Introduction to Westland Industrial Heritage Park
14 February 2022
Westland Industrial Heritage Park Inc. (WIHP) was formed around 20 years ago by a group of enthusiasts collecting and restoring industrial machinery and vehicles mainly from the Westland District.
Our displays of Big Engines, Fire Engines, boats, horse drawn coaches and carriages, steam engines, tractors and bulldozers as well as the miniature railway has seen public interest in what we do grow and “the park’ has become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
Members of the Kokatahi/Kowhiterangi garden club have also helped our members to plant and landscape the park to make it visually appealing with gardens and picnic spots.
We have many old pieces of machinery that one day may be restored but our major projects at present are:
- The Big Engine Shed. All but one of the restored engines are in running order and are driven occasionally for public open days. They come from sawmilling, gold mining and even a fishing boat. The display is undergoing a major upgrade with an audio visual and sound show to tell their history. This is expected to open in the next few months
- The “Mudfish Bush Railway”. The miniature railway loops around through regenerating native bush and a wetland area containing mudfish, hence the name. It is usually open for rides from 10.00 am to 3.00 pm on Saturdays. Construction of the permanent station and storage areas is ongoing.
- We have a 10 bay shed housing our fire engines that date back to 1932. The Hokitika Volunteer Fire Brigade is developing two bays into a “Museum of Fire”. WIHP is planning signs and information to make the shed look like a fire station.
- Work continues in the Livery restoring old leather and metal tack as well as many old, mainly blacksmithing tools. At present, the shed is shared with the boatshed but space is at a premium so plans are underway to extend the building.
- In the Steam shed too, plans are being developed for the displays. At present foundations are being prepared for a twin-cylinder Gilbert and Tomasi steam engine from a sawmill at Greenstone near Kumara.
- We have an engineering workshop and a carpenters shop. These are at present busy with refurbishing railway locomotives and carriages and the building of a drive-through storage building for the trains.
WIHP also has a very busy administration group. Once the members decide on project priorities and submit their estimates the fundraisers start trying to find the money. WIHP is a volunteer organisation and, although it receives assistance from the Westland District Council for its land and buildings, all the projects are paid for by fundraising. We have also developed a five to ten-year strategic plan to help decide on our direction.
New members are always welcome. So come and check us out!
Contact Information
| Email: | wihpark@gmial.com |
| Phone: | 027 629 1935 |
| Website | http://rustyrelics.co.nz/ |
| Address: | 9 Brian Waugh Lane, Hokitika 7810 |
Covid Information
Unfortunately, at present, for the protection of its members and the public, Westland Industrial Heritage Park remains closed to the public. This decision will be reviewed regularly. Private group visits may be accepted by appointment.
Photo credit: Westland Industrial Heritage Park
New member Richard cleans up an old paraffin lamp. All sorts of jobs keep us busy at the park.
