Oliver’s Central Otago

Explore Oliver’s Unique Cultural Heritage

David and Andrea Ritchie, the owners of Oliver’s Central Otago, have taken a long road back to David’s family roots in the South Island of New Zealand. David’s great-great-grandfather, John Macfarlane Ritchie founded a company in the early days of Otago’s settlement that then became one of the largest stock and station companies in New Zealand, whilst his mother’s family has farmed in Canterbury for an equal number of generations.

David and Andrea’s move to Central Otago came after many years in the corporate world, living in New Zealand, Malaysia, Australia and the United Kingdom. David’s work involved regular travel to many other parts of the globe and from these experiences, the couple developed an understanding of the hospitality industry first-hand, along with a passion for fine art, architecture and heritage.

Taking skiing holidays in Wanaka meant that Andrea and David got to know Central Otago well and when the opportunity arose to buy the historic Oliver’s Lodge and Stables, it was too good to resist. Their vision was to create an elegant boutique hotel that embodied the true essence of Central Otago.

Oliver’s Central Otago carries a Category One designation from the New Zealand Historic Places Trust, signifying a property of ‘special or outstanding historical or cultural heritage, significance or value’. Proud of this status, Oliver’s is dedicated to preserving its unique local heritage, and maintaining the highest tradition of New Zealand hospitality and service.