Matanaka Farm

#316 Do - Stroll the short track through the trees and explore the historic Matanaka Farm (having peeked through the hole in the wooden gate!). Perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean on the outskirts of Waikouaiti, the collection of historic buildings are in a stunning spot. The land was purchased by Sydney whaler Johnny Jones in the 1830s and the farm was settled by families who emigrated from Australia on a 2 year contract. As whaling started to decline, the focus became farming and Johnny Jones became one of Otago's leading merchants. The farm provided essential fresh produce for early Dunedin settlers from 1848. The buildings include stables, a school room, a store room, a granary and a communal privy and are thought to be the oldest surviving farm buildings in New Zealand.

#architecture #history #farm #explore