#4 Timaru Sundials Trail

The Timaru Sundial Trail was written by Rosaleen Robertson and Reid Cowan in 2007.  

Timaru is on the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand; it is ideal as a stopping point for travellers on State Highway 1, being roughly half way between the main centers of Christchurch and Dunedin on the scenic coastal route; it could be a timely refreshment stop and is definitely a worthwhile sundial trail stop.

There's 6 sundials.

The first five sundials can be enjoyed in less than one hour if travelling by car, the distance one way is 5 kilometres (alternatively this would be a lovely urban walk).

The sixth sundial is in the countryside, through the beautiful rural rolling landscape. The distance from sundial 5 to 6 one way is another 6.5 kms, so this adds another half to three quarters of an hour to get there and back to the city.
All up, the entire trail is approximately 90 minutes to two hours, but do allow much longer as you will find Timaru attractive and the local people friendly. 

This is a significant monument, a fine construction and work of craft and art. It is classical, elegant, poignant, artisan and "probably Timaru's most prominent sundial."

The sundial is located at about the center point along the Memorial Wall.

The purpose of the sundial "was to bear the roll of honour listing the 11 Victoria Crosses won by New Zealand servicemen during the war".

The sundial maker was Mr James Stewart of Invercargill New Zealand, a well-known sundial maker of the times being credited with approximately 200 dials.

On this dial the detail includes signs of the zodiac and Roman numerals, and the mottos are: I count not the hours unless they be bright HORAS NON MUMERO NISI SERENAS. Care needs to be taken when reading this dial as here is no mention of the necessary 35 minute longitude correction.

Click here for the details of Timaru Sundials Trail  http://www.sundials.co.uk/~timaru.htm

 

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