Attraction Guide: Hayes Engineering Works, Middlemarch, New Zealand

Hayes Engineering Works Guide

Hayes Engineering Works: A Glimpse into Kiwi Ingenuity Guide

Step back in time at Hayes Engineering Works, a remarkable testament to Kiwi ingenuity and resourcefulness. Located near Middlemarch, this preserved workshop offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and work of Ernest Hayes, a pioneering engineer who developed innovative solutions for rural New Zealand in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Explore the original machinery, tools, and inventions that helped shape the agricultural landscape of the region. Ernest Hayes established his engineering works in 1895, driven by a desire to improve the lives of farmers and rural communities. He designed and manufactured a wide range of agricultural implements, including windmills, fencing wire strainers, and wool presses. His inventions were renowned for their durability and efficiency, and they played a crucial role in the development of the Otago region. The Hayes Engineering Works remained in operation until the 1980s, and it has since been preserved as a historic site. Visitors can take a guided tour of the workshop, where knowledgeable guides will explain the workings of the various machines and share stories about Ernest Hayes and his family. You can see demonstrations of some of the equipment and learn about the challenges and triumphs of early engineering in rural New Zealand. The site also includes a charming tea room where you can enjoy refreshments and soak up the atmosphere. While not a culinary destination, the tea room offers a taste of traditional Kiwi baking.