Aerial view of the buildings the make up the Hayes Engineering workshop complex

Stables, a dairy, works and homestead where shafts and pulleys worked their magic. Grab the tools for the job in this manufacturing stronghold and discover all that Hayes has to offer here in Otago.

Opening Hours

Daily
9.30am - 4.30pm

Café
9.30am - 3.30pm

Closed June - August; Anzac Day (25 April), Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.

parking cafe no-smoking toilet shops

Entry

Member Free*

Adult (14 & Over) $12.00

Child Under 14 Years Free

Adult Operating Day (14 & over) $20.00. Child under 14 $10.00

* Surcharges may apply for special events
Enquiry Form

Address

39 Hayes Road,
Oturehua
Otago 9387

+64 3 444 5801

hayes@heritage.org.nz

Accessibility Accessibillity

Hayes Engineering Works and Homestead is a complex of seven buildings, some of which with steps for entry, and a lot of uneven surfaces due to our rural location. Due to the inaccessibility of parts of the site, we do not charge an entry fee for anyone who cannot access these but still wish to visit the grounds and accessible buildings.

Café

The café has wheelchair access through the main entrance.

Engineering workshop

Our engineering works is a one-storey building, with a slight lip at the entry, however access is available, just let our staff know you require it.

Farm Buildings

The collection of farm buildings are all one-storey and accessible to wheelchairs.

Homestead

The Hayes Homestead is a one-storey building with steps up to the entry. Unfortunately, there is no wheelchair access to the homestead. A self-guide booklet will help tell the story of the homestead and its unique innovations.

Office Building

The Office Building is a one-storey building with steps up to the entry. Unfortunately, there is no wheelchair access to the office. A self-guide booklet will help tell the story of the office building and Ernest Hayes ingenuity.

Gardens

The gardens are accessible and ready for you to enjoy.

Please note the property has grass throughout and no paths. This can make it difficult for some wheelchairs to navigate the grounds.

Toilets

There are accessible toilets located at the back of the engineering works.

Cafe Food and Drink

Situated in the grounds of Hayes Engineering Works and Homestead, Hannah’s Café offers fresh baking and hearty lunches. Produce from our garden is used to produce our kai/food. A range of coffee, tea, cold drinks and ice creams are also available. Gluten free, dairy free and vegan options are available.

This is a smoke and vape free site.

Hayes Engineering Works and Homestead food and drink 02

More info

Children and whānau

Both inside and out, there are plenty of things for kids to do. Inside, you can go everywhere, and budding engineers can explore the workshop! Outside, there is space to roam and farm animals to see.

Things to remember

We care for some important taonga (treasures) in our collection and our heritage buildings have lived a long life, so some rooms or items in the house may be off limits at times for conservation and maintenance.

Some rooms may be dimly lit and cold depending on the weather and time of year.

Safe Space

Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga is proud to be part of the Safe Space Alliance, offering safe and inclusive spaces that welcome and support the LGBTQI+ community.

A safe space is a space where the LGBTQI+ community can freely express themselves without fear. It is a space that doesn’t tolerate violence, bullying, or hate speech towards the LGBTQI+ community.

Safe spaces logo a rainbow circle with the words 'Safe Space, wāhi haumaru'

 Parking Parking

There is free parking in the paddock opposite the works. Buses may also park here. New Zealand Motor Caravan Association (NZMCA) members may park overnight for a small fee. Contact us to arrange overnight parking.


Tohu whenua

Historic Hayes is idenitified as a Tohu Whenua heritage site. Tohu Whenua are the places that have shaped Aotearoa New Zealand. Located in stunning landscapes and rich with stories, they offer some of our best heritage experiences. See more on the Tohu Whenua website.

Historic black and white aerial photo of the Hayes Engineering workshop complex in 1975

Ngā Kōrero
Stories

Photo: Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga

He Aha Kei te Haere | What's On

Not sure where to start?

There’s plenty of heritage throughout the stunning Otago landscape. We’ve put together some ideas to get you started.

Explore Ōtākou | Otago heritage
The Otago Central Rail has it all – four to five days of cycling through the most stunning scenery, safe, easy and mostly off-road trails, historic pubs and gold mining sites, and great kiwi hospitality throughout.

Photo: Tim Hawkins / Otago Central Rail Trail Trust

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