A vintage shearing shed, Milford Road workers cabin, old-time engineering workshop and even a helicopter are just some of the exciting new displays going on show at the Fiordland Vintage Machinery Museum's open day this Saturday's (18 Jan).

Renovations to the Te Anau attraction have extended both inside and out with a new roof, facades and artwork all recently installed by club members.

Museum secretary/treasurer, Bob Anderson said it was hoped that by better displaying the museum's diverse collections, the club would not only better tell the story of Fiordland's heyday but also attract more visitors and even new members.

A new Robinson R22 helicopter display. Photo: Alina Suckanski

“Over the last two years, the museum focus has changed from vintage machinery to a heritage centre," Anderson said.

"As part of that shift, we set up many new permanent displays.”

Anderson said members have taken ownership of the various displays.

There is a fantastic horse display built by Don Reed (a former Molesworth station manager) and Doug Ramsey, he said.

And Stewie Moore managed to find this old stove. It's a 1929 McCleary electric stove that he actually recovered and restored, Anderson added.

However the transition had meant some old tractors, motorbikes and stationary engines have had to be relocated, either to the club's new 'Alistair's Shed' or back to members' homes, he said.

From Saturday visitors will also enjoy a new look foyer, impressive false ceiling and exposed Oregon beams, trusses and sarking, thanks to retired builder Ross McEwan.

Corrugated iron walls have been insulated and gibed, and a new powerful log burner installed.

On cold days visitors there will be a warm, comfortable reception area, while on hot days the Oregon timber ceiling and insulated walls will keep the heat out.

From left: Russell Cloake, Merv Cloake (obscured), Bob Anderson and Garth McCombe gathered around a 1911 Blackstone oil engine. Photo: Alina Suchanski

From the foyer, a door leads to a large tin shed strewn with various machinery. Inside four men are hunched over a 1911 Blackstone oil engine. The smell of smoke whifts through the room.

“We had it going for a while. Now we are trying to figure out why it stopped and how to fix it,” Anderson said.

“On the open day we want to have as many engines as possible running for demonstrations.”

Over the years the Museum has grown from strength to strength.

What started as a men-shed a few decades back, is now a substantial asset and tourist attraction, with several buildings filled with vintage machinery meticulously restored by up to 75 club members - whose average age is around 70.

Displays now include a shearing shed, fencing, logging, bee keeping, rabbiting, fishing, horse and carriage displays, as well as Milford Road workers cabin and power generation display with Francis Turbine.

In addition, there is a vintage kitchen, old Post Office, old-time engineering workshop and a Robinson R22 helicopter display.

Funding for the $10,000 project came from the Aotearoa Gaming Trust, Meridian, with the balance self-funded from members’ donations,” Anderson said.

The club will celebrate the completion of its new displays with a free open day this Saturday (18 Jan).

Fiordland Vintage Machinery Club Open Day

Date: Saturday 18th January

Time: 10am - 3pm

Entry: Free

Food & Drink: Free ice-cream and drinks for children (donated by Fresh Choice supermarket) while adults can have a free coffee. Free coffee for adults, and BBQ gourmet sausage by gold coin donation.

The Museum thanks the Te Anau community for their support and invites all to come along and see the new enhancements.