Mossburn

Mossburn is a small township located on the main highway from Queenstown to Milford (one hour from Queenstown and 2 1/2 hours from Milford) and primarily services nearby deer, sheep and cattle farms. Mossburn is surrounded by snow-capped mountains in Winter and excellent tramping areas in Summer. Nestled under "West Dome" mountain, Mossburn is surrounded by magnificent landscapes and clean, fresh flowing rivers.

History

Before the arrival of Europeans, the Maori in Northern Southland were hunter-gatherers. Tool production was important for their survival; they traveled great distances to obtain materials. Mossburn was on the route to the Dart River, which supplied the best source of greenstone.
In the 1850s European settlers claimed this area for sheep runs. By 1867 Mossburn had an accommodation house. Stores and hotels began in the 1880s; a post office in 1883, and a school in 1887. The railway from Gore arrived in 1887 and carried passengers until 1937 and freight until 1983.
George Chewings began the grass seed boom in the 1890 which would make Mossburn famous. Chewings fescue was grown on many properties and sold worldwide until the 1950s. One of the first aerial top dressing businesses in the province began in Mossburn in 1950, and later transported deer cullers.
New Zealand's first Drysdale flock was developed in the area in the late 1950s, and in the early 1970s deer farming was pioneered here. Since then, the main employment is the Venison works, situated at the western end of the town and a transport company at the eastern end.

Services:

The town has a hotel, two garages, a general store, a diner, Wapiti leathers, and a gift shop with garden centre and café. Public toilets and telephone are available at the playground/picnic area at the western end of town, beside the heritage trail information kiosk. There is also a local primary school with an average of 75 pupils attending.

Of interest:

Trout fishing is the main attraction, with three very good fishing rivers: the Oreti, Aparima and Hamilton Burn Rivers in very close proximity to the town. Homestays are available in the area for a relaxing holiday.
Mossburn had one of the first venison farms in New Zealand and now venison is a large part of the farming economy. A statue of a large stag stands at the western end of Mossburn and is a popular photo shot for passing tourists. Mossburn claims to be the Deer Capital of New Zealand.
A local walking track has been established that, on a clear day, provides views from Stewart Island to Te Anau. Information is available from the Information Centre in Mossburn.

Sporting Facilities

The town provides many sporting opportunities with a 9-hole golf course and the local community centre offering a full-size stadium for squash, badminton, small bore rifle shooting, and indoor bowls. Rugby, netball and hockey, along with a number of other winter sports, are also played during the season. Tennis is played in the summer. A swimming pool is available at Mossburn School.