Activities in Waimate

  • Waimate Golf Course
  • Walking tracks & bike trails
  • Native birds
  • Native bush, totara trees
  • Wetlands and coastal beaches
  • Salmon and trout fishing
  • Horse trekking and hunting
  • Local Edwardian Heritage Experience
  • Local vineyard and winery

A vineyard, winery and olive grove are at the front gate. The Cellar Door is open and wine is available for purchase.
Further information on above activities can be forwarded on request.

Local Walking & Bike Tracks

There are a number of local scenic walking tracks and bike trails/mountain bike track for those who enjoy hiking and exploring through native bush and coastal wetlands. The closest track to the Lodge being the Whitehorse Walkway that is steep in parts but follows the old logging track through native bush where local native bird calls can be heard including Bellbirds, native wood pigeons and friendly Fantails. The local Hunter Hills are home to the Bennett Wallaby (introduced by early Settlers) and now very much a part of Waimate. They are extremely shy animals but can be seen by spotlight at dusk or early morning.

Surrounding & local history

The Waimate District is a vast farming area located in South Canterbury, with wonderful scenic landscape from coastal plains to inland alps. Rich in early settlers' history including Maori heritage (Rock Art) and early European settlers (bushmen) drawn to Waimate to mill the local totara and matai timber.

Hardy English and Scottish sheep farmers and families made Waimate their home in the mid 1800s.

Waimate ('slow-moving water') was once a swamp area where moa had roamed, and fevers were punishing to the early settlers. Now this area is one of the most fertile and productive farming areas in the country. Recognition of the magnificent shire horses that helped plough the land is in the form of a monument placed on Mount Ellen overlooking Waimate. At a height of 400ft above sea level and with panoramic views, the White Horse monument, accessible by road and walkway, looks out over the town. Waimate is famous for strawberries and other berry fruits, honey, free-range eggs and pork plus other locally grown produce.

Native bush can still be found clothing the hills along with exotic forests; even a vineyard and olive grove now grace the slopes of the Hunter Hills. With a population of 3,000-plus, Waimate is a friendly town that welcomes visitors. Residents are very proud of the many fine examples of Edwardian architecture in town, including Australasia's first shopping mall (Quinn's Arcade). It's just one of the many surprises that await the visitor interested to explore Waimate.

Interest Areas

  • Waimate Museum
  • Wallaby Park
  • Kelceys Bush
  • White Horse Monument
  • Vintage cars
  • Bushtown Waimate

Annual Events in Waimate

  • Strawberry Fare (second Saturday in December)
  • Waimate Rodeo (27th December)
  • March Hare Rally (first weekend in March)
  • Edwardian Promenade (second weekend in March)
  • National Highland Cattle Day (April)
  • Waimate 50 (street car racing) - Labour weekend (October)
  • Waimate Shears (sheep shearing) - Mid October
Links