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.
Historic Hayes is closed between 11.30am - 2pm Monday 4 December for a private function.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Photo: Tim Hawkins / Otago Central Rail Trail Trust
