Our Story
Founded in 2000 by Stu, Lorraine, Graeme, and Alison Duncan, Wedderburn Cottages serves as a premier gateway to the Otago Central Rail Trail and Central Otago high country. Set upon the "Wedderburn Block" of the family’s 5,500-acre intergenerational sheep and beef farm, the property offers a unique fusion of high-country heritage and modern hospitality.
Positioned in the heart of the Central Otago high country, the property is uniquely bisected by the Rail Trail itself. This prime location inspired the Duncan family to open their gates to the global community of cyclists and travelers exploring the region.
The journey began with the original red-brick homestead, which served as the founding guest residence. In response to the trail’s growing popularity, we introduced our first weatherboard cottage in 2004. Today, Wedderburn Cottages have expanded significantly to include, 13 Cottages, The Red Barn (a dedicated information centre) and Miners hut backpacker-style accommodation.
Over the past two decades, we have had the privilege of hosting thousands of guests. It remains our greatest pleasure to share the story of our land and provide a genuine, firsthand experience of New Zealand rural life.
Penvose
A family farming history
For over a century, the Duncan family have farmed Penvose, a 5, 500 acre high country sheep, beef and deer farm in the Maniototo, Central Otago.
At face value, Penvose today is a universe from the plot that that the pioneering Duncans settled more than a century ago.
Graeme Duncan's great grandfather, David Duncan, came to New Zealand in 1863 during the Otago gold rush and made his way to Naseby. His son, David, was the second European boy born in Naseby. David bought a property they named Penvose. Penvose is named after a little place between Launceston and Plymouth, the home town of Graeme’s grandmother, Annie Lory, who emigrated from Cornwall in 1879. Annie came out on the ship Dunedin, which was to take the first shipment of frozen meat back to the UK in 1883.
Fuelled by a shared passion for preserving their century-long heritage, the family are ensuring that the farm’s rich history remains while embracing a sustainable, diverse future.
CONTACT
Wedderburn Cottages
7145 Wedderburn-Becks Road, Wedderburn, New Zealand
+64 27 268 9194
enquiries@weddeburn.net.nz