The lovingly restored Art Deco buildings from the 1930s make Ranfurly a paradise for architecture lovers.

With the construction of the Central Otago railway line in 1898, the town of Ranfurly was established and became the focal point of the area.

In the 1930's there was a great need for new buildings - partly due to dodgy fire damage. Art Deco was fashionable at the time, and it so happened that Ranfurly was revamped in that style. Local architects and construction managers remained true to the Art Deco style even as new trends spread.

Many of Ranfurly's Art Deco buildings have been restored to their former glory, most notably the Centennial Milk Bar, which houses the Art Deco Museum - a must-see for Art Deco fans. You might also find a collector's item or two in Ranfurly's art deco thrift stores.

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