In for the long haul

Thornbury Vintage Tractor member Win Saxton keeps the tractor’s big wheels turning as it passes through Gore yesterday.

The non-stop tractor trek was part of an joint initiative by Thornbury Vintage Tractor and the Implement Group to raise funds for the Southland Charity Hospital.

Thornbury Vintage Tractor president Fraser Pearce said the morning went well.

"The weather has been overcast which has been perfect for it and traffic has been good but we do keep well to the left."

The trek will cover 1200km from Invercargill to Christchurch and back, at a speed of 30kmh.

The journey will take between 42 and 48 hours and will be shared among eight drivers.

The trek began at E. Hayes in Invercargill yesterday and is expected to finish in Invercargill around lunchtime tomorrow.