Planes, Trains & Automobiles - Top Experiences
North Island
North Island
AUCKLAND - Museum of Transport & Technology (MOTAT)
Experience New Zealand’s aviation history at the MOTAT Aviation Collection, available via a short tram ride from MOTAT Great North Rd. main entrance.
Located in the multi-award winning Aviation Display Hall, MOTAT hostst a large collection of recreational, top dressing, commercial and military aircraft which celebrates the evolution of New Zealand aviation since February 1911 when Vivian Walsh achieved sustained and controlled flight in a British Howard Wright biplane.
The Blister Hanger is located outside behind the Aviation Display Hall and is open to the public on Wednesdays and Sundays, where you can see our passionate volunteers working on various restoration projects. The Collection includes the only Solent Mark IV Flying Boat left in the World and a rare World War 2 era Avro Lancaster Bomber.
Visitors will also be able to see aircraft which saw service with the Royal New Zealand Air Force such as the de Havilland Mosquito and the modern Skyhawk and Aermacchi.
In addition to its aircraft, the Aviation Display Hall hosts a number of small exhibits celebrating the achievements of New Zealand aviation pioneers Jean Batten and the Walsh Brothers which tell the story of New Zealand's aviation pioneers and highlight their many successes. The Sir Keith Park, Bomber Command and Fleet Air Arm displays explore the contribution of New Zealand aviators in times of war.
Experience New Zealand’s aviation history at the MOTAT Aviation Collection, available via a short tram ride from MOTAT Great North Rd. main entrance.
Located in the multi-award winning Aviation Display Hall, MOTAT hostst a large collection of recreational, top dressing, commercial and military aircraft which celebrates the evolution of New Zealand aviation since February 1911 when Vivian Walsh achieved sustained and controlled flight in a British Howard Wright biplane.
The Blister Hanger is located outside behind the Aviation Display Hall and is open to the public on Wednesdays and Sundays, where you can see our passionate volunteers working on various restoration projects. The Collection includes the only Solent Mark IV Flying Boat left in the World and a rare World War 2 era Avro Lancaster Bomber.
Visitors will also be able to see aircraft which saw service with the Royal New Zealand Air Force such as the de Havilland Mosquito and the modern Skyhawk and Aermacchi.
In addition to its aircraft, the Aviation Display Hall hosts a number of small exhibits celebrating the achievements of New Zealand aviation pioneers Jean Batten and the Walsh Brothers which tell the story of New Zealand's aviation pioneers and highlight their many successes. The Sir Keith Park, Bomber Command and Fleet Air Arm displays explore the contribution of New Zealand aviators in times of war.
NAPIER - Classic Car Tours & British Car Museum
A national disaster resulted in Napier becoming one of the purest Art Deco cities in the world. On the morning of February 3rd 1931 a massive earthquake rocked Hawke's Bay for more than three minutes. Nearly 260 lives were lost and the vast majority of buildings in the commercial centre of Napier were destroyed, either by the quake itself or the fires that followed.
Rebuilding began almost immediately, and much of it was completed in two years. New buildings reflected the architectural styles of the times - Stripped Classical, Spanish Mission and Art Deco.
As well as it's time capsule 1930's architecture the city also has a special affection for vintage cars. The perfect way to see the city sights is in a chauffer driven vintage car. Tours available include winery tastings, Art Deco touring and one particular outing that is a must do for any car enthusiast.
The perfect tour for classic and vintage car fans with a visit to the British Car Museum, which has the largest collection of British cars in the world. Starting from Napier City in a stunning classic car**, take a relaxing 20 minute drive out into the Hawkes Bay countryside to the coastal settlement of Te Awanga, where we visit Ian Hope at his British Car Museum.
Enjoy a 45 minute browse around Ian's huge collection of cars and motoring memorabilia that is guaranteed to evoke a serious nostalgia trip for anyone old enough to remember the heyday of the British Motor Industry.
