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Location: Milton, New Zealand

The Clutha region is famed for its friendliness and hospitality. We are close to Dunedin (45 min) and Dunedin Airport (20 min) and within easy reach of Balclutha (20 min) and an ideal base for exploring the famed Catlins (55 min) on the southeast coast.

We're situated on the junction of State Highways 1 and 8, where the Southern Scenic Route joins the inland route to Central Otago and Queenstown.

Aotea Motor lodge is situated:

  • 15 minutes drive to Lawrence
  • 20 minutes drive to Balclutha
  • 20 minutes drive to Dunedin airport
  • 40 minutes drive to Dunedin
  • 70 minutes drive to Alexandra
  • 180 minute drive to Queenstown

Nearby Activities and Attractions

The Milton District is sustained by a vibrant economy that is based largely on the agriculture sector, and also contains several large and growing businesses that are at the forefront of their respective industries:

  • Calder Stewart Industries Ltd has grown into one of New Zealand's most successful construction companies
  • McLay Boats, founded over 20 years ago by Steve McLay, specialises in top quality, aluminium trailer boats
  • The Bruce Woollen Mill Ltd was re-established in April 2012 out of a need to have a reliable supply of raw materials to local wool manufacturers and wholesalers to the handcraft industry
  • Milburn Lime is South Otago's top lime deposit and is reputed to have the highest quality agricultural lime in New Zealand
  • Forestry has played a major part in the Milton District's economic development
  • The Corrections Facility is also situated close to Milton and is a large employer in the region

Milton Museum & Information Centre

The Milton Museum & Information Centre is housed in an Art Deco building. The collections record local and colonial history relating to the district.

www.milton-district.co.nz
Milton Museum & Information Centre

Milton Butchery Museum

The Butchery Museum is the biggest display of butchers' memorabilia in the Southern Hemisphere.

Milton Butchery Museum

Walking Tracks

Walk the Millennium Track on the Taieri River, or try McNally Track which rises through bush and farmland to reach a panoramic view of the district. It's a 2.5 – 3hr walk for moderately fit walkers.

www.walkingaccess.govt.nz
Walking Tracks

Mt Stewart Tunnel

You can visit the old Mt Stewart Tunnel to see glowworms. The tunnel was constructed between 1875 and 1876 and measures 442 metres in length. The entrance is accessed by a reasonably easy walk that leads through native and exotic bush.

www.milton-district.co.nz
Mt Stewart Tunnel

Sinclair Wetlands

The Sinclair Wetlands, near Lake Waihola, is one of the most significant wetland areas in the country, home to rare native bird, plant and fish species. The Sinclair wetlands is between the two lakes Waihola and Waipori and is used for educational study with a visitor centre, displays and resources available to schools and visitors.

www.tenohoaka.org.nz
Sinclair Wetlands

Milburn Whale Fossils and Lookout

You can see 25-million-year-old whale and dolphin fossils excavated from the limestone deposits near Milburn, a few minutes' drive from Milton. Also on display is the pictorial history of the lime and phosphate working in the area.

www.milton-district.co.nz
Milburn Whale Fossils and Lookout

Lake Waihola

Lake Waihola, between Milton and Dunedin, is a very popular area for boating, lake fishing and swimming, as well as waterskiing, windsurfing, kayaking and rowing.

www.milton-district.co.nz
Lake Waihola

Surf Fishing

Bull Creek and Toko Mouth, on the coast, are popular surf fishing spots. River fishing for trout and salmon is plentiful throughout the area, and you can hire a guide to show you the best spots.

www.milton-district.co.nz
Surf Fishing

Golf Clubs

There is a 9-hole golf course at the Toko Golf Club, and several other country courses in the area.

www.milton-district.co.nz
Toko Golf Club

The Catlins

An hour's drive from Milton, the Catlins is famous world-over for its pristine beaches, nature walks, and wildlife. You can expect to see seabirds, seals and even sealions relaxing on the beaches at all times of the year. New Zealanders flock to the coastal beaches in the summer for boating, fishing, and surfing. Make the motel your base and spend a few days exploring the region – it will be well worth it!

www.catlins.org.nz
The Catlins

Lawrence

The Lawrence Information Centre is open seven days a week. Learn about Gabriels Gulley where gold was first discovered, Genealogy Assistance, Miner's Licence Names and general information. The Goldfields Museum is open daily via the Information Centre and displays the life of the early settlers. Chinese Camp, situated on SH 8, is 2km from the township and is a protected archaeological site with plans for extensive development.

www.lawrence.co.nz
Lawrence