Discovering Wānaka's Historical Roots
Wānaka, located in the Otago region, is a town that has transformed significantly since the 1980s. While it now boasts a modern appearance, its history is deeply rooted in the early settlement days dominated by vast sheep farms, known as "stations". One of the key historical sites is Wānaka Station Park, accessible from Norman Terrace or the Waterfall Creek Track, situated just behind the iconic Wānaka Tree.
The Early Days of Wānaka Station
The first significant settlement in the Wānaka area began in the 1850s near Albert Town, the only fordable point on the Clutha River. In 1859, Robert Wilkin and William Thompson established Wānaka Station, which spanned the west side of Lake Wānaka, extending from below Roys Peak and Mt Alpha to the Pisa Range. This station initially supported 6,000 sheep. The homestead was located near the current site of the Wānaka Tree at the west end of the Lakefront. Over time, redwoods, sequoias, and cedars were planted, and these trees have grown to impressive sizes today.
Changes and Developments
The exact size of Wānaka Station is uncertain, but in 1862, Wilkin and Thompson expanded by purchasing Glendhu Station from John Roy. By 1866, they sold the Mt Pisa block to RJ Loughnan, and the remainder of Wānaka Station was sold to Robert (or Henry) Campbell. The station was eventually divided into five large stations: Wānaka, Glendhu, West Wānaka, Mount Burke, and Minaret.
In 1912, Sir Percy Sargood and his wife Lucy acquired Wānaka Station. Sir Percy was passionate about irrigating Central Otago's dry lands and planted 8,000 fruit trees in 1913 to create the Wanaka Orchard.
Although the timeline is unclear, the station was gradually subdivided, possibly starting in the 1940s. As the town expanded west of the Lakefront in the 1970s and 1980s, the original homestead and sheds fell into disrepair, and the area was designated as Wānaka Station Park. Some of the station's homestead timber was repurposed by Wanaka Homestead, a boutique accommodation business adjacent to the park.
Exploring Wānaka Station Park
Wānaka Station Park is located just behind That Wānaka Tree. You can stroll from the beach through a rose arbour, featuring heirloom roses over a century old, to explore the park's ruins, playground, and towering exotic pine trees. The park also boasts a massive rhododendron hedge and some surviving fruit trees, which offer free fruit in season. The redwood tree behind the arbour is particularly striking.
Getting to Wānaka Station Park
To drive to Wānaka Station Park, head southwest from the town centre along Ardmore Street, which becomes Mt Aspiring Road. Turn right into Homestead Close, shortly before you reach the edge of the town. There is parking next to Wānaka Station Park. To walk or bike there, follow the Lakefront Track towards that Wānaka Tree. The track continues above the beach, and you will see the entrance into the park.
Other attractions in and from the town include the Glendhu Bay Track, Mount Iron Track, Bullock Creek, and the Beacon Point Walk.
