State Highway 85 (4km from Chatto Creek, 6km from Omakau)

What better way to celebrate conquering the steepest section of the Otago Central Rail Trail than spending a night or longer at Rockdale B & B, the house on the trail at the top of the hill. Because steel wheels have very little grip on steel rails, 'steep' is a fairly gentle 1 in 50 gradient achieved by the line's builders creating a sweeping 'S' to climb trains up from Chatto Creek to Omakau. Track construction over this section was between 1904 and 1906; about the same time Rockdale was being built as a large, comfortable sheep station homestead.

As the accompanying photographs show, Rockdale's bedrooms offer elegant, well appointed accommodation with such touches of sophistication as high quality bed linen. Bill and Lee usually live off the premises leaving guests to enjoy their own wood-panelled lounge, country-style kitchen and two modern bathrooms, one with the luxury of a genuine claw foot bath. Guests are welcome to self-cater or dine at the Chatto Creek Tavern which provides free pick up and return to Rockdale.

For accommodation enquiries please phone Lee Ward on 03 465 1602 or 027 33 414 82

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