Today this is a popular spot to crack open the thermos and have a cup of tea, and admire the views. Do watch for muggles.
But I have found some interesting historical facts about the history of the place.
The “Jolly Waggoner Hotel”, on the southern side of the slope leading to the summit of Dome Pass, was an accommodation house built at this junction for travellers coming from Dunedin, Invercargill and Riverton.
The challenge of the steady climb over Dome Pass, ensured this became a popular resting place, providing a 30-acre paddock for horses, a blacksmith, and much fun and revelry for the travellers. Many were said to co-ordinate their journey, just so they could spend a night there!
“The Jollies Hotel is remembered so well
By the gold-seeker who prospered and spent
In days lang syne, with music so fine
And the dusty waggoner who came and went”
– “Early Days in Southland”
reprinted from The Southland Times, 16 November 1934.
In later years, the original route name “Dome Pass” was renamed “The Jollies” after the hotel.
A cairn erected just south of here, and on the opposite side of the road to where the hotel was sited, commemorates the great endurance of pioneers who had passed through here.