Gilchrist Store

Perhaps the most renowned historic building in Oturehua, still trading today with an interior little changed from when it first opened.

John & Helen Hellier in Oturehua own the historical Gilchrist’s Store which has been servicing the area continuously since 1902. Thomas Gilchrist’s family and his descendants ran this old store for 87 years till 1989. We are the 3rd owners to lease the building after the local community worked very hard pitching in to keep it running.

Visit our Oturehuas Gilchist Store. This historic building in the centre of Oturehua town is one of the best known stores in Central Otago. Built in 1899 this store is a rare delight for any nostalgia enthusiast, successfully merging the old and the new. The shelves boast memorabilia such as the original telephone exchange, an antique bacon slicer, tinned coffee and food from the late 1800’s. Present day goods are also sold.