The Old Ferry Bed and Breakfast - Lower Shotover

This hotel has been in existence even longer than the bridge over the Shotover River here. That's why it has the name 'The Ferry'.

Initially built in 1863 by the ferryman, a Mr Foster, who used take people across the river, it was a watering and sleeping stop for the weary travellers and horses. A chain of change befell the Inn, but it has never stopped offering hospitality.

The first bridge went in in 1871, and the hotel was burned down the following year, but went straight back up again and that is the building you see here today. Only in a different position. In a classic Kiwi 'house move, the hotel was sawn in half and moved to Spence Road by power of traction engine, to line up with the second bridge built there. There she stayed for 99 years receiving patrons who passed by on the road.

The road, and the bridge, moved back to the original (current) site in 1971, but this time the hotel stayed put. Now a Bed and Breakfast, where you can stay and soak up some of the gold rush history.

Meanwhile a new suburb is growing at Lower Shotover, and nearby Frankton, so there are lots of new things to do while staying in historic accommodation.

BOOK YOUR STAY AT THE OLD FERRY BED AND BREAKFAST

Image Credits: Booking.com and Te Papa, Shotover Bridge, November 1900, Otago, by Muir & Moodie studio.