New Zealand Historic Places Trust The site of Totara Estate is of national importance as the origin of the frozen meat industry in New Zealand. Take a picture "Visit to Totara Estate"
19 DRD Oamaru 8901
The first shipment of frozen meat was organized, killed and dressed in the sheds at Totara, then transported to the nearby railway siding, where it was taken by rail to Dunedin in Ice packed carriages. At Port Chalmers it was loaded into hold of the sailing ship Dunedin of the Albion Shipping Line, where it was then frozen before being shipped to Britain. This took place in February 1882. The success of this initial shipment formed the basis of New Zealand's meat industry and overseas markets.
Today the history of the New Zealand Meat Freezing Industry, which has become one New Zealand's main export earners, can be seen here at Totara. The collection of fascinating antique farming equipment and other relics are housed within the four farm buildings, which are all are built of Oamaru Stone, three date of which from mid-1860s. The carcass shed was built in 1881. The Men’s Quarters and Cookhouse, are set up as they would have been, the main building has a comprehensive museum relating to pioneer farming development and the venture into the frozen meat trade. Click for a short description of a "Visit to Totara Estate"
Hours of opening
WEDNESDAYS TO SUNDAYS 10 am to 4pm, plus
public holidays (except Christmas Day) and for tours, any time by
arrangement. (Dec - Feb open DAILY).Admission
Tour Prices: Adults $15 - Children $5 - Family $40
please enqiure about Senior/ Group concessions
Guided Tours availablePostal Address
Lesley Whitteker.Property Manager,
Totara Estate/Clark's Mill,
N.Z. Historic Places Trust/Pouhere Taonga,
19 D.R.D.,
Oamaru.Phone/Fax 03 434 7169
Facilities
Guided tours/museum brochures/parking.
EMail: totaraestate@historic.org.nz
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