Listings for: Waitaki District > Oamaru > Activities and Attractions

Clark's Mill

A 19th-century engineering marvel, Clark’s Flour Mill and its labyrinth of restored machinery give insight into New Zealand’s industrial heritage. 

Open: Nov–April: Sundays 1–3pm. Machinery operates last Sunday of month.  Admission charges apply.  Group bookings welcome.

Originally part of Totara Estate, the Kakanui Flour and Oatmeal Mill was built in 1866 to help process the enormous amounts of grain produced in the fertile lands of North Otago. One of 13 such mills, Clarks Mill as it is known locally, functioned until 1976. It was purchased by the Historic Places Trust the following year and the Trust has set about restoring it to tell the story of the grain industry and how flour and other products such as oatmeal (porridge) and pollard is made. 

While much of the machinery is original, the mill also shows how technology changed from being powered by water and using millstones, to electric driven rollers. The building itself is a massive limestone creation hosting massive wheels and wooden equipment which has been likened to being inside a large clock. 

Guides show visitors around the building and explain the workings of the mill but also tell a few stories about the people that worked and lived on the site and some of their activities – such as the great flood of 1868 and how a millers cottage hosted the youths of the area in an informal hotspot for many years. 

Enquiries: Totara Estate
Phone: (03) 434 7169 
E-Mail: totaraestate@historic.org.nz 

For map see www.google.com/maps?q=maheno otago