Ophir Courthouse

Historic Ophir has an Historic 1884 Courthouse, amongst trees, down gravel drive between the picturesque Post and Telegraph Office and equally classic 'Pitches' General Store. Also here are the former Policeman's house and a building called 'the bank', all of a vintage. The first courthouse was actually constructed here in the 1860s, to sort out all manner of arguments over gold mining issues.

This scrap of a town left over from the Gold Rush is getting a little more attention thanks to the Otago Rail Trail and the little courthouse, a deadset copy of the one in Alexandra that has become a cafe, is a contributor to the town's accommodation. In private hands, it is reportedly occasionally available for rent. Other Historic Accommodations here are Black's Hotel, Pitches store, St Andrew's Church and the Bakery Cottages.

One of Ophir's claims to fame is that it experienced, in 1995, the largest range in recorded temperatures in New Zealand, from 35.2º in January 1959 to -21.6º in July. Most years it is similar, which would make the thick walls of the courthouse an asset for it's owners and visitors.