Explore historic Maheno, known for its charming churches, Victorian farm and Clarks Mill, a Heritage New Zealand site.
Just ten minutes south of Oamaru, Maheno boasts charming churches (particularly St Andrews Church) and Clarks Mill - a historic water-powered flour mill housing a labyrinth of early machinery which is still intact. The machinery still kicks into life on select Sundays to show visitors what it was like to work in the flour mill all those years ago.
Just a couple minutes’ drive up the road, you’ll find Totara Estate – a beautiful, historic, Victorian farm and the birthplace of New Zealand’s meat export industry. Named a ‘landmark’ by Heritage New Zealand, you can explore the estate, including the restored farm buildings, feed the sheep, and enjoy morning tea.
From Maheno, you can take a winding inland route through farmland to Livingstone, Dansey’s Pass or Duntroon and the Waitaki Valley. Alternatively, explore the seaside town of Kakanui, or journey on north to Oamaru or south to Dunedin via SH1.
