The History of Spray Point Station

Opening day of the Te Arawhenua bridge beside Cob Quarters, 1920s

Spray Point Station was established on 1 April 1914, when ‘Section 43 Hillersden subdivision’ was balloted in the Blenheim Town Hall (5 March). Sheep were driven from Marlborough to Canterbury through the new station, and the Cob Quarters was built as accommodation for shearers and musterers.

In 2004 Jenny pruchased the property with an eye to developing a multi-platform station to carry Spray Point Station into the future. Today the station’s activities include environmental conservation, carbon farming, horse breeding, cattle raising, walking tracks, tourism and of course, nearly a century later you will still see that iconic kiwi vista of sheep dotting the high country.

Mustering at Spray Point

‘The Muster’ has always been a feature of New Zealand sheep farming. Sheep were mustered from the high country and regularly driven from all over Marlborough, through Spray Point, and on to Canterbury for sale. Today the muster (and sheep dog trials to demonstrate the musterer’s skill) are important features on rural calendars. However in the 1920s and 1930s, being a musterer was a way of life. Ninety-three year old Lionel Winstanley was one of these men, working the muster in the Waihopai and at Spray Point. His recollections help provide colour to the history of Cob Quarters, and a copy of this book, Hobnails, Hounds & Humour is available to read in the cottage.

The Cottage Restoration
View photo gallery

Cob cottages were once a common sight throughout New Zealand. Sadly however their construction and materials means that most of these cottages are no longer standing. The restoration of Off the Map's Cob Quarters was a labour of love over two years, with help from friends, family, and a range of passionate experts.

In 2006 restoration began, with the key structural work a priority. Traditional methods of cob building were used to patch holes in the walls, and more holes were created. A window was cut out to become a door and the existing windows were strengthened and framed. The bathroom flooring was replaced with clay floor coated with boiled linseed oil. Internal flooring was replaced with timber, and the original timber internal walls and ceiling were also restored to their former glory.

The charm and history of the cottage shines through in the care and attention to detail in every line and feature.

Highlights include the beautiful use of timber, each piece with a history of its own. Western red cedar, beech, Australian hardwood, matai, and manuka recycled through generation all feature. Window frames, beds, doors, picture frames, bathroom and kitchen joinery and the wonderful dining table and benches were all custom made for the cottage.

A passion for the old and unusual adds originality and character. The deer antler bedside lamp with the possum skin lightshade, old logging chain used to create downpipes, and towel racks from what was once a swingle-tree from a horse harness, all give a new home to mementoes of our history.

Some of the history of Cob Quarters can be traced through its graffiti. Most of what has been found around the walls is small and written in pencil, and like stars in the sky, the harder you look the more names you find.