Dansey's Pass, a hidden Central Otago gem in New Zealand!
Updated: Jun 22
So if you clicked on this title, we already know you're looking for an epic road trip in New Zealand that's not on everyones list. We have the perfect road trip destination for you! Filled with vast landscapes of mountains and farmland, you will be taking the Danseys Pass road. A gravel pass with the main visitors being the farmers themselves. A journey including one of New Zealands oldest pubs, a gorgeous lavender farm and views that will leave you speechless!
So how do we know about this place?
Danseys Pass is certainly not on every tourists list. It's "off the beaten track" for most South Island itineraries which is probably the main reason not many people know about it. However, for us, it was the first place we went to in New Zealand. Why is that you ask? Well, we lived here for 5 months. We were the assistant managers in Danseys Pass Hotel and pub - in the middle of the pass - surprisingly not the most remote place we have worked together but still, remote all the same! We lived 25 minutes on a gravel road (our poor car did suffer a couple punctured tyres in those months!!) from the nearest "town" Naseby. The only reason I put that in quotation marks is because, I'd call it more of a village. It consisted of one very small corner shop, a cafe and a pub. Naseby is a lovely quaint town, full of charm and history, but it's not the best place for buying your weekly shopping! So for that, we'd favour to drive an hour and a half away to the city of Alexandra that had a New World which was a much bigger supermarket. These places were both to the left of the pass, meaning you don't have to cross it. There's only the 25 minutes of gravel road. However, if you go to the right from Danseys Pass Hotel, you have a 45 minute drive through gravel roads with rolling hills, endless mountains and LOTS of sheep! It's one of the most unique and picturesque drives we did, albeit a little scary in some parts! However everyone who crosses the pass says just how beautiful it is.
How to get there?
Stretching 51.5km (32 miles) from Naseby to the paved Livingstone-Duntroon Road, Danseys Pass is a scenic route running west to east. Originally constructed for the convenience of large sheep run owners, it also served as a crucial pathway for gold mining traffic. The origins of Danseys Pass date back to 1862 when the first road was carved through the landscape, offering a vital connection for both pastoral pursuits and the bustling gold mining activities of the time.
The ascent to the summit follows a rather steep path, and it's important to note that as much of this road is unsealed and has some tight turns, this route isn't the best for larger vehicles such as buses, campervans, caravans, or those towing. However, through our time living there we met plenty of people who managed it with ease, plus we had the tour operator, Moa tours, who visited in their tour buses quite often. We are less experienced however but managed fine in our 2WD Honda Odessey. One thing to note is that this pass can experience quite harsh conditions, we had snow a couple of times during our time there and especially through winter, they may close the pass. Therefore it's a good idea to check whether the road is open before making your journey! However, if visiting Danseys Pass Hotel from the Naseby side of the road (although you will see a sign that will say open/closed) you will still be able to access the pub! The road shuts off just after the pub as that's where the main pass begins. Always check if the pub is open first though too!
Travelling from the Naseby side, what will you see first?
Kyeburn Diggings Cemetery
The whole Naseby-Danseys Pass is particularly famous for the gold mining era. Therefore you can see why Kyeburn Diggings Cemetery is the final resting place for around 129 burials during the gold mining era. Sadly, only 73 records remain due to a fire in 1912 which destroyed some of the cemetery record books. While wandering the graves you will see there is a large population consisting of the younger generation who passed away, way before their time. Sometimes whole families died within a relatively short space of time. Some of the epitaphs written on the headstones, tell quite a story of a hard life in the early pioneering days. For those interested in the history behind this area, this is perhaps a strange but interesting insight into the mining times.
Back then, Kyeburn Diggings boasted a vibrant community, all thanks to the discovery of gold and coal in the area. It had three hotels, three stores, a butchery, a bakery, and a school. Adding a bit of a wild side, there were even six unlicensed 'grog shanties' - makeshift bars that added a touch of revelry to the thriving mining town. The landscape, once buzzing with economic activity, stands as a testament to the dynamic history shaped by the pursuit of precious resources. A huge difference to what stands there now! Not only that but its thought around 600 Chinese miners were working on the terrace behind the Danseys Pass Hotel, earning that spot the nickname 'Chinaman's Cutting.' These guys even had their own store there, adding a dash of diversity to the dynamic scene of Kyeburn Diggings.
