For Shearing No More, But Sharing

The St James Station was once one of the largest operating cattle and sheep stations in New Zealand, dating back to 1862. It was purchased by the Government in 2008 for public conservation land to protect its natural, physical and cultural values and open it up to outdoor recreation and tourism. Surrounding the site of the old St James Station homestead is a collection of historic farm buildings that have been left in the park as a reminder of the area’s farming heritage.  The largest of the buildings is the shearing shed.  It is a reminder that wool was once a major contributor to the New Zealand economy, and to a lesser extent still is.

Old Shearing Shed, St James Station, North Canterbury

Way In, Old Shearing Shed, St James Station, North Canterbury

Open Door, Old Shearing Shed, St James Station, North Canterbury

Shaft of Light, Old Shearing Shed, St James Station, North Canterbury

Sherer’s Station, Old Shearing Shed, St James Station, North Canterbury

Wool Press, Old Shearing Shed, St James Station, North Canterbury

The St James Conservation area is reached by a winding unsealed road climbing into the St James Range from Hanmer Springs in North Canterbury.

November 20, 2012 | Categories: Buildings, Chris Gregory, Exploration, New Zealand, Sigma DC 18-200mm zoom Lens, Sony Alpha DSLR A580, South Island, Travel | Tags: Cattle and Sheep Station, farming heritage, Hanmer Springs, Historic Buildings, new zealand economy, North Canterbury, Shearing, Shearing Shed, sheep stations, St James Conservation Area, St James Station | Leave a comment