Get ready for the return of one of New Zealand’s largest annual machinery events, that’s held right here in the heart of Southland. 

Each January, the historic Southland town of Edendale is transformed for a weekend as the much-loved Crank Up festival, adored by vintage machinery enthusiasts and families alike, roars into action.

The shrill of whistles and the smell of smoky steam fills the summer air, as the vintage machines burst into life.  

Advertisement

Advertise on the Southland App

This year is the 34th annual Crank Up event and it will take place this weekend (January 30 and 31).

As a precursor to the festivities, the Edendale township will come alive on Friday evening from 7 o’clock, with a main street parade of machinery.

Crank Up organisers say the event is a “rite of passage for southern families, and enthusiasts from near and far,” with more than 7000 people drawn to the two-day show each year.

Patrons can choose to come for one day or soak up all the history and fun and come for both. 

Crank Up is hosted by the Edendale Vintage Machinery Club. Club president Sharron Caughey said there was something for the whole family to enjoy at Crank up, with of hundreds of lovingly restored vintage machines, food and craft stalls, children's entertainments and an array vintage cars.

Also included in the festivities are towing events, helicopter rides, music, lawnmower racing, steampunk and even a dog agility display. 

This year’s themes are Allis-Chalmers machinery and Australian Classic Cars. 

Advertisement

Advertise on the Southland App

For many, the weekend is also a chance to reminisce and take a trip down memory lane. To gaze over many pieces of vintage machinery similar to ones they used to work on or remember having on their family farm as a child. For others it is an exciting opportunity to learn more about history – to see the machines that have been passed down generations of Kiwi families, that were used to work the land. 

Caughey said nowadays, it’s just a “push button or a turn of a key” to have a tractor rumble to life. But in the old days – “you actually had to wind them up or crank start them,” she said.

“The kids love it,” she added.

According to event organisers, the Edendale dairy factory opened in the early 1880s - and the town is now home to one of the biggest milk processing plants in the world - but it’s Crank Up that “really gets Edendale’s wheels spinning”.

Tickets to Crank Up are just $20 per day for adults with under 16s entering for free. Two-day passes are also available and can be purchased on the day or arranged through the Crank Up committee. 

For more information visit the event's website HERE.

The street parade through Edendale kicks off at 7pm on Friday (January 29). PHOTO: Supplied.