Fairlie

By Mike Johnson

This is a vibrant and thriving country town of 700 people (2013 census) with two pubs, two petrol stations, an 18 hole golf course, a Heritage Museum and the Opuha Dam close by for water recreation. This town is the perfect spot for a quiet exploration getaway. In winter the ski shack ski shop thrives with people hiring equipment before hitting the slopes, Mt Dobson ski field is a gem of a field with terrain for all levels of skier and is never packed, yet only 30 mins from leaving town, to strapping on your skis and getting into it.

The Fairlie bakehouse on Main street is reported to have the best pies in the South Island so is a compulsory stop. Arguably less compelling is a rather lifeless statue of Jame McKenzie the sheep stealer who gave his name to the Mackenzie Country. A better monument is further inland at McKenzie Pass.

Locals and visitors describe Fairlie as a great place to base yourselves and explore the Mackenzie Basin.

Image Credits: Derek Smith and Maclean Barker Photography