408 Special School Road, Otekaieke, Waitaki

Campbell Park Estate

Waitaki Gardens

A town with a Castle at the centre, and more history than can be claimed by most NZPlaces.

A park and an estate it certainly is. In the European sense, and on a size and scale not otherwise known in New Zealand. Otekaieke Station (then known as Run 28) was first settled by it's third owner pioneer William Dansey in the 1850s, his limestone cottage is still here. Then a wealthy Scotsman, Robert Campbell set up camp here in a grand style. The Castle was drawn up by legendary architects Mason and Wales, and has stood the test of time, being made from imported materials from Scotland and Italy, and by Campbells own crew of imported builders.

When the blocks of the station were sold off, the New Zealand Government bought the Campbell Estate and buildings, running a special school for boys from 1908 until 1987, first as Otekaieke Special School for Boys, then as Campbell Park School. 'Feeble minded, retarded and defective' were some of the original educational description for the students, later they were called 'developmentally delayed.'

The current owners statement that the school helped shape the futures of thousands of young men is probably true but some say not all for the better, and one former housemaster was jailed for offences against boys.

As well as the castle and Dansey's hut, (which has been restored) there is a cave home here, known as Hille's Cave, named for the same shepherd who later built Western House, which is still operating a BnB. Actually many of the run holders and shepherds of the station occupied this cave at times, learning from the sensible habits of South Canterbury Maori.

Amongt the many outbuildings are the Heritage recognised woolshed and 1860s single mens quarters and cookshop, and even an old jail. The stables are a special case as they were also designed by Mason and Wales and are rather grand compared with Danseys earlier buildings.

For visitors there are equestrian facilities, and an entire educational facility, including 200 seat restaurant, pool, gym, theatre, classrooms, workshops, dormitories, tennis courts and the administration building.

All this is supported by a cluster of three bedroom houses, which were built over the years for school staff. The grounds, which were a working farm, also comprise gardens, orchards and sweeping lawns. These days the farming is for grapes.

So now, all parts of the Estate are available for recreational purposes, events, education, conferences... There are activities like tramping and horseriding available within the grounds, and in the surrounding district including Alps to Ocean, Vanished World, Mount Cook, Maori Rock Art, and of course nearby Oamaru and yellow eyed penguins.

Since the Estate began its life in the private sector, there have been several changes of ownership, the latest to a Chinese group in 2016. The group sold off hundreds of chattels soon after but despite mention of plans to turn it in to a Chinese School, it is still being marketed as an accommodation and events centre.

Image Credits: True Commercial

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Alps 2 Ocean Easy Guide Early South Canterbury Runs

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