Rough Ridge Cottage is right on the Otago Central Rail Trail ~ you can see bikers riding past the front of the cottage! Just 3 minutes walk from the cottage you will find the Oturehua Tavern serving hearty meals. Dinner bookings are recommended. The pub is often bustling with colourful locals (especially on a Friday), and a visit to mingle is recommended! Across from the pub is Gilchrist’s Store ~ the most renowned historic building in Oturehua, still trading today with an interior little changed from when it first opened. This is a working historical general store and has been operating continuously under the name of "Gilchrist" since 1902. They stock (limited) fresh fruit and vegies, groceries, pies and sandwiches, ice-creams and lollies along with Grahame Sydney prints, poetry and other books by local authors. A few minutes away, heading south out of town is Hayes Engineering Works Cafe. Very popular stone cottage cafe, serving lunches and snacks with lovely outdoor area. See also for books by local writers and other souvenirs. Closed during winter. Opposite Hayes Engineering, on the main road, is the Idaburn Dam - a popular fishing spot with a small stock of Brown Trout. Located up Reefs Road, 2 km East of Oturehua on Rough Ridge, are the remnants of the Golden Progress quartz mine. These workings are notable as they still retain an intact poppet head, the only surviving one in the Otago goldfields. This is one of the nicest local walks. Stay at Rough Ridge and you are also under 30 minutes from Naseby, St Bathans, Poolburn Dam, Danseys Pass and some of the best swimming holes in New Zealand! Activities nearby include Rail Trail riding, mountain biking (Naseby Forest or backcountry), fly fishing, ice skating, curling, hikes, swimming and general exporing this Timeless Land.