Temuka is the second largest town in the Timaru District and there lots of free fun to discover off the highway!
Temuka functions as a service town for the surrounding rural area. Prior to European settlement, the Temuka area was occupied by Māori. The name Temuka is a derivation of Te Uma Kaha, which means 'the stong oven' and is associated with the many Māori earth ovens found in the district. When the northern Māori raided the South Island in the 1820's, the palisaded Te Waiateruati pa, sited to the east of the present day Temuka, stood firm and provided the base for their repulsion. Tuhawaiki, the paramount chief of the large Ngai Tahu tribe, led this counter attack. Temuka remains an important area for Maori to this day. The Arowhenua Marae lies to the south of Temuka between the Temuka and Opihi Rivers.
Do a Temuka "mainer" along the main street and check out the Edwardian architecture.
Visit the Richard William Pearse Monument: Temuka was home to the famous pioneering inventor and aviator, Richard Pearse. Locals know him as the man who flew a heavier-than-air machine on the 31 March 1903, before the Wright Brothers in the US. His achievements are celebrated at this interesting monument just outside of Temuka. Richard Pearse, a farmer's son with little formal education, designed and flew the first aircraft in New Zealand and possibly the world. There were a number of witnesses to his first flights, but local records that could have confirmed the dates were destroyed by fire. It is believed his aircraft came to rest on top of a gorse hedge and was covered by a heavy snow storm. The snow storm is thought to be July 1903 - before the Wright Brothers flew. A replica of his aircraft is by the roadside. Relics of early aviation that were designed and manufactured by Richard Pearse, are displayed in the Pleasant Point Railway Museum, as well as the Auckland Museum of Transport and Technology. Find it on the Main Waitohi Road, 14km west of Temuka.
Follow the Heritage Trail signs to the top of the Waitohi Hills, a journey offering magnificent views. Many of the gullies were used as sites by illicit whisky distillers. This route is unsealed. Once on the flat, travel straight ahead on the Winchester/Hanging Rock Road to Kakahu School, before returning to Hall Road and the Lime Kiln site.
Climb through the Macrocarpa Hedge: at the Domain Playground
Discover a secret spot: under giant trees at the Temuka Domain.
Chat to the birds: in the Temuka Domain Avery
Stroll or bike along the Taumatakahu Stream in Temuka: There is a plaque acknowledging the foresight and effort of volunteers including a past Mayor - can you find it? It's a beautiful walk, especially on a hot day as much of it is under trees. The locals have had planting days to help the water quality. You'll find ducks and eels and a playground along the way. You could walk one way and back, or make the trip longer and include the Domain.
Listen to the Opihi river: Turn East at the rest stop and head towards the rail bridge you will see a picturesque stand of trees, and wildflowers.
Play at the three playgrounds in Temuka: Harris Place St Leonards Rd Taumatakahu/Fox St Temuka Domain
Find the Temuka Shoe Tree: along the Domain Walkway
Geocache at the Taumatakahu Reserve: geocaching.com/taumatakahu-reserve