Quailburn historic site

Visitors to the Quailburn historic site will find a woolshed, sheep-dip, homestead and some hut ruins dating from 1866.

Quailburn - a small slice of a large station

Quailburn woolshed.
Camping in front of the woolshed

Quailburn Station was once part of the vast property known as Benmore Run, which was one of the largest properties in Otago during the 1870s.

Sheep mustering on the Quailburn hills was a harsh life. Interpretation panels installed in the old woolshed detail some of the hardships endured.

The woolshed is beech pole construction and was built in the 1920s. The sheep-dip lies near the shed, with the yards and race still standing.

Inside the woolshed.
Panels inside the woolshed

To find the homestead you need to walk uphill for five minutes where it sits amongst birch trees.

Remains of possibly the original 'out station' hut for Benmore Station is located close to the start of the Quailburn Bush Track. It is thought to have been occupied by a married couple in 1878-79. The foundation blocks are scattered amongst long grass.

Getting to Quailburn

Quailburn historic site is part of Ahuriri Conservation Park and is located at the end of Quailburn Road, near Omarama.

Children playing outside the woolshed.
A good place to play

This is a wonderful spot for a family picnic amongst mountain beech forest with a stream running nearby. You can explore the old buildings and get an insight into early farming in north Otago.

Access to this site is extremely good with car parking right next to the woolshed itself.

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Conservation for prosperity. Tiakina te taiao, kia puawai