If you haven’t been to the Edendale Crank-up and you are at all interested in vintage vehicles and machinery, or just an interesting day out, it’s well worth a look.

Having no idea what to expect we were surprised to see the range of vintage vehicles and machinery, displays, entertainment and stalls. The Edendale Vintage Machinery Club (Southland) run this annual event on a weekend in January or February. It was a very hot day and not much shade so sun protection would be advisable.

CRANK-UP Weekend is very much a family event with a host of entertainment including stunt motorcross riders, pipe bands, working displays and a large number of craft and food stalls. it is the largest weekend event in Southland and attracts visitors from around New Zealand and from overseas. With the large dairy factory in the background there are many activitites and lots to see and do for all ages.

The Edendale milk processing plant was a cheese processing plant but in the 1990s expanded to include milk powder processing. The plant has been expanded several times since and was in 2009 the largest raw milk processing plant in the world.

How to get there:

Edendale is about half way between Invercargill and Gore.

Note: No dogs allowed on grounds.