Bainham Store & Sailsbury Falls

Bainham Store is nestled in the heart of the Aorere Valley, 15 minutes inland from Collingwood on the way to the Heaphy track.

This general store and post office have been providing essentials to the Bainham community and travellers since 1928.

The store has been in the same Langford family for four generations, since it opened in 1928.  Edward Langford was the initial proprietor, followed by his grand-daughter Lorna who ran the store and post office for 63 years. Lorna retired in May of 2008,

handing over the reins to Sukhita Langford, who hopes to do both the community and family proud by continuing the traditions that her great grandfather instilled more than 80 years ago.

The storeroom has been turned into a gallery space for local artists to exhibit their work.

The gallery is stacked with a great collection of nostalgic items, which all add to the charm and beauty of the historic store.

Time has worn the outside of Langfords Store, but inside time has stood still. Memorabilia, dry goods, books, sewing bobbins, gumboots, old posters, old price lists and crockery compete for attention from stacked shelves and walls in the tiny Golden Bay shop.

The post office beside the shop is also worth a visit. It’s like stepping back in time!

As we climbed back into the car we noticed a road sign indicating a swing bridge 5kms up the road towards the start of the Heaphy track. We decided to go and take a look.

The swing bridge no longer exists as it was swept away in the 2010 flood. Despite there being little evidence of any swing bridge the trip wasn't wasted. We followed a track across a farm paddock which led to a rocky path winding down to the Aorere River. What a magnificent swimming hole. The water was deep and crystal clear. 

To the right and tucked behind a ledge of rocks was a waterfall, 'Salisbury Falls'. Water crashed over the edge of a rocky ledge into a small pool below. The pool narrowed to a stream and flowed into the Aorere River. 

The still air along with the sun's heat convinced Bernie to strip off and join Paddy in the river. The only reason he didn't scream after he dived in was because some other visitors had arrived. According to Bernie, the water was so cold it took his breath away. That didn't stop Paddy from spending the next half an hour chasing any stones that were skimmed into the water.

Finding the Salisbury falls and this amazing swimming place was the highlight of my day. I'd definitely recommend going there even if you don't intend having a dip.