Wakefield: Churches, Museums and the Great Taste Trail

Wakefield combines early European settlement history with historic buildings and experiences on the Great Taste Trail. The church and cemetery tell the story of the town; museums, a memorial site and a range of cycling and golf options each offer their own focus. This makes it possible to shape your stay around the interests that matter to you and your travel group.

Church history and a walk to the cemetery

St John’s Church is the oldest surviving church on New Zealand’s South Island. Marianne Reay designed it in 1846; it is considered the first known building in New Zealand designed by a woman. Set among mature trees and a historic cemetery, the church brings together architectural history and a distinctive setting.

Wakefield is one of New Zealand’s earliest European settlements and has several historically interesting buildings. Another way to learn about the town’s history is the St John’s Cemetery Walk: it leads to the gravestone of Mary Ann and Edward Baigent, who are often described as the founders of Wakefield. The walk and the church therefore offer different ways to explore the history of the town.

Historic exhibits and steam

At Willow Bank Heritage Village, you can see recreated shops and historic exhibits. The address given is 79 Wakefield-Kohatu Highway in Wakefield. If you are planning a visit, check the latest opening information before setting out. Traditional high tea is also offered there on selected dates; check with the operator for the relevant dates.

Pigeon Valley Steam Museum displays an extensive collection of steam-related exhibits, including two Fowler traction engines: one rated at 8 hp and one at 5 hp. On Steam-Up days, free rides are available on a traction-engine-drawn trailer and on the bush tramway. These rides are therefore available on specific event days, not as a general feature of every visit.

The Historic Transport Museum collects, displays, preserves and restores vehicles, machinery, artefacts and memorabilia relating to the transport history of the Nelson, Marlborough and West Coast regions. Visitors interested in technology and transport will find a different perspective on the past here than at the church and Heritage Village.

Cycling stages and outdoor activities

The Town to Country section of the Tasman’s Great Taste Trail leads to Wakefield: it is 34 km long and takes approximately 2–3 hours by bicycle. The Rural Tasman section runs from Wakefield through the historic 1.4 km Spooners Tunnel to Tapawera. The route then continues downhill via Kohatu. This 31 km section is also listed as taking approximately 2–3 hours by bicycle. The two stages differ in length and route, while their estimated cycling times are similar. Route conditions can change; check the latest information before setting out.

Redstone Golf Park also offers several options: its flat golf course has 9 or 18 holes. There is also a disc golf course with three marked layouts of nine holes each, suitable for different experience levels. You can choose between traditional golf and disc golf, or focus your day on one of the two types of play. Operating conditions can change, so check the latest information when making specific plans.

Choose the right focus

When looking for a holiday rental in Wakefield, it can help to consider which experiences you want to shape your stay: would you like to explore historic places and exhibitions, plan a cycling stage, or spend time on the golf or disc golf course? The activities mentioned here differ considerably in character and, in some cases, in the time they require.

Discover more destinations: Owen River, Richmond, Brightwater, Murchison, Ngatimoti, Marahau, Saint Arnaud, Parapara.

For the broader travel overview: Tasman District.