After months of winter hibernation, the unmissable heritage attraction on the Otago Central Rail Trail is preparing to crank up its machinery for another series of live Sunday tours beginning tomorrow.
Led by the incomparable virtuoso of machinery Ken Gillespie, the tours are an opportunity to see the extraordinary range of "down on the farm" mechanical technology in full flight.
Once the home and property of millwright and engineer Ernest Hayes, the plant is cared for by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. It has become a kind of living shrine celebrating the inventiveness and ingenuity of Hayes and his descendants.
The still-functioning workshop was originally used by employees to manufacture Kiwi farming equipment; products, like the now quintessential wire strainer, which are still used on farms today.
"Visitors to Hayes Engineering love seeing the machinery in operation, and we are so grateful to Ken and his team of volunteers who give up their time on these Sundays to share this dynamic heritage experience with people," Interim Property lead Sarah Sharp said.
"It really is an unbelievable experience seeing this workshop, which played such a significant role in shaping New Zealand agriculture, come alive right here in the middle of Central Otago."
Tours take place every Sunday at 1.30pm — except Sundays closest to Christmas and New Year.
Places are limited to 26 people per tour. Afterwards, visitors are able to explore the beautifully restored 1920s mud brick Hayes homestead and grounds at leisure.
Bookings for the operational tour are essential.
