Ophir Post Office building made of unworked schist slabs with a touch of square pointing on the formal façade, concrete pillars and arched arcade

If letters are your thing, look no further than an original Victorian-era rubber stamp spot. Come and explore the oldest continually running postal service in the country. Stamp your way to Ophir Post Office.

Opening Hours

Monday – Friday
9.00am - 12.00pm

Closed Public Holidays

parking no-smoking shops

Entry

Free

Address

53 Swindon Street
Ophir
Otago 9393

+64 3 447 3738

ophir@heritage.org.nz

Accessibility Accessibility

Ophir Post Office is a small, one-storey building with single steps and uneven surfaces. There is wheelchairs access to the main foyer. Unfortunately, there is no wheelchair access to the back-office. There is a plenty of street parking outside the front door for visitors with limited mobility. Unfortunately, due to the size of the post office mobility scooters do not have space to enter.

Cafe Food and Drink

Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic with them to enjoy in our backyard, some seating is available or bring a rug to roll out on the lawn. Please take all food and rubbish with you.

There are two local eateries located just a short distance from Ophir Post Office. Further afield, in Alexandra there are a selection of local cafés and eateries.

This is a smoke and vape free site.

More info

Children and whānau

Both inside and out, there are plenty of things for kids to see. Inside, you can see how things used to be done at a post office and even frank your own stamp. Outside, explore the garden or stretch little legs. Plus, don’t miss visiting the old Ophir Jail in our very own backyard.

Things to remember

We care for some important taonga (treasures) in our collection and our heritage buildings have lived a long life, so some rooms or items in the house may be off limits at times for conservation and maintenance.

Some rooms may be dimly lit depending on the weather and time of year.

Safe Space

Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga is proud to be part of the Safe Space Alliance, offering safe and inclusive spaces that welcome and support the LGBTQI+ community.

A safe space is a space where the LGBTQI+ community can freely express themselves without fear. It is a space that doesn’t tolerate violence, bullying, or hate speech towards the LGBTQI+ community.

Safe spaces logo a rainbow circle with the words 'Safe Space, wāhi haumaru'

Historic black and white photo showing Mrs J Shepherd of Alexandra posts envelope through mail slots at Ophir Post Office in 1961

Ngā Kōrero
Stories

Photo: Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga

Not sure where to start?

There’s plenty of heritage throughout the stunning Otago landscape. We’ve put together some ideas to get you started.

Explore Ōtākou | Otago heritage
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Photo: Tim Hawkins / Otago Central Rail Trail Trust

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