Waimate sits about 55 kilometres south of Timaru, in the broad valley between the Hunters Hills and the coastal plain. It’s a small agricultural service town of around 3,000 people with an unusual distinction: a population of wild Bennett’s wallabies in the surrounding hills, brought to New Zealand in the 1870s and now well established in the Hunters Hills. The town also has an intact Victorian-era streetscape, a heritage museum in a former courthouse, and a handful of walking tracks. It makes a comfortable half-day from Timaru, particularly when combined with a stop at Waimate Gorge.
Practical Information
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Distance from Timaru | ~55 km, ~45 minutes drive south on SH1 |
| Key attractions | EnkleDooVery Korna (wallaby sanctuary), Victoria Park wallaby enclosure, Waimate Museum, Whitehorse Monument |
| Wild wallabies | Hunters Hills — viewable on local walking tracks |
The Wallabies
Bennett’s wallabies were introduced to the Hunters Hills in the 1870s and have thrived in the surrounding tussock and scrub. EnkleDooVery Korna is the main venue for close encounters — a private property that has been open to visitors since 1999, run by Gwen Dempster-Schouten, who has been raising orphan wallabies since 1977. Visitors can walk through enclosures at their own pace, photograph the animals, and — when orphan joeys are available — hold them. It’s an informal, personal operation rather than a commercial wildlife park.
The Victoria Park enclosure provides a free alternative in the town centre where wallabies can be viewed at close range. Wild wallabies are also present in the Hunters Hills and visible on the local walking and hunting tracks, particularly in the early morning and at dusk.
The Town
The Waimate District Museum, housed in the 1879 former courthouse on Queen Street, has displays on 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 common in provincial New Zealand.
The Whitehorse Monument, on a hill above the town, is reached by a short drive and walk. The monument is a replica of a white horse cut into the chalk hills of Uffington in England, and the view from the hilltop across the Waimate plains and coast is worth the detour.
Explore Waimate — Wallabies — information on wallaby viewing options in Waimate, including EnkleDooVery Korna and Victoria Park.
See the South Island — Best Things to Do in Waimate — first-person visitor guide with photos and practical tips.
Tourism New Zealand — Waimate — official visitor overview of Waimate and the surrounding district.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Waimate from Timaru?
About 55 km south of Timaru on State Highway 1 — around 45 minutes’ drive.
Where can I see wallabies in Waimate?
At EnkleDooVery Korna (a private wallaby sanctuary, check for current opening), at the Victoria Park enclosure in town, or in the Hunters 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 — it depends on what animals are in care at the time.
Is there a charge to visit EnkleDooVery Korna?
Yes — there is an entry fee. Check the Explore Waimate website or contact the property directly for current pricing and opening hours.
What is the Whitehorse Monument?
A replica of the famous Uffington White Horse from England, located on a hill above Waimate with views across the plains. A short drive from town, then a brief walk to the monument.
Waimate is one of the towns covered in the Timaru district guide. For the route south from Timaru toward Waimate, see day trips from Timaru.
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