Listings for: Waitaki District > Oamaru > Activities and Attractions

Totara Estate

In 1882, Totara Estate prepared New Zealand’s first export of refrigerated mutton, signalling the start of a multi-billion dollar industry. The restored farm buildings reflect the working history of agriculture in New Zealand. 

Open: Nov–April: 10am–5pm daily May, Sept, Oct: 10am–4pm daily
Admission charges apply.  Group bookings welcome.

Guided Tour bookings and reservations online: www.totaraestate.co.nz or phone (03) 434-7169

Visit anytime during our open hours to stroll around our displays.  But if you have the time, we strongly recommend the 11:00am guided tour.

Daily Guided Tour an Experience not to Miss!
Come face to face with a swagger from the past - the likes of Ned ''The Shiner'' Slattery or Barney Whiterats. 

The Estate, just south of historic Oamaru, is famous as the birthplace of New Zealand''s frozen meat industry, but its story offers a much wider insight into early pioneering life, its hardships and achievements.

This ''living history'' is part of a daily guided tour on at 11am during summer (November through April). We aim to bring history alive in a way that is memorable and visitors can relate to.  We''re keen for the buildings (original Oamaru stone farm buildings dating from 1868) to tell their stories in a way that is relevant and meaningful. Our focus however is on authenticity and any ''character'' brought to life is historically linked to the Estate.

Visitors tour the Estate with a guide in period costume who brings its stories to life. A feature is the ''billy tea'' and scones offered at the tour''s conclusion and a chance to meet those ''characters from the past''. 

Bookings can be made by phoning Totara Estate on (03) 434-7169 or online at totaraestate@historic.org.nz.  See also www.historic.org.nz.