The quirky high country farmer and his farm tours with a twist

Ian Hayman and his 'shoe ferris wheel'.
Ian Hayman and his 'shoe ferris wheel'. Photo credit: Supplied

Ian Hayman isn't your average farmer, and his farm tours are unlike any other.

The high country farmer is the host of the aptly named Quirky Farm Tours on his Tasman Downs Station on the shores of Lake Pukaki.

Visitors are treated to the farm tour on a purpose built transport, made from 21 seats from Timaru's Majestic picture theatre.

"I mounted them on a tandem trailer in three rows of seven,and we journey around the farm, finishing off with a barbeque," he told RadioLIVE's Rural Exchange.

It's not surprising from a man who created a 'shoe ferris wheel' for his ever growing collection of footwear, and who also has two mannequins who help him on the farm.

Tour host Ian Hayman.
Tour host Ian Hayman. Photo credit: Facebook

"I had too many shoes and a small house, so a friend and I came up with the idea for a shoe ferris wheel," Mr Hayman said.

It carries 22 pairs of shoes, has strobe lights and plays Elvis Presley's 'Blue Suede Shoes'.

Tasman Downs Station was also host to Peter Jackson and his crew in 2011 for filming of parts of The Hobbit.

Hobbit enthusiasts from around the world now make the trip for Ian Hayman's farm tours to see the scenery which featured in the film.

Ian Hayman runs the farm tours on Tasman Downs Station.
Ian Hayman runs the farm tours on Tasman Downs Station. Photo credit: Supplied

The station is home to cattle and breeding cows, along with 50 hectares of grain, and Mr Hayman believes on-farm diversity is very important.

"We have the tours and I also do a bit of metal work, fire guards, towel racks and quirky things from bits and pieces from stuff lying around the farm" he said.

Quirky Farm Tours are available by appointment.

If you know a 'Character of the Country', nominate them by emailing Rural Exchange here.

Rural Exchange with Hamish McKay, Sarah Perriam and Richard Loe, 5-7am Saturday and Sunday on RadioLIVE with Carter's Tyre Service. Click here for all the ways to watch and listen.

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