Historic Sheridan Creek, Otaki Forks

The steam powered sawmill at Sheridan Creek, Otaki Forks, operated from 1930 to 1938. It was a shoestring operation and worker safety was not a priority but during the depression employees were pleased to have a job.

Logs were brought down a bush tramway by a rail tractor, the route included the steepest grade (1 in 5) recorded on a bush tram. There were several accidents.

The old log hauler at Sheridan Creek

The operation closed unexpectedly in 1938 when a flood washed out the bridges. Much has survived and it is a relatively complete timber industry heritage site.
The site is managed as a remote experience ‘discovery’ site.

This work has included the rust arrest of the log hauler and timber mill boiler as well. Two sections of original tramway have been excavated, placed onto new sleepers and metal preservatives applied.

Recent and proposed work 2002-2005

Metal Stabilisation workshops have been run at Sheridan Creek and the Tararua Timber Mill Site from 2003 – 2005.

Future work includes the excavation of a turntable and further track improvements.