Get ready for a weekend of heritage , tractions engines and woodchopping action at the Bushtown Annual Steam Up and South Island Woodchopping Championships.

Discover the history of Bushtown, our early settlers and the bushman’s era of Waimate. Join in the excitement of the NZ Axemen South Island Woodchopping Championships and get behind New Zealand’s finest axemen as they compete for the South Island titles over two days.

Be wowed by Chainsaw Carver Adrian Pugh aka AD Tree Pirate as he entertains the crowd with his impressive carving of a large eagle, which will be carried out during the changeover between woodchopping events. Over the two days Adrian will also be completing two “speed carves”, each taking 25-30 minutes, where he will construct an owl along with another sculpture using only his chainsaw.

A great weekend out for all with plenty to keep the entire family entertained! The heritage sawmill run by steam traction engine will be operating, take a steam traction engine ride or watch traditional threshing of wheat shaves. The Bushtown Rail with miniature steam engine will also be operating.

Check out the Bushman’s hut and camp to get a feel for how it was for the sawmilling pioneers.

There will be loads of great displays to view including;
- South Canterbury Traction Engine &  Transport Museum.
- Christchurch Historic Machinery Club 
- Vintage stationery machinery
- Waimate Historical Society
- Edwardian Cottages
- Creatve fibre

Take a forest walk through native bush and view the forest hut.

The kids will love the wide range of kids activities and the treasure hunt.

Native plants and variety of stalls.

Food and drink stalls onsite.

Admission: Adults: $10 Under 15: free

No dogs. Held wet or fine.

For more information go to bushtownwaimate.co.nz