Bushtown Waimate is gearing up for an exciting weekend of events
Woodchopping Competition (Friday, March 8th, 4 pm - 7 pm):
Witness the raw power and precision of woodchoppers as they vie for supremacy. Entry is a gold coin donation.
Veteran Axemen Woodchopping Competition & Historic Steam Up Rally (Saturday, March 9th, and Sunday, March 10th, 9:30 am - 5:30 pm):
Trans-Tasman Veteran Axemen rivalry takes center stage in a 3-day Test Series competition. These seasoned axemen, some of whom are ex-world champions, will battle it out at Bushtown.
But that’s not all! The Historic “Steam Up” Rally adds to the excitement
Discover the history of Bushtown, our early settlers and the Bushman's era of Te Waimatemate - step back in time with the Bushman's camp, delve into the Edwardian Main Street with the General Store & Post Office (write a postcard and mail in the Bushtown mailbox) or find a "treasure" bargain at the Edwardian Emporium.
Watch traditional forging at The Nicols' Blacksmith or pick out an ancient fossil at the Vanished World site. The Waimate Family History group will be on hand to talk to anyone regarding their family history in the Waimate area and have created a display of Early Settler period costumes & dolls. John Foley (Story Teller) a local author has books and written extensively on the history of the area and is always a font of information. It's a great weekend event with something of interest for all ages! The Oamaru Coastal Defence will be there with a "military mock battle", Trailer Rides for all ages, miniature rail display, The Kyle Park Transport Museum and vehicles display, Rock hunt and Kids activities and even an opportunity to try your hand at the old game of Croquet. After all the walking around, sit and soak up the yesteryear ambience - watch the Grand Parade go past whilst enjoying a cuppa and tasty Bushtown's snack at the Bushtown Cafe. Bushtown is a very unique and scenic setting, encircled by emerging native bush and totara trees that have been planted over the years by local schools and groups to reflect the once endemic totara forests that cloaked the Hunters Hills that drew the early Bushmen settlers to Te Waimatemate to log and mill the trees. Take time to walk around the Bushtown forest tracks to view the many native tree species and plaques, discover features along the tracks such as the "Whalebone Bridge”, the Pioneer Women Artwork (local artist Bill Scott), The Great Fire Story of the Hunter Hills & the Giant Redwood Log.
Native Plants and a variety of stalls + Food & Drink Stalls on site
The event will be run - Wet or Fine. Eftpos facility at entry but no ATM facility on site.
Admisison: Adults: $20 Kids and Under age 15 Free. NO DOGS PLEASE