Lonely Graves Historic Reserve

One day in 1864 goldminer William Rigney found the body of a young man who appeared to have drowned.
Rigney decided to give the man a decent burial, and so, despite his identity never being found, he was buried with a painted kahikatea headboard onto which Rigney inscribed the words "Somebody's Darling Lies Buried Here."

For many years Rigney tended the grave and when he died 48 years later, he was laid to rest beside the man he never knew. Many years later the graves were honoured with Marble headstones, with Rigney's humble board mounted on top. A thief took the board, and it made it's way to Wellington, where it was discovered in 2002, and sent back to where it belonged.

Cross the river at Millers Flat to access the historic reserve. The four-arch Millers Flat Bridge was built from materials imported from England. It was officially opened by Richard John Seddon in February 1899. An historic footbridge remains in use at Horseshoe bend.

Though the Teviot Valley is no longer as well occupied as it was in Rigney's day, it's long summer days attract holidaymakers, many of whom come to camp year after year.

BOOK YOUR STAY AT MILLER'S FLAT HOLIDAY PARK

Image Credits: JacJackJackie and Benjamin Allcock