Preliminary reopening of the historic Nicol's Blacksmith Shop at Duntroon is being planned after a nine-year project leading to its restoration.
The forge is owned by the Nicol's Blacksmith Charitable Trust, which has raised about $200,000 for the conservation and restoration work.
The trust now plans a reopening on April 19 from 12.30pm, which includes stalls, entertainment and demonstrations, along with competitions.
However, it is not ''the final grand opening''.
A sprinkler system is to be installed and tools, machinery and artefacts are to be returned to their correct locations.
Interpretation boards telling the forge's stories will also be added. That is expected to take about another 18 months.
The restoration work was done by conservation experts Dave and Robyn Barkman and Steve Martin, from Waitahuna.
The forge and contents were bought in 1975 by a group of five local farmers, who transferred ownership to the trust in 2006 to plan its restoration and raise funds.
The trust planned to turn the forge into a living museum.
