located in the village of Duntroon in the Waitaki Valley, is the former Presbyterian church of St Magnus. Built in 1896 by settlers from the Orkney Islands, it was a practising church until 2010 when it was sold to a private buyer. At some point mid last century a church hall was added to the property and it is this building that now operates as accomodation. It has 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and is a light and airy house. Built using the local Oamaru stone, it is cool break from the hot Summer sun or a toasty warm house in winter thanks to the very efficient log burner and thermally efficient stone. The bedroom layout is of 2 rooms with Queen size beds and 2 rooms each with a pair of King singles. The kitchen is well commissioned with the usual stove top, wall oven, dishwasher and microwave oven. There is a washing machine but no dryer. The living area has a plentiful supply of books, games , a few DVDs with WI FI and Netflix available. For the musically inclined there is a piano and ukulele to enjoy a sing along to. An outside patio offers a relaxing Al fresco feel between the house and the church where the hosts reside. On our adjacent section there are 2 magnificent Oak trees, both protected by covenant. They were planted by parishioners to commemorate particular timelines in the church's history and they offer a sometimes welcome respite from what can be a hot summer sun. There is a large outdoor table beneath the larger of the two trees. It is these trees that were the reason for the name , The Holy Oaks. All in all , a relaxing time is to be experienced at The Holy Oaks, Duntroon.

Situated midway between Oamaru and Lake Benmore in the beautiful Waitaki Valley, Duntroon is the heart of the newly acclaimed Waitaki Whitestone Unesco Geo park. It is the only Unesco recognised geo park in New Zealand. At the centre of the bid to be recognised by Unesco, is Vanished World. Situated in Duntroon, Vanished world is a community inspired treasure trove of fossils and information set up to promote the diverse geological nature of the area. A "dig" room offers the chance for budding geologists to scrape away at limestone and unearth their very own fossil. The vanished world trail include features such as Maori rock art, a whale fossil unearthed at Anatini and the impressive elephant rocks and whale valley. All close to Duntroon. The Unesco Geo park covers over 7,000 Sq Kms and stretches from the Moeraki Boulders on the East coast, up the Waitaki valley and to the base of the Southern Alps. All within a few hours drive from Duntroon. For those with an interest in more recent history, Duntroon is home to the Historic Nicol's blacksmith forge, one of only a few original village blacksmith forges in existence and is administered by a trust. The forge building is granted category one classification with the Historic places trust and is open daily through summer for visitors to browse and soak in the history. You may well be lucky enough to visit when the forge is in operation by one of many volunteers. History is not all that is on offer in the area. The Waitaki and Maerewhenua rivers are recognised as two of the best trout fishing rivers in New Zealand and of course the Alps to Ocean cycle journey passes right through Duntroon with many cyclists choosing to have a stop over in the village. Duntroon Hotel and bar Is a welcome watering hole for many visitors, as is the flying pig cafe. 10 minutes drive from Duntroon is the River T vineyard where one can sample the delights amongst the vines. Lots to see and do in the area and well worth a visit.