A national disaster resulted in Napier becoming one of the purest Art Deco cities in the world. On the morning of February 3rd 1931 a massive earthquake rocked Hawke's Bay for more than three minutes. Nearly 260 lives were lost and the vast majority of buildings in the commercial centre of Napier were destroyed, either by the quake itself or the fires that followed.
Rebuilding began almost immediately, and much of it was completed in two years. New buildings reflected the architectural styles of the times - Stripped Classical, Spanish Mission and Art Deco.
As well as it's time capsule 1930's architecture the city also has a special affection for vintage cars. The perfect way to see the city sights is in a chauffer driven vintage car. Tours available include winery tastings, Art Deco touring and one particular outing that is a must do for any car enthusiast.
The perfect tour for classic and vintage car fans with a visit to the British Car Museum, which has the largest collection of British cars in the world. Starting from Napier City in a stunning classic car**, take a relaxing 20 minute drive out into the Hawkes Bay countryside to the coastal settlement of Te Awanga, where we visit Ian Hope at his British Car Museum.
Enjoy a 45 minute browse around Ian's huge collection of cars and motoring memorabilia that is guaranteed to evoke a serious nostalgia trip for anyone old enough to remember the heyday of the British Motor Industry.
ROTORUA - Helicopter Flight and Landing on White Island
Fly to and land on New Zealand’s only permanently active volcano White Island. Leaving the Rotorua city lakefront we fly north past our northern lakes district before crossing the coast on track to White Island. Arriving overhead the volcano enjoy aerial views of the active crater before landing on this lunar like surface. Here embark upon a leisurely guided tour of the island's crater floor to view active steam vents 'fumaroles', hot streams, vibrant sulphur formations and the steaming crater.
This landscape is constantly changing as the activity forms new features and removes old ones. The Crater Lake changes in depth and temperature so that from one day to the next the landscape is different.
Part of your tour includes a walk through crumbling mining ruins to view the weathered remains of what was a working factory built in 1923 and abandoned in 1933. Tours on this privately owned volcano are conducted by your pilot / guide whose wealth of knowledge about the island's history and geology enhances the experience.
Fly to and land on New Zealand’s only permanently active volcano White Island. Leaving the Rotorua city lakefront we fly north past our northern lakes district before crossing the coast on track to White Island. Arriving overhead the volcano enjoy aerial views of the active crater before landing on this lunar like surface. Here embark upon a leisurely guided tour of the island's crater floor to view active steam vents 'fumaroles', hot streams, vibrant sulphur formations and the steaming crater.
This landscape is constantly changing as the activity forms new features and removes old ones. The Crater Lake changes in depth and temperature so that from one day to the next the landscape is different.
Part of your tour includes a walk through crumbling mining ruins to view the weathered remains of what was a working factory built in 1923 and abandoned in 1933. Tours on this privately owned volcano are conducted by your pilot / guide whose wealth of knowledge about the island's history and geology enhances the experience.
AUCKLAND TO WELLINGTON - Scenic rail journey
Experience the diversity of New Zealand’s environment from the rolling hills of the Waikato to the desert landscape of the Central Plateau.New Zealand's longest running passenger service, the Northern Explorer is a long distance scenic train service running between Auckland and Wellington, stopping at Hamilton, National Park, Ohakune, Palmerston North and Wellington.
The journey through Tongariro National Park, with its three spectacular volcanic mountains – Tongariro, Ngāuruhoe and Ruapehu – is a highlight, a place of extremes and surprises, where snow-blanketed fields, ancient lava flows and dense beech forests can be seen side by side.
Take time to stop off en-route and explore the local area before re-boarding the train the following day.
Experience the diversity of New Zealand’s environment from the rolling hills of the Waikato to the desert landscape of the Central Plateau.New Zealand's longest running passenger service, the Northern Explorer is a long distance scenic train service running between Auckland and Wellington, stopping at Hamilton, National Park, Ohakune, Palmerston North and Wellington.
The journey through Tongariro National Park, with its three spectacular volcanic mountains – Tongariro, Ngāuruhoe and Ruapehu – is a highlight, a place of extremes and surprises, where snow-blanketed fields, ancient lava flows and dense beech forests can be seen side by side.
