A-Z of NZ Locations

A-Z of NZ Locations – Yaldhurst

Suzanne

Now, I had to get creative when fulfilling the Y component in this series. A head cold (the first in many years) wasn’t helping the brain clogs turn over faster. As they say, it all turned out just fine in the end. The lightbulb pinged when I remembered a visit near Yaldhurst. We were on our way to the Antarctic Centre.

One of those NZMCA Parks.

We stayed at numerous NZMCA parks. Those blissful days in the early 2000s when space wasn’t a luxury, though, we would have a few tourist vans around us some nights. I’m guessing that our motorhome size gave them a sense of security from the weather and undesirables.

Les driving “PurrInn” – around 2008 down South

Before I digress any further, let me share the whereabouts of Yaldhurst. It is situated southwest of Christchurch city, suburban and semi-rural. Like many other rural places, there is always a memorial hall; the one at Yaldhurst seems to be on its fifth stay of execution, perhaps similar to Christchurch’s cathedral. Still standing and still requires a sign, “Save the Hall.” Sadly, trying to save small rural towns seems like a losing battle.

So, how did that pocket of land get bestowed with the name Yaldhurst?

The story begins with an early settler and horse breeder, Frederick William Delamain (1835–1910), who owned a horse named Yaldhurst after some stables from his uncle in England. Delamain and fellow settler John Taylor, who admired the horse, agreed to change the name of the locality to that of the horse, Yaldhurst.

Today, the fast-growing city of Christchurch will soon replace that semi-rural area with suburbia if it hasn’t already.

If it’s not halls or churches that transport us back in history, it will be vehicles, primarily cars. Now, who doesn’t like romanticising their first love with four wheels?

Then, a visit to Yaldhurst Museum with it’s Rust in Peace collection of cars. This museum was established and opened to the public in 1968. Unfortunately, it wasn’t open when we were there, though I have heard it is worth visiting from those in the know.

There was always something else that caught my eye worth capturing.

A sign on the back of an old Toyota truck reads, “Hello Mr Policeman, Don’t worry. I have brought a new one; its coming in next week.” Classic.

Cover image: The Waimakariri River, the largest river in Canterbury, flows 151 km from the east coast towards the Southern Alps. Approximately less than an hour from Yaldhurst.

Unknown's avatar

Published by Suzanne

I'm a lover of creativity and movement, expressed through photography, words, travel and sports. . . . . . .

15 thoughts on “A-Z of NZ Locations – Yaldhurst”

    1. There’s always one that stands out for various reasons. It’s like the person who named our two islands North and South, well, that was creativity at it’s lowest point. The Maori names are far more descriptive, perhaps pronouncing me more difficult.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. It’s not so much a town as a small district which is fast becoming suburbia. Well, it would’ve been in our Wild East days as Canterbury is on the East Coast. I remember watching a few Western TV programs back in the day, though I’m sure my brothers enjoyed them more than myself. Thanks for commenting.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Yes, that is slightly tacky and from my point of view Hot Springs seems more enticing for visitors. I suppose the name would attract more of those TV program watchers.

      Like

      Reply

Add to the conversation