HISTORIC AND QUAINT OPHIR
A slow drive or a gentle stroll through "Ophir" will soon reveal to you the special tranquility of this small historic gold mining village. Those who actually reside in Ophir are the lucky ones indeed.
There is still much history remaining in this tiny town, dating back to the mid 19th century, when it was originally named "Blacks diggings" after the first settler and after gold was discovered. This was eventually changed to Ophir in 1875. The name 'Ophir' was derived from the Bible. It is supposedly where the Queen of Sheba acquired her gold for Solomon.
Many of the original buildings still remain here. I can't help but feel we are fortunate indeed as far as that goes and we are so worth a look.
Oh, I almost forgot to mention our gardens here in Ophir. This we have 'over the years' gained quite a reputation for. We are quite cottagey and very romantic, I think, and also very proud of our achievement. We are a proud village.
RELAXING IN AND AROUND OPHIR
First of all it's relaxing simply to be here. There is fishing in the Poolburn dam, there is golfing in Omakau 2 km away. There is swimming in the old school pool which is well-maintained "in Ophir" or you can drive 26 km to Alexandra for a rather more up-dated pool. There's also the Manuherikia river on a very good day, "Summer". There is a Squash court in Omakau and also a tennis court, just 2 km down the lane.
Our Historic post Office still operates 5 days a week for 3 hours each morning, and doubles as a small museum, and of course everyone has to drive over the historic Daniel O'Connell suspension bridge, built in 1880.
We are a delight!! And I ain't kidding!
And the little people are Sue and Blair's grandchildren.