It was a bumper long weekend around Central with locals supporting events and enjoying fine weather.

Animal Rehab Central (ARC) hosted a House & Garden Tour through Earnscleugh and beyond on Waitangi Day.

Organiser Nicole Sutton said it was an excellent day with around 80 tickets sold, raising money for the work of Animal Rehab Central.

“After looking at a new build in Hawkdun Place with amazing views and attention to detail we went to Rock View Road, a hidden gem of a garden set amongst an apple orchard, complete with an old church and resident swans.

“The lunch stop was at Earnscleugh castle – a brick mansion that would not look out of place in the English countryside. 

“Following lunch, we visited another Earnscleugh Road property with pleasant gardens and a pond and a large shed featuring a range of machinery from different eras.”

The group visited the new ARC facility on Earnscleugh Road. They looked around the cattery and saw some of the cute kittens up for adoption. 

Pawfect posing - kittens waiting for homes at ARC's new facility. PHOTO: Supplied 

The day finished at Como Villa Estate with wine tasting and a lunch time raffle also raising funds for the ARC work.

Sipping in style - those on the ARC House and Garden tour at the final spot, Como Villa Estate. PHOTO: Supplied 

ARC is Central Otago’s animal rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming centre. For more information on them visit Animal Rehab Central

The river track between Alexandra and Clyde was also bustling with bikers on Saturday.

Alexandra locals Ashleigh (7) and Dylan (5) rode the 10km together with some friends visiting from Dunedin. 

“It definitely helped having chocolate fish and jellybeans to keep us going,” Ashleigh said.

Ashleigh and Dylan check out a waterfall on the River Track. PHOTO: Anna Robb. 

The Central Otago Golf Trilogy 2022 was also held despite red light settings. The field was able to be spread around the three clubs allowing restrictions and COVID 19 conditions to be met.

The women’s prize giving was held at Omakau, men’s at Alexandra and the mixed teams finished at Dunstan, where the individual prize giving was held. 

Golfer Helen Hammond said Omakau truly is the best golf course with the nicest hosts. 

“Thanks a million for another great tournament.” 

The long weekend was also a chance to reflect on our cultural heritage.

Central Otago District Council held a special online presentation for Waitangi Day. If you missed it you can listen to Kaumātua Edward Ellison (Ōtākou, Kāi Tahu) talk about significant Central Otago landmarks and traditional stories that are such an important part of our local Kāi Tahu history, culture and traditions. Visit this link.

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