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Southward Car Museum, Paraparaumu

4.8
#3 of 23 in Things to do in Paraparaumu
Must see · Specialty Museum · Museum
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Every gearhead's dream come true, Southward Car Museum houses one of the largest collections of rare cars in Australasia--including 400 antique automobiles and several aircraft. Highlights include a 1950 Cadillac that once belonged to notorious gangster Mickey Cohen, a convertible driven by Marlene Dietrich, and an 1895 Benz Velo, imported to New Zealand over a century ago. The purpose-built museum features a 6,000 sq m (65,000 sq ft) exhibition hall, plus an engineering workshop, gift shop, cafe, and theater. The surrounding park-like grounds include indoor and outdoor venues available for private events. Before you head to Paraparaumu, plan trip itinerary details with our user-friendly Paraparaumu tour planner, to make sure you see all that Paraparaumu has to offer, including Southward Car Museum.
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Southward Car Museum reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
440 reviews
Google
4.7
TripAdvisor
  • Annual membership last year was $10 I believe. It has now jumped up to $45. When we asked why, we were told it’s due to the minimum wage increase. Umm, minimum wage didn’t go up 350%…. 
    Annual membership last year was $10 I believe. It has now jumped up to $45. When we asked why, we were told it’s due to the minimum wage increase. Umm, minimum wage didn’t go up 350%….  more »
  • We visited this museum on the way from Wellington to Whanganui. It's well signposted and we found it with no problems. The lady at the entry was most pleasant and the museum is spotlessly clean... 
    We visited this museum on the way from Wellington to Whanganui. It's well signposted and we found it with no problems. The lady at the entry was most pleasant and the museum is spotlessly clean...  more »
Google
  • Pretty much had the place to myself thanks mostly to the pandemic. Massive selection of vintage cars and bikes displayed. Recommend allowing a go couple of hours as so much to take in. Was disappointed with selection of food on offer at the café but probably due to lack of foot traffic. Staff were very friendly and helpful ✅ also don’t forget to check out the vehicles down in the basement…
  • Huge collection of cars from all around the world and across time. From Japanese legends of the 90s to the futuristic vision of the Swinging 20s. Also includes a collection of motorcycles and bikes. Each display has an accompanying plaque that gives info on the history and facts of the car model, and/or the history of the particular one on display. Could spend all day reading if I wanted to! Entry $21 for an adult.

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