History

Built in 1870 and named after the giant 100-year-old walnut tree behind it, Walnut Cottage has had a long and illustrious history. Initially the office for a local flour mill before being  transformed into the local post office, the cottage then became the residence for local legend “Wagoner Jack,” one of the last “old wagoners”, from 1942 until his death in 1991.

Walnut Cottage has since been restored by Jack’s son, Noel Stevenson and his wife Alma. The couple sold a variety of arts and crafts from the cottage as well as historical items.

Walnut Cottage was later turn into a cafe and is now owned and operated by Wakatipu locals Rick and Dini Siddick.

The People

Rick and Dini Siddick took over the running of Walnut Cottage at the end of 2010. Once the youngest restaurateur in New Zealand, Rick brings a wealth of skill and experience to the cosy Arrowtown cafe as well some special new dishes.