Discover Roxburgh: Art, History and Trails

Roxburgh combines a distinctive townscape with cultural history and trails that recall the gold rush. Quirky metal sculptures, a large mural and architecture built from local stone sit alongside a 5 km town loop walk and a 9.4 km section of the Clutha Gold Trail beside the Clutha Mata-au River. If you are looking for accommodation in Roxburgh, these features offer a useful guide to the mix of town discoveries and longer walks you might want.

Churches, Museum and Public Art

St James’ Anglican Church is architecturally significant: built from local stone in the traditional English style, it features a simple Gothic Revival design. It serves as the place of worship for Roxburgh’s Anglican congregation, which has been active there for more than 130 years. The church is designated private and is not open to the public.

The Teviot District Museum is housed in the district’s first Methodist church, a building constructed from local stone in 1872. It has seasonal opening hours from Labour Weekend until the end of May: Saturdays and Sundays, 2–4 pm. Visits outside these hours are available by appointment; check the hours before your visit.

All streets in Roxburgh are named after places in the Scottish Borders. The town also has unique, quirky metal sculptures, including a storytelling sculpture by the public toilets. A large mural highlights the cultures associated with the Teviot Valley.

Loop Walks and Gold-Rush Traces

The 5 km loop walk follows the town’s footpaths and a riverside path to historic buildings and viewpoints. The route brings together local history and scenic lookouts. A different scale is the 9.4 km section of the Clutha Gold Trail from Commissioners Flat to Roxburgh Town. It follows the Clutha Mata-au River and passes traces of the original gold mining.

Those using the Clutha Gold Trail who cross the bridge into Roxburgh can take a break in town, pick up refreshments, or visit artworks and sculptures. Near Roxburgh, Pinders Pond is on the Clutha Gold Trail and makes a convenient place to rest along the route. The Roxburgh Gorge Cycle Trail is also close to Roxburgh. Check the exact access points when planning your trip.

Local Specialties and Fruit

Food is also part of the town’s character: Roxburgh is home to family-run Jimmy’s Pies. Nearby, Hobbs Family Partnership Orchard and Fruit Stall offers pick-your-own apricots, peaches and nectarines. Fruit availability and opening hours vary by season; check both before travelling.

More Experiences in Central Otago District

At Bannockburn Sluicings, Central Otago District offers a scarred landscape shaped by a short-lived gold-mining era, which can be explored on a variety of walking and cycling trails. The Otago Central Rail Trail offers a different kind of route: it is 152 km long, graded Grade 1 and suitable for trips of one to five days. Walkers, cyclists and horse riders can use it in either direction, with access available at various points. Along the route, rugged, dry landscapes alternate with river gorges, tunnels, viaducts, historic cottages and preserved gold-mining settlements.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Omakau, Oturehua, Lindis Valley, Kyeburn Diggings, Kokonga, Clyde, Lauder, Tarras.

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