Picture this

On SH1, 8 kms south of Oamaru, the imposing 19th century Oamaru stone farm buildings tell the story of one of New Zealand's most significant events.

It was here in 1882 at Totara Estate that the first shipment of frozen meat for export to the other side of the world was prepared. Today that dream is a $5 billion annual reality!

Our guests are greeted by guides in period costume and made welcome in the old Mens' Quarters where they are invited to take their seats in a small theatrette set up in the Cookhouse. Here history comes alive in a video outlining the development of the great Estate!

Guests are guided in small groups allowing personal interaction around the striking stone buildings. Along the way they meet historically based 19th century Estate characters, including:

• the notorious swagger Barney 'Whiterats' Winters, who regales them with one of his legendary tales
• a noted ploughman and balladeer Bob Mitchell who recites one of his poems of early Station life!
• in the historic Hanging Shed, a solo butcher tells of life in 1882.

In the recently recreated Slaughterhouse, a state of the art sound & light show creates the atmosphere of the butchers 'working on the line' in 1882, and retells the story behind that first meat expedition in a new and stimulating way designed for modern generations.

Back in the Cookhouse, our guests enjoy a cup of billy tea and chat with our 19th century farm characters, feed early New Zealand sheep breeds, browse our retail area, take a walk to the nearby Brydone monument or sit awhile and let the history sink in.

Celebrate the past through today's technology at Totara Estate... an unforgettable New Zealand heritage experience!

Tours may be customised to group needs. Bookings are essential. For pricing and further information please contact the Property Manager at Totara Estate, tel (03) 434 7169.