The Ophir Post Office opened in 1886 and still operates as a post office agency. Photos by Lynda van Kempen. : You can't go past a beauty like Ophir

You can't go past a beauty like Ophir : You can't go past a beauty like Ophir

This historic cottage was believed to have been used as both hospital and doctor's residence in the town's early days. : You can't go past a beauty like Ophir

A quintessentially Central Otago summer scene - hollyhocks and schist fences. : You can't go past a beauty like Ophir

The Ophir Hall, opened in 1926, is still the centre of community life and used for many events. : You can't go past a beauty like Ophir

Old buildings surrounded by cottage gardens - par for the course in Ophir. : You can't go past a beauty like Ophir

The Daniel O'Connell bridge, opened in 1880, is one of the last surviving suspension bridges in the district. : You can't go past a beauty like Ophir

''Cute place'' ... That was Harry and Denise Friedlander's description of Ophir. The Wellington couple were on the first day of their Otago Central Rail Trail trip. : You can't go past a beauty like Ophir

Campers Brooklyn Paul (13, left), and Zach Wilks (12), both of Invercargill, say the Ophir pool is the place to be on a scorching hot day. : You can't go past a beauty like Ophir