A popular annual historical three-hour tour of the Catlins leaves the Owaka Museum tomorrow afternoon. The Catlins Historical Society runs the tour, now in its fifth year, to celebrate the area's heritage.
The bus is booked out, society spokesman John Burgess said, but those interested were welcome to join in their own cars.
Mr Burgess lives at one of the tour's stops this year, Stenning House, built in the 1890s.
People have come knocking at his door to see the place since he moved to Pounawea 10 years ago, he said.
''People have come back here who have been here years ago.''
In the past, the tour has run to Tawanui, Owaka Valley, Glenomaru and Otakura, Hina Hina and Ratanui and Te Rara.
This year, the tour will circuit Katea, Hunts Road, Newhaven and Pounawea .
Stops are scheduled for Landreth's farm at Katea - in the same ownership for 125 years - and at the Katea Dairy Factory, Katea School corner and monument, Dutton's bridge, McPhee's boatbuilding site and Stenning House at Pounawea.
''You go to a place like Katea and there used to be a school and a hall there, they're no longer there,'' Mr Burgess said. The arrival of cars in the Catlins changed life in the area's smaller settlements and though the sawmilling days are over, the felled trees have led to a legacy of farming.
''There's been a big change; these small towns have disappeared.
''At one time, there were 20 mills going at once, now we've got none.''
Those wishing to join the tour in their own cars should be at the Owaka Museum by 1.15pm. There is a cost of $20 per car.
The tour departs at 1.30pm and returns to the museum at 4.30pm for afternoon tea.
