Herbert: Discover nature and local history

Herbert is a picturesque village nestled among sheltered hills. Its distinctive character can be explored from two perspectives: nature and outdoor activities in Herbert Forest and the surrounding area, and the town’s architectural and commemorative history. When planning your trip, you can combine these themes or focus more on one of them.

Forest trails and nature around Herbert

The North Block of Herbert Forest is one of the better-preserved and most significant remnants of indigenous forest in the Waianakarua Ecological District. It contains lowland forest with podocarp and broadleaf tree species that have become rare in the eastern part of the South Island. For nature enthusiasts, the forest’s regional significance is as defining a feature as the forest itself.

Herbert Forest has walking trails and mountain bike tracks. Access is granted by the owner, Port Blakely, and may be restricted at times due to forestry work. Check access conditions before your outing.

The nearby Waianakarua River offers swimming opportunities and picnic spots. Check local conditions before swimming. Alongside the forest trails, there are also activities by the water, offering different ways to spend time outdoors.

Herbert’s commemorative and architectural history

The Herbert War Memorial was unveiled in 1923 and built by E. Williams. It commemorates local residents who served or lost their lives in the First World War, and has aesthetic, historical and commemorative significance.

The former St John’s Presbyterian Church was built from Ōamaru stone in 1866 and has aesthetic, architectural and historical significance. In 2018, it was repurposed as the New Zealand Organ Museum. The building is not open to the public.

Other buildings also tell the story of the town. The former Royal Hotel and Stables opened around 1864, is among Herbert’s oldest buildings and is a landmark on State Highway 1. The Herbert Store was a 19th-century grocery and general store associated with the early years of the Ōtepopo settlement and served the community for many years.

Watson Cottage is a representative example of a 19th-century settler’s house. A typical timber-framed weatherboard cottage in saltbox form, it has historical and architectural significance. The former Cottage and Post Office comprises a workers’ cottage and a small, street-front shop building that formerly served as a post office, both dating from the 19th century. The two buildings have historical, architectural and aesthetic significance and occupy a prominent location in the town.

Historic places nearby

In Waianakarua are the remains of the Fernyhaugh Flour Mill, dating from the 1870s. They include a curved stone dam and the concrete foundations of a waterwheel. The mill remains have historical, aesthetic and archaeological significance. North of Herbert is the former Ōtepopo Presbyterian Manse: the Ōamaru stone residence was completed in 1867, built in the religious Gothic style, and has aesthetic and architectural significance.

Which focus suits your trip?

For travellers with different interests, the practical comparison is what to focus on each day: in the forest, walking trails and mountain bike tracks take centre stage; by the nearby river, swimming and picnicking; while the historic buildings complement the nature-based activities with local and commemorative history. This lets you tailor your plans to your interest in activities or culture. If you plan to visit Herbert Forest, check access beforehand, as it may be restricted at times due to forestry work.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Moeraki, Oamaru, Windsor, Tokarahi, Deborah, Omarama, Kakanui, Kurow.

Back to the main travel guide: Waitaki District.