4 minute read
WINGS & WHEELS
CLASSIC FLYERS AVIATION MUSEUM – MT MAUNGANUI Weave between the array of classic aircraft and through the five display areas where a portion of these beautifully maintained planes are suspended ‘in flight’ from the ceiling. Memorabilia, uniforms and hand-crafted dioramas depict action battle scenes, while the pilots’ personal accounts are recalled.
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GLENBROOK VINTAGE RAILWAY – WAIUKU, AUCKLAND Stepping back in time through a gust of steam, both diesel and steam trains chug in and out of this nostalgic station, treating passengers to views across the rural Waiuku landscape on day excursions. Every detail has been thoughtfully covered from cardboard tickets collected by your friendly conductor to the beautifully restored and maintained carriages boasting fine brass, leather and wood finishes.
HAMILTON DOWNS MOTORSPORT – TE KAUWHATA, WAIKATO Start your engines! Race your mates on the go-karts or master a V8 muscle car. The Wet Skid Pan experience gives you an opportunity to hone your skidding skills in a safe environment; the Track Cruises option lets you speed in your own car around a motorsport circuit at up to 120km per hour, behind a safety car. If you are happier for someone else to take the wheel, take the ‘We Drive’ experience in a Lexus or a Lamborghini.
THE MUSEUM OF TRANSPORT AND TECHNOLOGY (MOTAT) – WESTERN SPRINGS, AUCKLAND This one’s for the petrol heads, tech enthusiasts, history buffs and future thinkers alike. MOTAT features both temporary and permanent displays; there is always something new and fresh afoot. See how an engine works, how accessible vehicles change lives and take a ride on the free tram to the Aviation Display Hall to see the polished collection of recreational, military, top dressing and commercial aircraft.
The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) – Western Springs, Auckland
© The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) – Western Springs, Auckland
NELSON CLASSIC CAR MUSEUM – ANNESBROOK, NELSON You can shift into cruise control as you coast through this polished exhibition. The Nelson Classic Car Museum is the best place to see more than 150 cars in immaculate condition, from a 1908 Renault AX to the classics of the 1950s including Vauxhalls, Triumphs and Cadillacs, through to the exquisite Jaguar and Ferrari. Whether you are nostalgic about classic beauties or adding to your dream drive wish list, this place is sure to get your gears moving.
OMAKA AVIATION HERITAGE CENTRE - BLENHEIM If it says Sir Peter Jackson on the label, it must be worth seeing! The film director has generously donated his collection, which just happens to be the largest personal collection of WWI and WWII aircraft and memorabilia in the world. Aircraft and artefacts are set in contextual battle scenes alongside lifelike mannequins and dioramas from Weta Workshops and Wingnut Studios. The mixture of original, flyable, and static replica aircraft along with the rarity and beauty of these machines can be appreciated by all, not just aviation enthusiasts.
Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, Blenheim
© Johnny Hendrikus
BILL RICHARDSON TRANSPORT WORLD – INVERCARGILL This is a worldclass example of ‘if you love something take care of it and buy lots of it!’ Bill Richardson’s staggering collection holds over 300 exhibits including a good volume of construction and commercial vehicles. Bill’s favourite, the bright red 1940 Dodge RX70 Airflow Texaco Tanker, is one of only three remaining and the only operational one left on earth.
Bill Richardson Transport World, Invercargill
© Bill Richardson Transport World, Invercargill
If you are a Ford fan, then this immaculate collection will have you grinning from ear to ear with turn of the century early Fords such as the Model C, F, K and N, plus a whole set of the famous Model Ts in various forms. The good times keep rolling with the glamour of the Thunderbird, Fairlane and Galaxy models.
