Otira Village for Sale
Otira (pronounced or-tear-ra) deep in the heart of the west coast of the South Island is up for sale. The small village (population 40), tucked into the foothills of the Southern Alps is on the market complete with it’s colourful history.
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It was originally a stop on the Cobb and Co stagecoach from Canterbury to the West Coast to meet up with the railway line to Greymouth in the west.
Up until 1907 the settlement consisted of a railway station – the terminus of the railway from the West Coast, the Terminus Hotel, Cobb and Co’s busy stables, a school, two stores, a bakery and a handful of cottages near the station. The railway line was then built from Greymouth to Otira, with the pass navigated by coach, until the railway tunnel opened in 1923.
The township was principally old Railways housing to both build and support the tunnel and the railway line . Much of the town was constructed in Hamilton and shipped south to be reassembled on site. The tunnel began work in 1907 and was completed in 1923.
On 4 August 1923 the Otira Tunnel was opened by the Prime Minister, the Right Honourable W. F. Massey and the rail link between the east and west coasts of New Zealand’s South Island was finally complete.
The first hotel was opened in Otira in 1864. Originally there was two hotels, the Gorge Hotel and the Terminus hotel, now known as the Otira Hotel which is now for sale for $350,000.
Bill and Christine Hennah, who are originally from Auckland, are in their 60s and bought the village in 1998 after falling in love with it while driving through. “We felt sorry for the dilapidated pub and run-down houses and decided to buy,” says Christine. The couple says they would like to see Otira go to a younger couple bursting with enthusiasm and ideas. “We need someone to build it up again. There is a lot of potential and opportunity.”
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I don’t know why this village is up for sell. It has a traditional value of it’s own. I had the opportunity to visit this village once but unfortunately i couldn’t manage my time.
They want to retire.
I am surprise, why this village for sell.As seeing picture it is very beautiful village.It has some traditional value.I am unlucky I cant visit this place.
It’d be great for the west coast if the eventual buyer can develop the area in some way. Since there have been forestry restrictions the area has really fallen in population which is quite sad…
Lena´s last [type] ..About Us
[...] to around forty people, Otira was once a mere stagecoach stop, conveniently positioned as a resting point for riders going from Canturbury to the West Coast, and [...]
Sad indeed that a town like this is not able to survive on its own.
We stopped in Otira when we took the train across the Alps from Christchurch. Very charming and maybe a bit lonely in winter…
Catherine sherman´s last [type] ..Wayside Waifs
Cath Yep, it is cold and wet in the winter..but awesome in summer.
Cheers – KB
when is the best month to visit?
Been there when it was a bit cold.
Adrian´s last [type] ..Nytt forum – välkommen
Jan – Apr, the height of summer.
Nice place and beautiful village.
Wow. This is amazing, if i could afford a village I’d buy it. The area looks gorgeous. Such a pity.
Not for the new owners
I think its a good thing that the couple is selling the village. They’re old enough to develop and maintain it. Its not that they can no longer handle it but they should already be enjoying their retirement by now. This would be a good opportunity for the new owners to develop the village and make it a good tourist destination.
It looks a bit remote for my liking. I suppose it’s ok if you fancy a quiet life!!
alan´s last [type] ..8 Sharoe Bay Court – For Sale
Very cool village! Unfortunately i don’t have money…;)
Wow, this looks amazing. It’s simple but yet the best place to settle. Surrounded by mountains and fresh air. Great!
If only I could purchase that village. My son would love it because he’s always wanted to visit New Zealand. I’m always full of ideas to help a town like this but can barely survive here in American more less somewhere across the world. Thanks for this post and my temporary fantasy.
Such a nice village. A combination of beautiful and historical place. Lucky for those who have seen this village. And I think this is such a peaceful place, a nice place to relax and nice to embrace what nature can offer. I’m dreaming of this type. Thanks for your post.
Beautiful small village.
When is the best period to visit ?
Kot´s last [type] ..mioty 2010
definitely summer, dec through april