Danseys Pass Hotel
The Danseys Pass Hotel stands as the sole survivor among the hotels of Kyeburn Diggings. Constructed in 1862, it catered to the vibrant local gold prospecting community. Back in its prime, the population of this area exceeded a whopping 2,000 miners. Not only was it a hub for the bustling gold rush activity, but it also served as a warm stopover for horse and bullock teams making their way through the pass en route to the more remote corners of Central Otago.
Having the chance to work here and live amongst the history which is plastered all over the bars walls was a real experience. The hotel itself is gorgeous, with a huge open fire which we had to keep stocked up every day (even in the summer!) The place is filled with history, with artefacts from the mining days and even stories written by previous owners of the bar. People still come to the stream to try their luck with finding their own piece of the Danseys Pass Gold (not that we recommend that as the area is actually privately owned now!)
As the bar is quite a remote place, we were the main staff you would see! We worked the reception for check ins, the bar, restaurant and were the main point of contact for all our customers, so we really got to know everyone who we met. We loved this about the bar as we really enjoyed meeting everyone who came so far to see the hotel. Most people tend to stay for at least one night if they go to the bar, so we would see them for breakfast, lunch and dinner! It really is a unique overnight experience that isn't widely known by foreign tourists. Which is why we think it should be something added to your list if you want to have a really authentic trip into history while on your NZ trip.
Danseys Pass Lavender Farm
In Summer from Christmas until the end of February, you can enjoy the lavender fields here, 27 kilometres from Oamaru or the far end of the pass if coming from Naseby. Why not bring a picnic to share in the purple hues while surrounded by the little buzzing bees. Definitely an amazing place to take photos in the purple lavender flower rows, enjoy the lavender fragrance and we've saved the best till last... try their lavender ice cream!
Some other points of interest not far from Danseys Pass!
St Bathans and the Blue Lake
Get ready for a laid-back one-hour adventure, soaking in the cliffs and the remnants of iron scattered like historical treasures! The journey kicks off just next to The Vulcan Hotel, which that hotel in itself is worth a trip! Built in 1869, they say it's haunted by a woman called Rose, who apparently only shows herself to men who happen to visit the bar. So if you're feeling up for a ghost hunt, why not even spend a night there and try and spot Rose yourself!
On this walk, you can transport yourself back to the 1860s when this very lake echoed with the sounds of bustling gold mining, unearthing fortunes in every shovel of dirt. The Kildare Gold Mining Company was the heartbeat of it all until the need to safeguard the town and the mine's water supply brought a temporary halt to the digging frenzy. Only a 45m-1hr loop track (but not quite the whole way around the lake!) you'll find many open areas to stop and soak up the scenery on the way. The walk is easy to follow on a formed track with markers and boardwalks. Another trip not to be missed on your trip to Central Otago!
Central Otago Cycle Trail
The Otago Central Rail Trail is a 150-kilometre walking, cycling and horse riding track. It follows an old railway line from Clyde to Middlemarch, through beautiful, big-sky country dotted with a series of small villages and towns, old historic pubs and welcoming locals! People either bring their own bikes, or hire them with one of the companies in Otago, with the deal that they pick you up at one end of the track so you don't have to do the 150m ride back for your belongings! Cyclists usually allow at least 3-4 days for this journey, opting to stay at historical hotels or pubs on the way. There are plenty of things to see, both on and near the trail, including beautiful tunnels and bridges, abandoned gold diggings, and an array of historic buildings. At a grade 1, this track is accessible to the whole family and one fun addition to add onto your Central Otago list!
We hope that we've managed to convince you that Danseys Pass is one of those stops you just shouldn't skip off your New Zealand bucket list. With so much history to offer, breathtaking views and some seriously cool pubs, this is something we believe everyone would love. Plus, from our experience, Danseys Pass is still an untold secret to plenty of travellers meaning you can still be one of the few. Don't miss this if you want an authentic trip to the South Island!
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