Take time to stop off en-route and explore the local area before re-boarding the train the following day.
South Island
NELSON - WOW Classic Car Museum
A car used by presidents, and the most expensive car ever made for its time are some of the treasures you’ll unearth at the Nelson Classic Car Collection.
This eclectic, world-class private collection is one of Australasia’s largest, and is housed next to the National WOW Museum. It celebrates the art of motoring, reflecting changing times, trends, technology and events. It contains some of the most sought-after models in classic motoring, presented to the highest standard with period-accurate dioramas.
A car used by presidents, and the most expensive car ever made for its time are some of the treasures you’ll unearth at the Nelson Classic Car Collection.
This eclectic, world-class private collection is one of Australasia’s largest, and is housed next to the National WOW Museum. It celebrates the art of motoring, reflecting changing times, trends, technology and events. It contains some of the most sought-after models in classic motoring, presented to the highest standard with period-accurate dioramas.
BLENHEIM - Omaka Museum
Sir Peter Jackson’s collection of WW1 aircraft and artefacts. Captivating scenes depict the aircraft in context, sometimes recreating an incident that actually happened in the war. Rare memorabilia is on display, worthy of any national collection and ranges from beautifully crafted ‘trench art’ through to personal items belonging to the famous Red Baron himself. The Great War (WWI) is the stage on which the story of aviation and the ‘Knights of the Sky’ comes to life.
This is the personal collection of film director Sir Peter Jackson and through his generosity a series of dioramas, created by Wingnut Films and enhanced by lifelike mannequins by Weta Workshop combined to provide a museum experience, never seen before its opening in 2006. Rare memorabilia on display; the envy of any national collection ranges from beautifully crafted ‘trench’ art through to personal items belonging to national flying heroes such as the USA’s Eddie Rickenbacker, France’s René Fonck and Germany’s Red Baron, Manfred von Richthofen and the infamous Hermann Goering.
No aviation museum would be complete without flying machines and ‘Knights of the Sky’ has a mixture of original, flyable, and static replica aircraft. The rarity and beauty of these machines including a Curtiss MF Flying Boat, the Italian time capsule Caproni CA.22 or the colourful Fokker Triplanes can be appreciated by all not just aviation enthusiasts.
Sir Peter Jackson’s collection of WW1 aircraft and artefacts. Captivating scenes depict the aircraft in context, sometimes recreating an incident that actually happened in the war. Rare memorabilia is on display, worthy of any national collection and ranges from beautifully crafted ‘trench art’ through to personal items belonging to the famous Red Baron himself. The Great War (WWI) is the stage on which the story of aviation and the ‘Knights of the Sky’ comes to life.
This is the personal collection of film director Sir Peter Jackson and through his generosity a series of dioramas, created by Wingnut Films and enhanced by lifelike mannequins by Weta Workshop combined to provide a museum experience, never seen before its opening in 2006. Rare memorabilia on display; the envy of any national collection ranges from beautifully crafted ‘trench’ art through to personal items belonging to national flying heroes such as the USA’s Eddie Rickenbacker, France’s René Fonck and Germany’s Red Baron, Manfred von Richthofen and the infamous Hermann Goering.
No aviation museum would be complete without flying machines and ‘Knights of the Sky’ has a mixture of original, flyable, and static replica aircraft. The rarity and beauty of these machines including a Curtiss MF Flying Boat, the Italian time capsule Caproni CA.22 or the colourful Fokker Triplanes can be appreciated by all not just aviation enthusiasts.
CHRISTCHURCH - GREYMOUTH - Tranz Alpine Scenic Train Journey
Experience the South Island’s striking natural landscape by taking a train between Christchurch and Greymouth. Along this journey you’ll see epic vistas, travel the edges of the ice-fed Waimakariri River, traverse the Southern Alps, and see miles of native beech forest.
