Ranfurly - an Unexpected Place to Find an Art Deco Oasis
Ranfurly, named after the fifth Earl of Ranfurly, the 15th Governor General of New Zealand, is the service centre for the Maniototo area.
When the Central Otago railway line was constructed, it bisected the Maniototo Plain, and Ranfurly became the central point of the line. The County Offices, banks and other services were moved from Naseby to Ranfurly and from the 1930s the town developed rapidly, adopting the Art Deco building style popular during that era.
A new event on the calendar is the Ranfurly Rural Art Deco Weekend held in February each year. The weekend's programme includes cabaret and cocktails, entertainment, buskers, jazz bands, art and crafts, a jazz brunch and many more activities with a nostalgic theme centred around the Jazz Age.
Many buildings in Ranfurly have been restored to their former Art Deco glory—a visit to the Art Deco Gallery is a must.
For further information about Central Otago view our Central Otago regional information section.