THE SMOOTH sound of an old tractor engine humming along as it cruises down the highway is irresistible for members of the Taranaki Vintage Machinery Club.
Recently, six members set off on their yearly adventure.
The team on their tractors, plus supporters left Stratford via Taumaranui to Rotorua, where they celebrated with the locals at the Rotorua Vintage Machinery Club Day.
The club day was great, but wet and members viewed over 100 tractors, horses and machinery parts.
On the journey home they stopped at Waiouru, Papiriki and headed down the Whanganui River.
The trip took eight days, covering 860kms, and 33 hours on the road.
Ian Harrison said his faithful 1954 Fordson Major has reached a milestone travelling an impressive 18,000kms on New Zealand roads.
Over the years, members have travelled to Gore, Bluff, Cape Reinga, Coromandel and the Southern Alps.
Next year, the group will be heading to South Auckland and Waikato.
The club will be celebrate their 20th anniversary this year in May at the Tawhiti Museum.
The club currently has 55 members throughout Taranaki and Wanganui. They are very active within the community and display their prize machinery at A&P; Shows, school galas, centennials and other functions.
When not supporting public events, the club enjoys 'play days' fixing and improving machinery.
"The club is open to anyone who has a passion for machinery, not just tractors," said Ian.
For more information, contact the club's president, Clyde Bishop in Okato or club secretary, Colin Trowbridge of Stratford.
Vintage tractors return from long journey
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