Eltham

You’ll enjoy Eltham for its pretty Victorian buildings. The main employer here is a cheese factory – buy something tasty for the picnic basket.

New Zealand's success as a dairying nation has many links to this rural town. Chinese businessman Chew Chong exported the country's first butter from Eltham to England in 1884. He also built the first dairy factory in 1887. Historically, Eltham has been the most highly industrialised town (per capita) in New Zealand. Today, cheese is the town’s main claim to fame. Visitors to Eltham can enjoy the charming Victorian and Edwardian buildings; the walk around beautiful Lake Rotokare, which is fed by natural springs; and the chance to buy locally made gourmet cheeses.

Functional facts: Approx. population 2000, range of shops and services, limited accommodation.