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12 | OAMARU<br />
SOUTHERN HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS SPRING-SUMMER 2<strong>02</strong>3-2<strong>02</strong>4<br />
The rolling hills make for a scenic setting<br />
against the four stone farm buildings.<br />
Totara Estate:<br />
preserving<br />
New Zealand’s<br />
agricultural legacy<br />
Caption: Traditional farmhouse style<br />
morning tea is always a treat with freshly<br />
made scones on the daily guided tours.<br />
Totara Estate has a special experience<br />
for both large and small groups, a taste<br />
of an extended Totara experience.<br />
In the serene countryside of the South Island Te Waipounamu, a scenic Tohu<br />
Whenua gem awaits those with an inclination for history, nature, and the classic.<br />
Located just eight kilometres south of Ōamaru along State Highway 1, Totara<br />
Estate, is a remarkable testament to Aotearoa New Zealand’s rich agricultural<br />
heritage.<br />
Established in the 1850s, it rapidly became one of the nation’s largest and most<br />
prosperous sheep farms during the late 19th century, giving Totara Estate a special<br />
place in our history.<br />
Its contributions to Aotearoa New Zealand’s frozen meat industry were pivotal<br />
in establishing the country’s reputation as an early innovator and leader in the<br />
global meat export industry. Totara Estate paved the way for a new agriculturebased<br />
economy and society. In the ensuing decades, refrigeration played a<br />
transformative role in the domestic and international economy, establishing meat<br />
and dairy products as prominent export commodities.<br />
At the heart of Totara Estate lays four carefully restored Ōamaru whitestone farm<br />
buildings that include a granary that was used for processing and storing the oats,<br />
wheat and barley that were cultivated on the estate. Stables and slaughterhouses<br />
are mainstays of a historic farm; however, Totara’s are far from typical and stand<br />
as a testament to the ingenuity of the era. Designed to accommodate large-scale<br />
sheep processing with efficiency and precision, these buildings offer a glimpse into<br />
the past where cutting-edge innovation shaped our agricultural future.<br />
Family fun<br />
There is a little something for everyone. With fun-filled activities for families,<br />
including a chance to hand-feed the heritage breed sheep and plenty of open<br />
space for children to run around on vast green lawns, the only thing missing is<br />
a picnic to complete the experience. These meticulously manicured lawns treat<br />
visitors to stunning views of the surrounding countryside, making it the perfect<br />
spot to grab something to eat. Spend some quality time at the café, where you<br />
can savour renowned tea and scones served in the historic cookhouse, or simply<br />
soak in the serene atmosphere. Once a month, the cookhouse is transformed<br />
into Victorian tearooms, with the serving staff in full Victorian attire for an added<br />
experience.<br />
Group tours<br />
For heritage-seeking groups, on offer is the chance to get the extended Totara<br />
experience. Totara Estate has a special experience for larger groups, including<br />
costumed tour guides, billy tea over the fire and freshly made scones. Or indoors<br />
in the original cookshop if the weather is not so good. Group tours require a prebooking.<br />
Brydone Monument Walk<br />
If you are feeling energetic you can take a walk up Sebastopol Hill, which is<br />
crowned with a monument to manager Thomas Brydone, who oversaw the farm’s<br />
transition from wool to meat. The view showcases a spectacle of North Otago<br />
farmland and the distant Kakanui Range. The walk takes approximately 40 minutes<br />
to complete the return trip.<br />
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience Totara Estate, conveniently located<br />
just off State Highway 1 – a must-stop on your next roadie. And if you’re feeling<br />
adventurous you can also pop down the road and explore the wonderous Clarks<br />
Mill while you’re at it. The mill machinery is operative on the last Sunday of each<br />
month. Opening hours for the mill run from October to April.<br />
Check out totaraestate.co.nz for further information.<br />
A taste of unique<br />
Totara Estate<br />
Explore an evolution of farming innovation against a backdrop<br />
of pristine landscape as you visit iconic stone farm buildings,<br />
stables, a granary, and great food served to you right from an<br />
original cookhouse.<br />
Visit Totara Estate today.<br />
Open Thursday – Monday | September – May<br />
10 – 4pm<br />
State Highway 1, 8km south of Ōamaru<br />
Clarks Mill, another fantastic heritage experience,<br />
is only a further six minutes south.<br />
totaraestate.co.nz
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