Culture vultures & history buffs
Here is a culture-packed itinerary showcasing the varied histories of Te Waipounamu the South Island. You’ll be a trendsetter – some of these spots are off the beaten track, but well worth the journey.
Te Whare Waiutuutu Kate Sheppard House
Starting in Ōtautahi Christchurch, be inspired by the story of the suffragist movement in Aotearoa, thoughtfully illuminated by both the museum displays and the knowledgeable visitor hosts. Regular art and photography exhibitions are held here, and there’s a beautiful summer garden.
Ng King Brothers Chinese Market Garden Settlement
The perfect stopover as you travel south, this well interpreted and little-known site beautifully documents the lives of its nine founders and later, their families, as they established themselves in Ashburton while operating a large market garden.
Te Ana Ngāi Tahu Māori Rock Art Centre
Timaru might not have been on your schedule, but it should be – this place is truly special. Journey through the history and culture of Ngāi Tahu people at Te Ana, a state-of-the-art immersive cultural centre. From here, you can take a fascinating guided tour through regenerating native planting to reach the Ōpihi limestone caves that reveal images painted by Māori hundreds of years ago.
Arrowtown
Turn inland and drive south into Central Otago to visit the former gold mining town of Arrowtown. Start at the Chinese Village, then enjoy one of several great heritage walks, and finish with some boutique shopping and refreshments at a local restaurant.
Hokitika Port, Commercial and Government Centre
Hokitika first drew Māori for its rich source of pounamu and later became the most valued port of the West Coast gold rush era. Appreciate opulent buildings constructed with the riches gleaned from the goldfields, shop for a pounamu taonga carved in town, and relax over a delicious meal at one of Hokitika’s excellent cafés and restaurants.
More summer roadies: Kids on tour
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Heritage places your kids will love
Be a history detective. Get hands-on in an inventor’s workshop. Visit a pā site. Learn to bind books at our oldest printery. Make damper at a historic farm. Tohu Whenua heritage landmarks are great for kids!
5 best half-day heritage walks for autumn
Bright blue skies, trees ablaze with colourful autumn foliage, and tranquil tracks - smart walkers know that autumn is one of the most glorious seasons to be in the great outdoors. It’s also a great time of year to discover more of New Zealand’s unique history with Tohu Whenua.
The Tohu Whenua guide to Otago
Homes of invention and innovation, ancestral landscapes and cycle trails bursting with history are just some of the must-dos you’ll find in our Otago itinerary.
South Island roady: kids on tour
Heading south this summer? Hop onboard our South Island roady. Tohu Whenua sites are family friendly and engaging for people of all ages, so make your way to Ōtautahi Christchurch to kick off this kid-friendly holiday.
