Kia ora: Roxburgh

Travel on the Clutha River by boat, just don't swim in it. Photo / Hannah Cameron

Nature's treasures keep drawing people south to the Teviot Valley, finds Elisabeth Easther.

Where is it? In Central Otago's Teviot Valley, on the banks of the Clutha River (Mata-au), about 40km south of Alexandra and 150km from Dunedin.

Origin of name? Named by the colonial settlers after Roxburghshire in Scotland, this area was quite the metropolis from the 1860s thanks to the Otago Gold Rush.

Population? Five hundred and sixty, give or take.

Town slogan? Maybe once it was "Good as Gold" but today it gets along just fine without one.

Town icon? The artwork 150 Years of Farming sits in King George Park. Made of steel, it's vast and commemorates 150 years of farming in the valley.

Street smart? All the streets in Roxburgh, bar two, are named for Scottish border towns.

Old news? The Roxburgh Cinema on Scotland Street is the oldest continuously operating theatre in the whole world. Opened in 1897, its bold claim is in the process of being confirmed for the Guinness Book of World Records.

Even older news? This is an area of archaeological significance if you know where to look. Also, in terms of heritage, there are lots of gold miners' rock bivvies, sluices and even a couple of still visible dredge remnants - interpretation panels are dotted around to explain what you're seeing.

Famous locals? Sir Sydney Smith, world-renowned forensic scientist and pathologist. His popular 1959 biography, Mostly Murder, sells out every time a new edition is printed.

Best websites? centralotagonz.com/visit-roxburgh or roxburghgorge.co.nz.

Big business? It's mostly primary industry - horticulture and agriculture, so apricots, apples, cherries, plums, peaches, pears, nectarines and it's also big on sheep, beef and deer. And tourism.

Source of pride? The heritage. This town was founded on discovery of gold and some families go right back to the start of prospecting.

Town fiestas? Teviot Tartan Time is a wearable arts event with a Scottish theme. A recent addition to the local calendar is Cherry Chaos where competitors finish a slalom course while being pelted with waste cherries.

Best reason to stop? Two Trails of Significance pass through here: the Roxburgh Gorge and Clutha Gold trails and they're both hugely popular, providing a 100km cycling/walking route alongside Lake Roxburgh and the Clutha River.

Here for a short time? Look around some of the artwork. The Clark family have peppered the town with wonderful metal works.

Best park? King George V Memorial Park is a well-maintained green space with massive trees, picnic areas and a fenced-in area for kids.

Best facilities? The new state-of-the-art lavatories on the main drag including a living wall and another amazing Clark art piece that includes a functioning waterwheel.

Best walk? There's a sweet walk around the town from the Clutha River bridge to the school. But for something a little more challenging head to Bullock Track, 2.5km north. It's hugely steep, ascending for about 90 minutes, and once you're at the top you'll be presented with the most amazing views down the valley.

Best view? Either from the top of Bullock Track or from the multiple roads that lead to the valley floor. Or check out the view from Mt Hope, about 10km out of town.

Headstones? The interesting Gorge Creek and Roxburgh Town cemeteries contain headstones of miners.

Best swim? The pool on the school boundary is run by the school and volunteers and it's accessible to the public over summer. Or go for a splash at Pinders Pond, but watch out for eels.

Best museum? The Teviot District Museum is usually open on Sundays and also opens on request. It contains exhibits on mining, farming, fruit growing and the construction of the hydro project.

Nice arts? Endemic Art Gallery houses the contemporary wildlife paintings by Rebecca Gilmore and landscape photography by Gregory Slui.

Top shop? 103 The Store on Scotland Street started life as a clothing and alpine store and now houses a popular cafe.

Cream of the coffee? Thanks to the new trails, there's been a lot of economic development. Rox Cafe, 103 The Store, Jimmy's Pies and Teviot Tearooms (101 Scotland Street) are all fab.

Baked? Jimmy's Pies are famous and are even featured on a Speight's advert.

Best food? The Manhattan's menu is simple but delicious, with gourmet pizzas its speciality. It also does platters, soups, nachos, seafood, salads and sweet treats. Goldfields Hotel cafe is perfect for a pint and a pub meal. Lake Roxburgh Lodge is also nearby.

Wet your whistle? Younger people go to the Grand Tavern (94 Scotland Street) and more mature people frequent Goldfields Hotel.

Best cycling? The Roxburgh Gorge and Clutha Gold trails offer riders of all abilities an opportunity to get close to the Clutha River and the goldmining history. Both trails are included in NZ Cycle Trail's great rides.

Angling for adventure? Salmon fishing round here is excellent, they run up from the sea to the hydro dam at Lake Roxburgh Village, then they're all yours.

Sporting chance? There's a darling 18-hole golf course with rocks all over it - if you're not an accurate shot your ball might boomerang back to you.

Wildlife? The native falcon, the karearea, soars around here and their numbers are steadily increasing. Plus you will see bellbirds, tui and far too many hedgehogs and rabbits.

Horn section? Roxburgh is home to Central Otago's only brass band which just celebrated 131 years.

Safety warning? Never swim in the Clutha River.

Visitors say? Roxburgh rocks.

Locals say? We know.

Thanks to Stephen Jeffery for sharing the ins and outs of Roxburgh life.