The Outram Pub
There’s a popular misconception that the town of Outram was the first town in New Zealand to have electric street lights. In fact, Outram’s streets were not lit until around 1900, 11 years after the West Coast town of Reefton had lights switched on in 1888. The Outram Pub however is one of the town’s historic sights, as the original pub was opened in 1878. It was then rebuilt on the corner of Hoylake and Holyhead Streets where it still stands today.
The Taieri River at Outram Glen
Yesterday, on what was a stunning autumn day (it must be said), I was on my way to cover a rugby match in Outram between West Taieri and Toko when I found myself a few minutes early. Knowing that I had a good half an hour up my sleeve, I decided to call in to Outram Glen. A popular spot for picnicking and swimming on fine Dunedin days, it is also the start of the Outam to Lee Stream and Maungatua Summit track. An 8 kilometre (5 mile) walk along a tramping track that follows both the Taieri River and Lee Stream that takes around 3 hours (return). On this occasion, since I wasn’t feeling energetic enough for a solid 8 kilometre hike, I settled for sitting beside the river and admiring the autumn colours.
The Taieri River across the Taieri Plains
Speaking of the Taieri River, as far as rivers go, only three in Aotearoa are longer! It starts from seemingly nowhere in the Lammerlaw Range and flows north, then east, then south-east on its 288 kilometre journey to the sea at Taieri Mouth. It passes through at least six towns, two gorges, it links with two lakes, the fish are plentiful, there are some lovely picnic spots along its banks and it is part of the fabric of the farming community. So, with all that in mind, I thought I’d follow it through various photos I’ve taken with different cameras.
Outram Glen from the air.
About 28 kilometres west of central Dunedin on the edge of the Taieri Plains is the town of Outram and the popular swimming spot of Outram Glen. It sits close to the foot of Maungatua Hill Range and the banks of the Taieri River.
The Taieri River at Outram Glen – Buy
The Taieri River at Outram Glen is one of the popular spots in the Dunedin area. About 23 kilometres from Dunedin, Outram Glen is a popular picnic and swimming area following the Taieri River. It also has numerous walking tracks, one of which leads all the way to Lee Stream, a distance of around 8.5 kilometres. The track is made up of an easy walking track and then a more difficult tramping track.