The TranzAlpine is one of the world's great train journeys covering 223 kilometres (139 miles) one-way, taking just under 5 hours. You’ll traverse the majestic Canterbury Plains, to the backdrop of the mighty Southern Alps - the journey of a lifetime.
It is highly recommended to stay the night on the West Coast and enjoy the local sights and freshest seafood before re boarding the train the following afternoon back to Christchurch.
Experience the South Island’s striking natural landscape by taking a train between Christchurch and Greymouth. Along this journey you’ll see epic vistas, travel the edges of the ice-fed Waimakariri River, traverse the Southern Alps, and see miles of native beech forest.
The TranzAlpine is one of the world's great train journeys covering 223 kilometres (139 miles) one-way, taking just under 5 hours. You’ll traverse the majestic Canterbury Plains, to the backdrop of the mighty Southern Alps - the journey of a lifetime.
It is highly recommended to stay the night on the West Coast and enjoy the local sights and freshest seafood before re boarding the train the following afternoon back to Christchurch.
DUNEDIN - Tairei Vintage Train Journey
Departing from the historic Dunedin Railway Station, the Taieri Gorge Railway takes passengers on a picturesque journey through the Central Otago hinterland. Travel across the Taieri Plains and into the deep and narrow Taieri Gorge.
Ride over the Wingatui Viaduct, the largest wrought iron structure in the world, and if the sun is out, stretch your legs by crossing one of the bridges on foot (the train will wait for you). On this journey you'll get a fascinating insight into the building of the railway line and the life of the hardy pioneers.
There is also an option to take the Sea-sider train journey that travels along the picturesque Otago Harbour before traversing the cliff tops over looking the sparkling waters of the Pacific Ocean.
Departing from the historic Dunedin Railway Station, the Taieri Gorge Railway takes passengers on a picturesque journey through the Central Otago hinterland. Travel across the Taieri Plains and into the deep and narrow Taieri Gorge.
Ride over the Wingatui Viaduct, the largest wrought iron structure in the world, and if the sun is out, stretch your legs by crossing one of the bridges on foot (the train will wait for you). On this journey you'll get a fascinating insight into the building of the railway line and the life of the hardy pioneers.
There is also an option to take the Sea-sider train journey that travels along the picturesque Otago Harbour before traversing the cliff tops over looking the sparkling waters of the Pacific Ocean.
CROMWELL - Self Drive Ultimate Drive Experiences
About 1 hour north of Queenstown is Hyland Park - heaven for lovers of fast cars and racing. This is your opportunity to get behind the wheel and drive the sports car you've always dreamed of!
The Radical SR3 is a lot like a version of the Le Mans vehicles seen in endurance races, and is hugely popular within the racing community. Featuring Aerodynamic bodywork for increased downforce, reduced drag and racing slick tyres for ultimate cornering speed.
Cars are fitted with 6 speed “paddle shift” gearbox to complete the ultimate race car feel. Listen to the sound generated by this highly tuned four-cylinder racing engine as it accelerates down Pisa straight – it’s mind-blowing!
Or:
Experience the pure power and noise of a real Repco V8 Muscle car.
This 5.0L V8 is a Highlands built, production based race car. A professional driver will guide you through 2 warm-up laps teaching you the ‘racing line’, then it’s into 5 laps of foot-to-the-floor adrenaline filled action around our C track.
A must-do U-Drive experience for all V8 lovers!
Lots more to do besides so get in touch and we'll book you in for the ride of your life!
About 1 hour north of Queenstown is Hyland Park - heaven for lovers of fast cars and racing. This is your opportunity to get behind the wheel and drive the sports car you've always dreamed of!
The Radical SR3 is a lot like a version of the Le Mans vehicles seen in endurance races, and is hugely popular within the racing community. Featuring Aerodynamic bodywork for increased downforce, reduced drag and racing slick tyres for ultimate cornering speed.
Cars are fitted with 6 speed “paddle shift” gearbox to complete the ultimate race car feel. Listen to the sound generated by this highly tuned four-cylinder racing engine as it accelerates down Pisa straight – it’s mind-blowing!
