Totara Estate
Putting New Zealand sheep on the world's table
It was from this once grand estate just south of Ōamaru that the first shipment of frozen mutton was sent to England in 1882. This marked the start of an export industry that has underpinned Aotearoa New Zealand’s economic prosperity and is now worth billions.
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The significance of Totara Estate
Early farming station
The area known today as Totara Estate was one of Otago’s early farms, dating from the 1850s. By 1866 it covered almost 15,000 acres and boasted 17,654 sheep, 200 cattle, and arguably some of the best agricultural land in the country.
The country's first meat export
In January and February 1882, more than 4300 sheep and almost 600 lambs were slaughtered here in preparation for a grand gamble. They were to be sent by train to Port Chalmers and packed into a specially built, as-yet-untested refrigerated sailing ship bound for the United Kingdom. The 98-day voyage went well and the meat sold in London’s Smithfield Market in a fortnight for twice the price it would have received in Aotearoa New Zealand. It was the start of a billion-dollar meat export trade.
UNESCO Waitaki Whitestone Geopark
Totara Estate sits within the Waitaki Whitestone Geopark, celebrated for its ancient seabeds, fossil-rich limestone formations, braided rivers, Māori rock art, and coastal wonders.
Totara Estate is proudly cared for by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga.
What you can see and do at Totara Estate
Discover the full picture of early farm life
Wander through the men’s quarters, stables, granary, cookhouse and slaughterhouse, where displays recollect farm and domestic life on the estate during Victorian times.
Immersive audio recordings bring history to life
Hear stories of swaggers, farm hands and the cook. Eavesdrop on the slaughter men as they finish their backbreaking workday.
Play and eat
Join in with farm activities, enjoy freshly baked scones, feed the sheep, and play old-fashioned games.
Memorial to Thomas Brydone
Climb Sebastopol Hill to the base of the tall monument in memory of Totara Estate farm manager Thomas Brydone.
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