has views of Mt Ida and the famous Hawkdun Range and rests alongside the Otago Central Rail Trail. It is home to the famous historic site, Hayes Engineering Works, established in 1895 by millwright turned engineer, Ernest Hayes.
Still trading today is Gilchrist's Store with its 1899 interior and original merchandise on the shelves. Of the same era is The Oturehua Tavern, once known as Rough Ridge Railway Hotel. Down Reef Road is the Golden Progress Quartz Mine featuring impressive equipment used in attempt to find gold notoriously difficult to mine.
Just south of Oturehua is the Idaburn Dam. When winter weather conditions are freezing, the dam hosts the ancient curling (ice sport) Bonspiel tournament.
The Idaburn Dam is also a popular fishing spot and an adjacent paddock hosts the popular Brass Monkey Motorcycle Rally each June – often in freezing temperatures. To make this a loop ride, head towards Ranfurly after leaving Oturehua by continuing on Ida Valley Omakau Rd. When you reach the junction with SH 85, turn left on SH 85 and follow this back to Alexandra.