Or:
Experience the pure power and noise of a real Repco V8 Muscle car.
This 5.0L V8 is a Highlands built, production based race car. A professional driver will guide you through 2 warm-up laps teaching you the ‘racing line’, then it’s into 5 laps of foot-to-the-floor adrenaline filled action around our C track.
A must-do U-Drive experience for all V8 lovers!
Lots more to do besides so get in touch and we'll book you in for the ride of your life!
WANAKA - Bi-Plane Flight
To step back in time where Pilots were larger than life, and heroes to all those who lifted their eyes skyward to the sound of an old tigermoth flying overhead?, then take a flightseeing trip around Wanaka and see breathtaking New Zealand scenery in a Vintage Tigermoth or Waco Aircraft. Experience the excitement of the early flyers and their flying machines; the smell of oil and aviation fuel, combined with the aroma of fresh leather.
As you don the old-style leather flying helmet, complete with flying goggles and silk scarf, experience the anticipation of being taken back in time to the nostalgia of this by-gone era. The exhileration of the open cockpit and the wind in your face – discover the freedom and romance of a vintage scenic flight from Wanaka, one of the most spectacular scenic locations in New Zealand.
To step back in time where Pilots were larger than life, and heroes to all those who lifted their eyes skyward to the sound of an old tigermoth flying overhead?, then take a flightseeing trip around Wanaka and see breathtaking New Zealand scenery in a Vintage Tigermoth or Waco Aircraft. Experience the excitement of the early flyers and their flying machines; the smell of oil and aviation fuel, combined with the aroma of fresh leather.
As you don the old-style leather flying helmet, complete with flying goggles and silk scarf, experience the anticipation of being taken back in time to the nostalgia of this by-gone era. The exhileration of the open cockpit and the wind in your face – discover the freedom and romance of a vintage scenic flight from Wanaka, one of the most spectacular scenic locations in New Zealand.
INVERCARGIL - Classic Motorcycle Musem
Classic Motorcycle Mecca, New Zealand's premiere motorcycle museum. Find the largest display of classic motorcycles in the country with a collection ranging from 1902 - 2007.
Widely regarded to be a world class display, this brand new motorcycle museum houses over 300 motorcycles and motorcycle related artwork. If you're looking for things to do in Invercargill we recommend adding Classic Motorcycle Mecca to your list. It will not disappoint.
Classic Motorcycle Mecca includes solo, sidecar and even three wheeled automobiles and machinery from 1902 upwards. Over 60 manufacturers are represented (with some really astounding restorations) including a 1902 Peugeot Motorcycle to a 21st Century Simms Corbin Custom.
You will find brands such as AJS, Ariel, BMW, Brough Superior, Harley Davidson, Henderson, Indian, Matchless and Rudge as well as little known brands such as Schwinn and Zundapp. Other highlights include a comprehensive side car collection and at least twelve scooters. Classic Motorcycle Mecca also houses three of four publicly displayed New Zealand-constructed John Britten bikes.
Classic Motorcycle Mecca, New Zealand's premiere motorcycle museum. Find the largest display of classic motorcycles in the country with a collection ranging from 1902 - 2007.
Widely regarded to be a world class display, this brand new motorcycle museum houses over 300 motorcycles and motorcycle related artwork. If you're looking for things to do in Invercargill we recommend adding Classic Motorcycle Mecca to your list. It will not disappoint.
Classic Motorcycle Mecca includes solo, sidecar and even three wheeled automobiles and machinery from 1902 upwards. Over 60 manufacturers are represented (with some really astounding restorations) including a 1902 Peugeot Motorcycle to a 21st Century Simms Corbin Custom.
You will find brands such as AJS, Ariel, BMW, Brough Superior, Harley Davidson, Henderson, Indian, Matchless and Rudge as well as little known brands such as Schwinn and Zundapp. Other highlights include a comprehensive side car collection and at least twelve scooters. Classic Motorcycle Mecca also houses three of four publicly displayed New Zealand-constructed John Britten bikes.