A Hidden Gem on the Otago Central Rail Trail: New Zealand’s First Submarine!

Dive into History on the Otago Central Rail Trail: Middlemarch Museum & New Zealand’s First Submarine

When you plan your journey on the Otago Central Rail Trail, make sure to carve out a little time to visit the Middlemarch Museum - a treasure trove of fascinating local history and home to something truly special: New Zealand’s first submarine, the Platypus.

The Platypus was a 10-metre (33 ft) long iron-plate submarine designed by a French scientist and built in Dunedin. Only a handful were ever made, and the Middlemarch version is thought to be one of the only remaining examples in the world. The Platypus had its maiden voyage in Otago Harbour in 1873, just three years after Jules Verne released his underwater classic 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.

But this isn’t just any submarine - it’s a Gold Rush-era dream. The Platypus was a prototype designed to discover and dredge gold from Otago’s rivers. Unfortunately, a lack of investors brought the project to a standstill in 1874, and it languished on a Dunedin wharf for years before being broken up for scrap in 1924. Two pieces were later sold to a farmer in Barewood, near Middlemarch, where they remained until being donated to the museum in 1991.

While it never made its investors a fortune, the Platypus stands as a fascinating example of ingenuity, creativity, and that unstoppable Central Otago spirit - right along your Rail Trail journey.

The Middlemarch Museum itself is delightfully welcoming and easy to explore - and it’s perfectly placed for Rail Trail riders. You’ll find it at 5 Aberafon Street, half-way between Big Sky Bikes and Middlemarch's delightful Kissing Gate cafe. It’s a great little stop before or after your ride (or while waiting for your shuttle back to Clyde).

Museum hours:

• 1 October – 31 January: Fri, Sat & Sun | 11:30 am – 1:30 pm

• 1 February – 30 April: Thu – Mon | 11:30 am – 1:30 pm

• Other times: Open by request - call +64 3 464 3696 or +64 (0) 22 060 9898

Whether you’re a history buff, a curious adventurer, or just someone who loves discovering quirky stories along the trail, the Middlemarch Museum and the Platypus are an absolute must-see.

It’s a stop that perfectly captures what makes this region - and the Rail Trail - so unforgettable: big skies, bold ideas, and plenty of heart.

So saddle up with Big Sky Bike Adventures, enjoy the ride, and come discover the magic of Central Otago for yourself, where every turn of the pedal reveals another story worth stopping for.