Explore Weatherstons

Tucked away in a far corner of Lawrence, a small side road nestled between two homes leads to Weatherstons, a once-thriving town and home to the famous Black Horse Brewery (Otago's most successful provincial brewery). The brewery operated from 1884-1923. Now only foundations and falling-down walls remain, the rest having crumbled long ago. However, every spring, something magical happens. Long-buried bulbs reach their long arms through the soil and into the sky, delicate yellow flowers turning to face the long-awaited sun.

Legend tells that a million daffodils bulbs were planted in 1895 by brewery owner Ben Hart. Hart had searched the world far and wide for his bulbs, paying up to £100 for a single bulb. The 10ha site remains in the ownership of the Hart family and has become a much-loved Lawrence seasonal destination, with pathways that meander through the surrounding bush and flower fields, and waterfalls and concrete ruins adding to the atmosphere. Managed by a local trust, the site has only reopened to the public in the last few years.

The flowers that bloom here are unique to the area – cross-pollination has created a beautiful mess of varietals and colour. Unfortunately, it's an activity on a time-frame, the flowers run to Mother Nature's schedule, generally blooming between September and October. There's a Facebook page to keep visitors up-to-date.

To find the daffodils and brewery, follow

Irvine Street from Lawrence. Turn left onto Weatherstons Road. A short distance down the road, two houses will appear on the right. There's a lane in between the two that leads to the ruins (in spring, it's tough to miss).

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