Explore our fascinating exhibits
Journey through the rich history of shearing and farming in North Canterbury. Our exhibits bring to life the ingenuity and resilience of those who shaped our land, offering a unique glimpse into a vital part of New Zealand's heritage.
The hand piece display: a timeline of innovation
Discover our remarkable hand piece display, showcasing the evolution of shearing technology. Among these treasures, you’ll find a hand piece dating all the way back to 1888. This exhibit not only highlights the mechanical advancements but also honours the men who wielded these tools, enduring immense hardships as they developed the industry.
The iconic brass Wolseley No. 3
A true gem in our collection is the brass Wolseley No. 3 shearing handpiece. This particular model stands as a testament to early engineering and played a crucial role in the development of mechanised shearing. Learn about its significance and the impact it had on farming practices across New Zealand.
Get hands-on with history
Unlike many museums, we believe in bringing history to life. You can hold and even squeeze a real set of blade shears, feeling the weight and craftsmanship of these traditional tools. For an even deeper experience, try holding a hand piece attached to a 1900s hand-crank machine, giving you a direct connection to the physical effort involved in early shearing.
A shearers quarters or hut with timber walls from trees felled on Fox Down, tells the story of some of the tough accommodation that shearers endured in the early days of shearing which was notoriously bad, sleeping in tents, barns, barracks and the wool shed itself. Eating and cooking outside, washing in streams and living on mutton, spuds and hot and cold tea.