FEATURE: Cars

Motorhead Heaven

Car museums in the South Island

Motoring enthusiasts can find their nirvana in the South Island, with car museums in the regions punching above their weight.

For an island with a population of slightly more than a million, there’s an unfair amount of shrines to the humble and not so humble automobile.

From high-end motorsport wonders to vintage classics, maxed-out motorcycles to novelties and curiosities, there’s something to fascinate everyone. There are museums to be found across the South Island, although it’s fair to say some of the best are to be found in the deep south.

At the top of the must-visit list is the Highlands Museum in Cromwell, 45 minutes from Queenstown. Part of the Highlands Motorsport Park, the museum features an amazing array of modern and classic cars in mint condition, including some of the rarest from New Zealand’s motorsport history. You’ll see Michael Schumacher’s Benetton Formula One car, the only Aston Martin Vulcan in the Southern Hemisphere, an authentic American sheriff’s car, and so much more. And when you’re done looking, there’s the opportunity to experience the other thrilling attractions on offer at Highlands.

Other South island car museums

National Transport & Toy Museum (Wanaka): Cars, motorbikes, trucks, aircraft, and beyond - this truly is a collection to behold at length, if you have several hours.

Geraldine Vintage Car and Machinery Club (Geraldine): With 125 tractors and a great range of veteran to classic cars, this is one of the best collections of its type in the Southern Hemisphere.

Nelson Classic Car Museum (Nelson): Spanning more than a century of motoring, with 150 immaculate automobiles including Ferrari, Jaguar, Triumph, Cadillac, and a 1908 Renault AX.

Bill Richardson Transport World (Invercargill): From one man’s passion, to being the largest private automotive museum collection of its type in the world, with more than 300 classic vehicles.

Stewart’s Classic Car Collection (Christchurch): John Stewart’s private collection features American classic cars, as well as New Zealand and Australian models, in a stunning private collection.

Warbirds and Wheels Museum (Wanaka): From veterans to 1960s classics, this is a world-class collection of 30 privately owned cars and motorcycles, all carefully restored.

Mike Pero’s Motorcycle Gallery (Christchurch): A collection of around 60 motorcycles, from the 1970s-1990s, primarily of Japanese vintage. There’s now also a Boeing 737 flight simulator.

Toitū Otago Settlers Museum (Dunedin): The permanent ‘Otago Motors’ exhibition at Toitū features a variety of classics - including the Tiger Tea trolley bus, which can be boarded.

Omaka Classic Cars (Blenheim): A living, working display of vehicles that each have their own story. All from the collection were originally available on the New Zealand market.