Vulcan Hotel

Tucked away at the end of a winding dirt road off the highway, the Vulcan Hotel feels like a step back in time, where you might half-expect a horse and carriage to appear around the bend. 

St Bathans, a small town steeped in rich gold mining history, draws many visitors with its preserved 19th-century cottages and mud-brick buildings. Perched above the enchanting Blue Lake and its striking white cliffs, the Vulcan Hotel has become a favourite destination for locals and happy holidayers alike. Don't forget your swimsuit if you're visiting in summer – a dip in the lake is a must!

When the sun shines, the beer garden bursts into life, with flowers blooming and friends gathering over cold pints. On chilly days, the historic interior beckons, warmed by a roaring fire, cosy tartan blankets and comforting meals. Some of the Vulcan Hotel’s most treasured guests have four legs and a tail, so make sure your dog gets the invite too.

The menu is delicious, hearty and fuss-free, exactly what you’d expect from a country pub that’s been serving the community since 1869. The rich aroma of Yorkshire puddings invite visitors in for a winter’s Sunday Roast, while fresh burgers and fish and chips hit the spot all year round. For a quick bite, there’s a cabinet of cheese rolls and sausage rolls with a few sweet baked goods in the mix. 

The bar caters to everyone’s favourite drop, but we recommend a pint of ‘Rose’s Ghostly Pale’ Pale Ale, out of respect for the resident ghost who has haunted the hotel since her rather unpleasant death in the late 1880s. Guests can still book a night’s accommodation here, including those brave enough to spend it in room 1 and risk an encounter with Rose herself. After hearing tales of unexplained locked doors from Central Otago locals, we were quite happy to leave it at a pint and a bowl of fries.

Despite the occasional eerie moment, the Vulcan Hotel keeps things upbeat with a packed calendar of live music, board game and burger nights, themed events, and even dog photo competitions. It’s a place full of life and good times – so it’s no wonder Roses chooses to stick around.