Waimate

WAIMATE ACTIVITIES AND TRAVEL | Waimate Information

Waimate is a town and district in the South Island of New Zealand. It is around 46 kilometres south of Timaru.

For centuries the area was a seasonal hunting camp for Maori. When European settlers arrived, Waimate became a saw-milling town. These days it is a farming centre; berry growing and bulb propagation are other local pursuits. The majority of the town's original Edwardian buildings are still standing.

If you approach Waimate from the north, you'll notice a white horse shape near the top of the hills behind the town. The White Horse was made as a tribute to the Clydesdale horses that were used to break the land into pasture. Waimate is also memorable for its population of wild wallabies.

Waimate History

From 1877 until 1966, Waimate was served by the Waimate Branch line. For roughly seventy years ending in 1953, the line ran beyond Waimate to Waihao Downs. When the branch line was closed on 31 March 1966, Waimate became the first major town in New Zealand to lose its railway connection.

Main Towns in the Christchurch Region

Other Towns in the Christchurch Region