Cheviot Hills Reserve and Mansion House Site

One of North Canterbury’s greatest nineteenth century sheep stations, the Cheviot Estate of 'Ready Money' Robinson was, in 1892-93, the first subdivided by the Liberal Government for closer settlement. This was a landmark in New Zealand history.

The government, and especially the minister of lands, John McKenzie, gained enormous popularity as a result. The town of Cheviot was originally named McKenzie, and the street names commemorate Liberal politicians.

Concrete foundations in the local domain are all that remain of the Mansion House, but the manager’s house can still be glimpsed from the road.

Apart from the building remains the Cheviot Hills Reserve includes a cricket ground, picnic areas, and a walking track. Cheviot township began after the subdivision of the 33,600-hectare Cheviot Hills run.

In Cheviot itself are monuments to John McKenzie and Richard Seddon, two of the pillars of the Liberal Government, and also a fine local museum.