Burnham: Venus Transit and Sod Construction

A historic Venus transit observation site and a cottage built using rare sod construction give Burnham a distinctive cultural and historical profile. Golf and wine add two more interests to consider when planning your trip.

Venus Transits and Scientific History

The historic Transit of Venus Observation Site reserve on Burdons Road in Burnham preserves rare physical remains of an internationally significant observation station. British scientists established the station in late 1874 to observe the rare Venus transits of 1874 and 1882. The site is therefore connected with two specific historic observations that extend well beyond a single year.

The 1882 observations first established the difference between Greenwich Mean Time and New Zealand Standard Time; this difference was called the “Burnham Fundamental.” Observations at the site also contributed to worldwide understanding of the distance between Earth and the Sun. Those interested in the history of science will find both a distinctive observation station and a contribution to timekeeping and the study of the solar system here.

A Rare Sod Cottage

Burnham Grange Sod Cottage represents another side of the town’s history. It is one of the oldest buildings in Burnham and dates from the early years of European settlement of the Central Canterbury Plains. Its construction makes the cottage distinctive: it is a rare example of expertly executed sod construction.

Unlike the observation site, the focus here is on a historic building and its construction. Together, the two themes show different aspects of Burnham’s history: scientific observation on the one hand, and early settlement and sod construction on the other.

Golf in Burnham

The Burnham Golf Club course is flat and easy to walk. Closely spaced trees line most of the fairways, and the course also has a water hazard.

The Burnham Golf Club is considered easy for green-fee players to access. The club also accepts group bookings; it’s best to check current arrangements before your trip. The club offers a summer junior programme and a community golf programme for beginners. Check in advance whether these programmes are currently running.

Wine from Straight 8 Estate

Straight 8 Estate is located at 2321 Main South Road, on State Highway 1 in Burnham, New Zealand. The winery produces an award-winning selection of single-vineyard wines, including rosé, Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. This adds another local highlight to the area’s history and golf: wine production.

These themes give you a concrete basis for considering whether the town matches your travel interests.

More to Explore in the Wider Selwyn District

The wider Selwyn District also has its own historic highlights. St Paul’s Anglican Church and the old Tai Tapu Library were both completed in 1932. Construction was largely funded by Sir Heaton Rhodes, who lived nearby at Otahuna.

For geology and landscapes, one option is the Rakaia Gorge Walking Track. It runs along the edge of the gorge through striking geological areas with rhyolite, pitchstone and andesite lava flows. Kura Tāwhiti/Castle Hill consists of limestone formations in an area of particular significance to Ngāi Tahu and is regarded internationally as a world-class destination for climbing and bouldering.

Cave Stream is a 594-metre-long cave in Cave Stream Scenic Reserve. Two short tracks lead to its entrances, and the cave passage can be walked through from one entrance to the other. Carefully consider the conditions in the cave before attempting the traverse. These regional attractions differ from Burnham’s highlights and offer more to explore if you want to discover the wider Selwyn District.

Discover more destinations: Waimate District, Tai Tapu, Glenavy, Lake Pearson, Kaiapoi, Waikari, Pleasant Point, Mount Peel.

For the wider travel overview: Canterbury.