See a historic water wheel: Have you been to the Parrs Water Wheel on Mill Rd, Pleasant Point? It's a category 2 listed Heritage Site, and was first constructed in 1865 by the Parr Brothers and operated until 1905. It powered the gear to grind local grains in a three story building. A water race channelled water from the Opihi River to the over shot water wheel. There was a deadly flood in 1868. The Parr Brothers also established a five sailed windmill in Timaru in 1871 and demolished in 1888. The wind wasn't favourable, and the windmill was later powered by steam. See if you can find the plaque on the dry cleaners wall on what used to be the corner of Elizabeth and Theodosia Street, Timaru.
Imagine daily living in a cob cottage: Visiable from Keane Road in Pleasant Point is a lovely cob cottage.
Nod your head to Thomas Burnett at a water trough memorial: On the side of the Road is a picnic spot, a grand example of local shist and a momument to Thomas Burnett (1877 - 1941) “Man from the misty gorges” "Station owner, politician, benefactor and inspiration to many. He gave his time for the good of the community for no reward other than the satisfaction of helping others". Became a Member of Parliament and was responsible for a major South Canterbury, N.Z. irrigation scheme, the Downlands Water Supply. The momument was erected by grateful ratepayers to commemorate the work of Mr Burnett in fostering the Downlands water supply. See if you can spy the Land Survey Bench Mark.
Here weary beasts shall drink for many a day,
Here travellers shall rest beside the way,
And think upon the man whose wise forethought
Such lasting work of loving kindness wrought.
As he once stood, his monument shall stand,
A steadfast witness in a changing Land.
--L.M. MacDonald
The highest and first law of the universe - and the other name of life, is "help" --John Ruskin
-Burnett Oak at Perth Street
- Burnett Family graves at Timaru Cemetary
Wave to a Locomotive and Rail Car. Thanks to a big voluntary effort, Pleasant Point boasts a 2km railline along the formation of the former Fairlie Branch Line, using locomotives, carriages, and a railcar. Throughout the year you will hear a whistle or a horn as trainloads of passengers from around the world ride the rails at Pleasant Point, a picturesque spot between the mountains and the sea. If your visit doesn't co-incide with a running day you can arrange a special visit, or simply drop by most Saturdays or Wednesdays, when the team are on site. There is a great museum, model railway and rides for a small fee.
Take a look around St Davids Church. Built from river stone found nearby, and glacial granite from Mt Cook, not a single nail is used inside. It was designed in 1930 by Herbert W. Hall. The building was awarded the New Zealand Institute of Architects gold medal in 1934. It was built for Thomas Burnett in memory of his father Andrew Burnett (1838–1927) and his mother Catherine (1837–1914), as well as to commemorate other pioneering run-holders who took up runs in the Mackenzie country. Andrew and Catherine Burnett arrived in Timaru in 1861. Andrew was a Highland shepherd and he worked for John Hayhurst on Grays Hill, Simons Pass and Blue Cliffs stations before taking up the 30,000 Mount Cook Station with George McRae in 1864 for 63 years. Next time you visit the SC Museum, check out the plaque under the Oak tree.
