The Mandeville township is about 10 minutes drive from Gore on SH94 and is the base for Croydon Aircraft Company is internationally renowned for restoring vintage aircraft. They specialize in restoring wood and fabric aircraft from the late 1920's to 1940's. Due to the active nature of the workshop, visits are restricted and arranged by the Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre.
The Directors of Croydon Aircraft Co also had the vision to set about forming Croydon Aviation Heritage Trust, which in turn created the Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre. This Centre is nationally significant and dedicated to preserving and celebrating New Zealand's light civil aviation heritage. de Havilland aircraft are a significant feature and the main aircraft on display are The Tiger Moth, Fox Moth, Dominie Rapid and Dragonfly. In addition to these there is an additional changing selection of aircraft such as a Percival Proctor and the only replica of the Pither Monoplane among others.
The heritage centre features a large exhibition area that is proving popular with it's exhibitions from local artists. In addition to this there is also Gift Shop within the Centre that has a very good selection of items with an Aviation, Railway or NZ theme. Sales income goes directly back to support the Aviation & Railway Trusts achieve their goals. There is a wide range with something for everyone, even that hard to buy for person.
Flights in the de Havilland Tiger Moth can also be arranged by contacting the Heritage Centre. Flights are weather dependent and weekend flights do need to be arranged prior. Flights in other Heritage Aircraft may also be available on selected Event Days.
Adjacent to the Heritage Centre is the developing Waimea Plains Railway operated by Waimea Plains Railway Trust. The Trust was formed to establish an operational rail heritage site. To date they have secured an operational 1879 Rogers K92 Steam Locomotive which is operational during set running weekends during the Summer months. Construction is underway for a workshop and track construction is ongoing. For additional information on the overall project visit their website.
The Mandeville Railway Hotel building is now the home of Miss Cocoa Coffee and Collaborate Fashion. Miss Cocoa Coffee is a busy day time Cafe offering delicious fresh food and great coffee. Dine in or takeaway, be sure to check out their range of artisan foods or range of kitchen/dining retail selection
Collaborate Fashions are a Mother & Daughter duo. A Mother with years of experience in the fashion and design industry and a Daughter with Skills, passion and Love for fashion they Collaborate together. We are on a mission to use our combined skills. Creating garments to make You feel Confident, Comfortable and Special! Limited edition slow fashion, made in New Zealand with Love.
Each year the airfield hosts the Mandeville Fly In & Steam Festival, or Weekend 8 as it is known because it is held on the eighth weekend of the year. This is a celebration of flight and a chance to get up close to vintage aircraft, motorcycles, cars and steam-engines in all their glory. Other smaller events are held throughout the year so be sure to check out our Events page for more information.
Each individual business at Mandeville has their own opening hours, so check with them if needed to avoid disappointment.
The Heritage Centre is open daily apart from some Public Holidays, their hours follow:
SUMMER (October to April) Daily: 9.00am to 4.00pm.
WINTER (September to March) Daily: 10.00am to 3.00pm
