OTUREHUA

Originally known as Rough Ridge, Oturehua is now a quiet little township serving the farming community of the Ida Valley.  Surrounding it however, is an Historic Trail well worth a visit. Perhaps the most famous of its sites is Hayes Engineering Works, established in 1895 by Ernest Hayes initially to make tools for his own use.  Seeing a demand for farming equipment he went into business and thus were born the world famous Hayes Wire Strainer, and the Hayes Windmill.  The windmills were modelled on the original one made to provide power for the works. This windmill is still in working order today. Another historic building is Gilchrist's Store, still trading today, but with an interior little changed from when it was built in 1899.  Just down the road the Golden Progress Mine poppet head is still standing, evidence of the attempts to extract gold from the reefs in the area. With a 182' shaft and 165' shafts going off the drive it was a massive undertaking employing at one time 35 miners working shifts.   Because the reefs were difficult to follow and the lead was often lost, the mine was eventually closed.

One well known attraction just outside Oturehua is the Idaburn Dam, site of the annual Brass Monkey Motorcycle Rally during the first weekend in June each year, an event which attracts people both nationally and internationally. When weather conditions permit, the Dam is also host to the Bonspiel, an ancient tournament for all Curling Clubs, which can only be held on natural ice.