Athol
Athol is a small township, 31 kilometres North-East of Lumsden, which serves the surrounding sheep stations. It was surveyed and founded in the late 1860s and in 1901 had a population of 72. Ninety-five years later, the population has barely changed; a population of 75 was recorded in the 1996 census.
With the discovery of gold in 1862-1863, nearby Nokomai boasted a thriving community with four hotels, three grocery stores, a billiard parlour, school, gaol, a small library, two banks, and a newspaper.
Services Athol has two cafes, gift shops, tackle shop and an antique shop
Of interest:
Activities available are 4 wheel drive tours, gold digging site tours, fishing
In 1905 the first Presbyterian Church and manse was built. The Church was later sold (1975) and is now used as a holiday home. .
Ribbon Wood Cottage was used as a musterer's or shepherd's hut in 1878. Now the cottage is used as a private holiday home.
Businesses:
Highway Café
Owners: Dave and Helen Ward
Hours: Open 7 days a week
Meals: Morning and Afternoon teas; fish and chips; hamburgers; wine, beer and spirits.
Services: Post Office
Address: 4 Five Rivers - Athol Highway, Athol
Phone/Fax: +64 3 248 8859
E-mail: davidhelen@xtra.co.nz
Lazybones Cafe and Bar
Meals: Authentic home cooked meals (dine-in or takeaway); wide selection of wines and beer.
Services: Tourist bookings, crafts and gifts, clean toilets, outside dining.
Address: Main Road, Five Rivers - Athol Highway, Athol
Phone/Fax: +64 3 248 8847
Email: lazybones_athol@hotmail.com
|
