Visit Southward Car Museum in Wellington

Southward Car Museum is the story of how one man’s passion for cars turned into a fascinating legacy all can enjoy. Tucked away amongst park-like surroundings on the Kāpiti Coast is something astonishing. Inside a cavernous, purpose-built exhibition hall, chrome and steel glints in every direction, while the smell of polish and leather permeates the air. For here, in the unassuming Paraparaumu suburb of Otaihanga, is one of the most remarkable car collections – not just in the country – but in the world.

Today, the museum houses rare and treasured vehicles of all descriptions, including an 1895 Benz Velo, imported to New Zealand in 1900, a 1915 Stutz Indianapolis race car, a 1934 Cadillac that was once owned by American actress Marlene Dietrich, a 1939 Mercedes-Benz that was intended as a gift for Edward VIII after the planned German invasion of Britain, a four-tonne, 1950 “gangster special” Cadillac complete with genuine bullet holes, owned by gangster Mickey Cohen and a Back To The Future DeLorean – the only one on public display in the country.

Open from 9:00 to 16:30, daily.

• Adult – $20
• Child (5 to 15) – $5
• Family – $45
• NZ Gold Card – $15
• Annual Pass – $40