Last updated June 2026
Waimate lies about 46 kilometres south of Timaru in the broad valley between the Hunter Hills and the coastal plain. It is a small agricultural service town with a population of around 3,500 and an unusual distinction: a population of wild Bennett’s wallabies in the surrounding hills. The wallabies were brought to New Zealand in the 1870s and are now well established in the Hunter Hills. The town also features an intact Victorian-era streetscape, a heritage museum in a former courthouse, and a handful of walking tracks. It makes a comfortable half-day trip from Timaru, particularly when combined with a stop at Waimate Gorge.
Practical Information
| Distance from Timaru | ~46 km, about 45 minutes’ drive south on SH1 |
| Key attractions | EnkleDooVery Korna wallaby sanctuary, Victoria Park enclosure, Waimate District Museum, Whitehorse Monument |
| Wild wallabies | Hunter Hills — viewable on local walking tracks, most active at dawn and dusk |
| Population | Around 3,500 (town) |
About Waimate
Waimate serves as the main centre for the surrounding farming district and retains much of its 19th-century character. Queen Street and the surrounding blocks feature well-preserved Victorian and Edwardian buildings that reflect the town’s growth during the late 1800s. The settlement developed as a service hub for sheep and cattle stations established in the 1850s and 1860s.
The Hunter Hills rise immediately to the west and provide the backdrop for the town’s most distinctive feature: its wallaby population. Bennett’s wallabies were released into the hills in 1874 and have since become a permanent part of the local landscape. While they are considered a pest species in some contexts, they also draw visitors interested in seeing these animals in a semi-wild setting.
Local walking tracks offer opportunities to explore the hills and the gorge area. The town centre remains compact and walkable, with basic services including cafes, a supermarket and fuel. Waimate functions as a quiet stopover rather than a major tourist destination, suiting travellers seeking a low-key rural experience.
The Wallabies
Bennett’s wallabies were introduced to the Hunter Hills in 1874 and have thrived in the tussock and scrub environment. EnkleDooVery Korna is the main venue for close encounters. This private property has welcomed visitors since 1999 and is run by Gwen Dempster-Schouten, who has been hand-rearing orphaned wallabies since 1977. Guests can walk through enclosures at their own pace, photograph the animals and, when orphan joeys are available, hold them. The operation remains informal and personal rather than a commercial wildlife park. An entry fee applies and food is included.
The Victoria Park enclosure in the town centre provides a free alternative where wallabies can be viewed at close range. Wild wallabies are also present in the Hunter Hills and can be seen on local walking and hunting tracks, particularly in the early morning and at dusk.
The Town and Heritage
The Waimate District Museum occupies the 1879 former courthouse on Queen Street. Displays cover Māori heritage, early European settlement and local history, including the wallaby story. The building itself is a good example of the Victorian Gothic courthouse style once common in provincial New Zealand.
The Whitehorse Monument stands on a hill above the town and is reached by a short drive followed by a brief walk. It is a replica of the famous white horse cut into the chalk hills of Uffington in England and serves as a memorial to the draught horses that once worked the district’s farms. The hilltop offers panoramic views across the Waimate plains and coast.
What Visitors Often Say
The wallaby experience at EnkleDooVery Korna feels personal and relaxed, with opportunities to feed and interact closely with the animals in a farm-like setting.
Visitors appreciate the quiet, authentic small-town atmosphere and the easy access to both heritage sites and the surrounding hills for short walks.
Where to Learn More
Tourism New Zealand — Waimate: official visitor overview of Waimate and the surrounding district.
Waimate District Council: local government information and district overview.
Wikipedia — Waimate: summary of history, geography and demographics with references to primary sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Waimate from Timaru?
Approximately 46 km south of Timaru on State Highway 1, around 45 minutes by car.
Where can I see wallabies in Waimate?
At EnkleDooVery Korna (a private sanctuary, check current opening), at the Victoria Park enclosure in town, or in the Hunter Hills on walking tracks, most active at dawn and dusk.
Can you hold a wallaby in Waimate?
At EnkleDooVery Korna, orphan joeys can sometimes be held when available. This is not guaranteed and depends on the animals in care at the time.
Is there a charge to visit EnkleDooVery Korna?
Yes, an entry fee applies. Check directly with the property or local tourism information for current pricing and opening hours.
What is the Whitehorse Monument?
A replica of the Uffington White Horse from England, located on a hill above Waimate with views across the plains. It is reached by a short drive and brief walk.
When was the Waimate District Museum building constructed?
The former courthouse that now houses the museum was built in 1879.
Are the wallabies wild or in enclosures?
EnkleDooVery Korna and Victoria Park offer enclosed viewing, while wild wallabies roam freely in the Hunter Hills and can be spotted on tracks.
Is Waimate suitable for a day trip from Timaru?
Yes, the town and its attractions can be comfortably visited in half a day, often combined with nearby stops such as Waimate Gorge.
For more towns and suburbs in the Timaru district, see the Timaru suburbs hub or related stops at Geraldine and Temuka.
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