The Strath Taieri Valley

The Strath Taieri Valley lies 80 km inland from Dunedin, Otago, a farming district with a population of 200. The small township is Middlemarch.

The climate is a true, Central Otago climate: low rainfall, hot dry summers, cold winters.

It is the home of the rare Giant Skink, Giant weta (mountain) and the falcon. It has some unusual natural phenomena, namely an inland salt lake and a rare cloud formation, locally called The Taieri Pet. This is also the name of the monthly newsletter, sponsored by the Strath Taieri Lions club.

Other feature points of interest:Terminus for the Taieri Gorge Excursion Train and the beginning of the Central Otago Rail Trail. Also check out the Middlemarch web site

In March 2001, the Strath Taieri Lions Club hosted the Rail to Trail Convention. View slideshow from this excellent event!