Bushtown Heritage Park

Visit Bushtown in Waimate

Step back into Waimate’s early history at Bushtown Heritage Park, a seven-hectare heritage attraction just a short distance from the centre of town.

Bushtown tells the story of the huge tōtara forests that once surrounded Waimate and the timber industry that played an important part in the town’s early development.

Explore the Edwardian cottages and heritage buildings, see historic machinery and wander among the tōtara planted at Bushtown. Over the years the trees have grown considerably and are now beginning to form an impressive canopy of their own.

There’s plenty for families too, with bikes and outdoor toys for children and space to explore.

On the second Sunday of each month, the miniature railway comes to life, with train rides around the park from 1–3pm.

Bushtown Sundays
🚂 Miniature train rides: $2 – cash only
🏡 Edwardian cottages open to explore
🌳 Entry to Bushtown is free
📍 Dobson Street, Waimate

Train rides are weather dependent – check the Bushtown Waimate Facebook page for the latest updates.