Packard Motor Museum — Attraction in North Island

I'm not a car person, so I was going to just send my husband and boys to enjoy, but then we snapped up a great deal on Book Me for a family pass so ... why not! I was so glad I went. The size of this place (spread over 6 sheds), and the sheer amount of stuff that was packed into each one was just amazing. And it's not just cars. There are vehicles of every type, something to keep everyone happy. Then all of the other side collections like lawnmowers, typewriters, irons, telephones .... every space filled with something different. We spent a couple of hours browsing, but could easily have stayed longer if we didn't have to be somewhere else. The only thing I thought was missing a bit was names/descriptions on the vehicles in the sheds across the back (for someone like me who needed a bit of an explanation). I understand that entry used to be by guided tour (so I imagine all of this extensive knowledge was shared this way), but in recent years you've been able to do self-guided tours. However, the staff were all really lovely and more than happy to chat and answer questions, so I'm sure if you had any burning questions they'd be able to help you out. Anyway, well...

You have to come and see all these on off exhibits and special pieces of history , yourselves ! There is too much to tell you and not enough information written about each exhibit ! They need more volunteers and you'll understand why when you enter the shed with the bulldozer in it ! Lol The Packard Motor Museum, is not what I expected ! It does have cars bikes, trains and buses but it also houses anything that has or had a Motor , to help it operate! It was extremely good value for my money ! £25 and I should gave stayed longer!

I shall visit again and take another new willing visitor, along to see if the Trust, has taken, on, any new volunteers, yet ? It Can , sometimes , feel like , a closed shop, the Charitable Trusts idea ! It hasnt out me off as, I'm now a member of 3 and soon a volunteer in all 3...

Beautiful old Packards galore but this place is so much more than that. We did one of the twice yearly start up guided tours where you get to hear some of these old engines running. V12's straight 8's and more. Well worth the $20 entry for that alone. Then there's the classic motorbikes, classic Brit cars, all sorts of oddball bits and pieces. The antique gun room, trucks, bulldozers, the odd armoured car, a V12 Merlin engine, a Lycoming rotary, it goes on and on. Much is sitting in the sheds as found and awaiting restoration which only adds to the enjoyment of the place. We will...