Established in 2016, Tohu Whenua is a tourism programme that promotes significant heritage sites in Aotearoa New Zealand – the places that shaped our country and culture. The eleven Waitaha Canterbury sites, reaching from Kaikōura to Timaru, showcase the outstanding heritage visitor experiences in the region.

Andrew Coleman, Chief Executive of Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga and Chair of the Tohu Whenua Governance Group, is thrilled with the addition of Canterbury to the Tohu Whenua itineraries in Northland, the West Coast and Otago: “This is the first new region we have launched since Covid. The places are incredibly diverse and showcase Canterbury’s rich history. From Māori rock art, to Gothic revival architecture, to a Chinese market garden, there is something for everyone.”

Heritage tourism creates memorable experiences

Stuart Smith, Member of Parliament for Kaikōura, attended the launch and sees great potential in the Waitaha Canterbury itinerary. “On the global stage, New Zealand’s history, people, stories and culture is our point of difference, not just our geography, and we know this attracts visitors hungry for new knowledge and the opportunity to create lifelong memorable experiences. We also know these experiences foster longer and more frequent tourism visits and that is great news for the economy and business owners in a variety of industry sectors. It is fantastic to see Waitaha Canterbury packaging together 11 significant sites from Kaikōura to Timaru and showcasing this exceptional part of New Zealand. I look forward to this model being replicated in a nationwide network in due course.”

Working with rūnanga

Ngāi Tahu representation is key to the Waitaha Canterbury itinerary. Project manager Jake Thomas (Ngāti Mutunga ō Wharekauri, Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai, Rapuwai & Kopuwai) has valued working with different Ngāi Tahu rūnanga throughout the engagement process. “Being a Chatham Islander, it has been a privilege meeting South Island rangatira, hearing mana whenua stories and highlighting the Māori history of our Tohu Whenua sites. Places such as Pūtaringamotu Riccarton House and Bush, Ōtūwharekai – Hakatere Heritage and Fyffe House at Wai o puka all have outstanding significance to Māori as well as European histories”. 

Diverse experiences and stories

The Canterbury sites include perennial favourites such as Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre, Lyttelton Timeball, and Awaroa Godley Head. But there are also newer sites that are less well known.

The Kaikōura Cultural Artwork Trail along a 60km scenic stretch of State Highway 1 from Waiau Toa (Clarence River) to Oaro was created in partnership with Ngāti Kurī as part of the recent post-Kaikoura-earthquake road reinstatement. It features seven safe stopping places that include unique Toi Māori, native planting, and information panels that share the rich Māori history of the Kaikōura district.

In Ashburton, the Ng King Bros Chinese Market Garden Settlement, which opened to the public in 2024, is a rare example of an authentic twentieth-century Chinese market garden settlement. The site reveals how Chinese migrants worked and lived together to find their place in the Ashburton community. 

Te Whare Waiutuutu Kate Sheppard House was purchased by the government in 2019 to mark 125 years since New Zealand women gained the vote and is still a new experience for many visitors.

Looking into the future

With the addition of Waitaha Canterbury, Tohu Whenua is looking to expand into new regions. “Our vision is a nationwide network of heritage sites throughout Aotearoa New Zealand that sits alongside the Great Walks and Great Rides,” says Andrew Coleman. “We want Tohu Whenua sites to become recognised as ‘must-do’ heritage experiences. They are the places where New Zealanders and international visitors can learn more about what makes our country unique.”

Waitaha Canterbury's Tohu Whenua sites

North to south:

1. Kaikōura Cultural Artwork Trail

2. Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway 

3. Fyffe House at Wai o puka 

4. Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre 

5. Pūtaringamotu Riccarton House & Bush 

6. Te Whare Waiutuutu Kate Sheppard House

7. Awaroa Godley Head

8. Lyttelton Timeball 

9. Ng King Bros Chinese Market Garden Settlement

10. Ōtūwharekai: Hakatere heritage

11. Te Ana Ngāi Tahu Māori Rock Art Centre