Exploring Garston in Southland
Garston, a small settlement in the Mataura River valley, is situated between the Eyre Mountains to the west and the Garvie Mountains to the east. This charming town is a notable stop along the Southern Scenic Route, offering a unique blend of attractions and a picturesque setting. Whether you're heading north towards Queenstown or southwest to Te Anau, Garston is an ideal place to pause for a coffee and explore its distinctive features.
A Quaint Town with Unique Attractions
Despite its small population of around 100 residents, Garston boasts several interesting attractions. The town features a historic pub, a quirky caravan café, and an impressive antiques store and art gallery. A honey shop adds to the local charm, and the town's focus on history makes it a quintessential New Zealand small town. Garston is also the most inland settlement in the country, being the furthest from any coast. The Mataura River provides anglers with memorable trout fishing experiences.
Historical Roots and Gold Mining Legacy
Garston's history dates back to the development of farming in Southland from the 1850s to the 1880s. Behind the shops, a single street features a couple of quaint churches. Remnants of the railway line established in the 1880s between Invercargill and Kingston can still be seen on the south side of the shops. The town also served as a gateway to gold mining in the nearby Nokomai Valley and Nevis Valley. Gold was discovered in 1862, leading to a population surge of 2,000 people in the late 1800s. The now-vanished town of Nokomai once boasted up to 20 pubs. Although mining ceased by the 1940s, gold-seeking activities continued into the 1990s with dredging in a tributary of the Nokomai River.
How to Get There
Garston is located on State Highway 6 in the Mataura River valley, between Kingston and Athol. It is a one-hour, 64 km drive from Queenstown, and an 80-minute, 107 km drive from Te Anau.
Just north of Garston, you can access the south end of the gravel Nevis Road, which leads to the Historic Garston Ski Hut and the Roaring Lion Trail (private). With a 4WD, you can continue on to the Nevis Valley, Duffers Saddle, and to Bannockburn.
