10 Specialty Museums in Southland Region That You Shouldn't Miss

One man’s passion started it all. Experience a family legacy that has become the largest private automotive museum of its type in the world. Stunningly crafted within a world-class facility, Bill Richardson Transport World has something for everyone. Hugely popular, you will find more than 300 vehicles including retro Kombis, Henry Ford Letter Cars, Model Ts, stunning 1930s V8s and over 200 vintage petrol pumps. Outside of our extraordinary vehicle range we house a growing wearable arts collection, movie theatre, children’s play zones and themed bathrooms fast becoming as famous as our vehicles. Allow plenty of time - there is a lot to see.

Regularly described as ‘stunning’ and ‘mind-blowing’ in scale, Classic Motorcycle Mecca is the Southern Hemisphere’s leading motorcycle museum. Offering New Zealand’s most diverse collection, guests will find displays of classic British, European and American bikes as well as Japanese, Motocross and Speedway. A tribute to legend Burt Munro and an internationally significant hero bike display of Britten and Brough Superior is also on offer. Offering guests an intimate, up-close experience of the bikes and packed with quirky details, quality exhibits and interactive displays, Classic Motorcycle Mecca is a truly mind-blowing experience.

Waikaia owes much of its history to gold which was discovered here in 1862. At the peak of the rush Switzers (the town’s original name) had a population of around 2,000 including a large number of Chinese miners. Today gold mining is confined to recreational panning in Winding Creek. At Switzers Museum, Waikaia’s heritage is proudly displayed.

To reduce the risk of Covid-19 and due to planned renovation, the Eastern Southland Gallery is closed temporarily. A trip to the Illicit Past... Gore’s colourful past as a centre for illicit whisky distilling and bootlegging is brought to life at the Hokonui Moonshine Museum. The adventures of the Scottish settlers and their exploits to avoid run-ins with the law are kept alive through dioramas, audio-visuals and artefacts. You can taste Old Hokonui made to the original recipe at the end of your visit, or even take a bottle home with you.

The Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre is committed “To retain our legacy of the golden era of aviation by the preservation, maintenance and operation of early historical aircraft” & is home to the largest collection of de Havilland aircraft in the southern hemisphere

Explore our museum's interactive displays in one of New Zealand's oldest towns! We have a range of gifts and souvenirs, and our staff in the information centre are happy to help make travel bookings for your stay. Open 7 days (Closed Good Friday and Christmas Day) 10am - 4pm (Summer closing 5pm).

Come and explore "The Gateway", a new age interactive museum showing the history from over two hundred million years ago through the ages when the petrified forest was formed through to now. Interactive elements throughout including exploration and movie theatre rooms. From the ancient geological beginnings, the forces of nature and people have transformed life on the coast many times. It has experienced great riches, great loss and regrowth. The people of Tumu Toka Curio Bay welcome you to discover their story. Guided tours also available.