Blacksmithing Workshops at Kowhai Forge in Waikato

If you’ve ever wanted to experience the age-old art of blacksmithing, then you’re in the right place – Kowhai Forge in Waikato offer a range of blacksmithing classes and courses to introduce you to this amazing craft. Led by one of Rob Pinkney, with a passion for the craft and one of few time-served blacksmiths in New Zealand, choose from a variety of courses in one of New Zealand’s most beautiful locations.

In their fully day course, spend the day forging your own unique knife, hammering it into shape and selecting the wood for your handle. You’ll be fully involved in a fun, creative process,  designing your knife on the day or in advance – choose from different styles to suit your needs, such as a camping or chefs knife. If you’re looking for something a little less pointy, then no worries, you take up a fun project by forging a door knocker, useful gardening tools or even tools to cook your own pizza!

There are also options for bigger, more advanced tools – in the advanced class, spend a bit more time at the coal fire to make something more complex such as an axe, forging hammer, machete, bigger knife or a meat cleaver, all customised to your interest and up to 11-14 inches/28 – 35 cm.

If you’ve got something else in mind that you’d like to make, just let them know and they’ll see what they can do! Other projects that have been completed at the forge include BBQ tools, small hatchets or tomahawks among others.

• Full-day course: NZ$329 pp.
  Advanced course: NZ$399 pp.
• No experience needed for any classes
• Duration 7 hours.
• Lunch and afternoon tea provided for full day course
• Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult, either as a participant or an observer.