Becks has a history to tell and a community keen to restore an important aspect of it.
This small Central Otago township is uniquely situated half way between the Equator and the South Pole on the 45th parallel. It is 25 minutes drive northeast of Alexandra and 20 minutes from Wedderburn in the Maniototo Plains.
Becks has a war memorial, community hall and much evidence of a village from an earlier time. A local woolshed has been made from the corrugated iron of the former village hall. Remnants of tennis courts can be seen along with the old blacksmith’s building and some lonely back steps of long gone family homes.
The village of Becks revolved around the former White Horse Hotel, now the focus of a community restoration project. The wooden addition to the hotel was built in the early 1880s. In total there were 10 bedrooms, two sitting rooms and a large dining room. The buildings are of stone, wood and iron and included a stable with eight stalls.
The new White Horse Hotel, built on the opposite side of the road in 1925 provides spectacular views of the Hawkdun Range and Blackstone Hill.
Turn onto Loop Road for a back road journey to stunning St Bathans. Explore Cambrians along the way as you venture into the golden hillsides at the foot of the Dunstan Ranges and Hawkdun Ranges.
Rub shoulders with the locals, hear their stories and enjoy the spectacular scenery of Becks.