Herbert between local history and forest landscapes

Herbert is a picturesque village nestled among sheltered hills. Local history, Herbert Forest and the nearby Waianakarua River give the area different facets. When planning a trip, you can decide whether historic buildings, forest trails or time by the river should take centre stage.

Herbert’s local history

The Herbert War Memorial was unveiled in 1923 and built by E. Williams. It commemorates residents who served or lost their lives in the First World War, and has aesthetic, historical and commemorative significance. Alongside the history of the building, it also brings the memory of the people of the area into focus.

The former St John’s Presbyterian Church was built from Ōamaru stone in 1866 and has aesthetic, architectural and historical significance. In 2018, it became the New Zealand Organ Museum. The building is not open to the public. Its history connects its early construction with a later change of use, but this does not mean that it can be visited in person.

The former Royal Hotel and Stables opened around 1864. It is among Herbert’s oldest buildings and is a distinctive landmark on State Highway 1. Its historic name recalls its former use as a hotel; here, it is described as a building from Herbert’s past. The Herbert Store was a grocery and general store in the 19th century. It is associated with the early years of the Ōtepopo settlement and served the community for many years. Together, the two buildings point to different aspects of local history: the early history of hotels and everyday trade.

The settlers’ houses also tell the story of 19th-century building styles. Watson Cottage is a representative example and, as a timber-framed weatherboard cottage in the Saltbox style, has historical and architectural significance. The former Cottage and Post Office in Herbert comprises a workers’ cottage and a small roadside shop or former post office building, as is believed, dating from the 19th century. Both buildings have historical, architectural and aesthetic significance and are prominent in the village.

Herbert Forest and outdoor activities

The North Block of Herbert Forest is one of the significant and better-preserved remnants of native forest in the Waianakarua Ecological District. It contains lowland forest made up of podocarp and broadleaf tree species that have become rare in the eastern part of the South Island. Those interested in forest landscapes will find a different focus here from Herbert’s historic buildings: the composition and regional significance of a forest area.

Herbert Forest has walking tracks and mountain bike trails. Access is granted by the owners, Port Blakely, and may be restricted at times due to forestry operations. For this reason, check access before travelling. This lets you take the possible restriction into account when planning, rather than assuming that access to the forest is always available.

The Waianakarua River, near Herbert, offers opportunities for swimming and has picnic spots. If you want to spend time by the river or go swimming, check local conditions beforehand. This means that, alongside forest activities, the river and picnicking are separate options in the area around Herbert.

Historic places nearby

South of Herbert, in Waianakarua, are the remains of the Fernyhaugh Flour Mill, dating from the 1870s. These include a curved stone dam and the concrete foundations of a waterwheel. The remains have historical, aesthetic and archaeological significance. North of Herbert is the former Ōtepopo Presbyterian Manse, completed in 1867. This residence, built from Ōamaru stone, is in the Ecclesiastical Gothic style and has aesthetic and architectural significance. Its location north or south of the village helps distinguish these two nearby buildings.

Another historical trace is the survey mark on Mount Charles near Herbert. It is a relic of John Turnbull Thomson’s pioneering surveys in Otago, particularly in the region’s northeast in 1857/58. It has historical, archaeological and technological significance. This takes the focus from buildings and their local history to the surveying work associated with Otago’s history.

Discover more destinations: Tokarahi, Kurow, Hampden, Otematata, Duntroon, Omarama, Black Point, Kakanui

For the regional travel overview: Waitaki District.