National Transport & Toy Museum — Attraction in South Island

I am a classic car lover and went to the museum to see a collection of wonderful cars and cool airplanes. All the reviews seemed to be positive so it should be good!

But after we paid a greedy amount of 35$ for two people, we found nothing but disappointment.

I love classic cars and hoped to see at least one that is worth showing in a Museum.

But as you can guess i was deeply disappointed to see nothing but trash. The owner seems to collect trash for years and does not care about the condition. I dont want to be picky so i went with really low expectations. I didnt expect one Million Dollar Ferraris etc. I just wanted to see some cool old classic cars. But all what i saw was cars that are no were near of drivable. The paint does not have a wonderful patina it is completly destroyed by staff and owners who do not care about cars.

I could go on and on... But to put it in a nutshell i can say the following:

PERFECT FOR PEOPLE WHO LOVE WATCHING TRASH AND THROWN AWAY STUFF! PERFECT FOR PEOPLE WHO PREFER QUANTITY OVER QUALITY!

HORRIBLE FOR PEOPLE WHO SPENT THEIR HARD EARNED MONEY ONLY TO SEE CHEAP CARS THAT ARE FALLEN APART AND FULL OF GARBAGE INSIDE!

ITS JUST THE WORST MUSEUM EVER! DONT GO THERE IF YOU EXPECT A MUSEUM! GO THERE IF YOU WANT TO PAY 35$ FOR AN...

The Wanaka Transport and Toy Museum is a hidden gem for anyone fascinated by vintage vehicles and nostalgic toys. Nestled in the beautiful town of Wanaka, New Zealand, this museum offers an incredible collection that spans decades. With over 600 vehicles on display, including classic cars, motorcycles, fire engines, and military vehicles, it’s a dream come true for transport enthusiasts. The well-preserved models reflect an impressive dedication to the history of transportation.

In addition to the vehicles, the museum houses a vast array of toys from different eras. The toy collection is a delightful walk down memory lane, with everything from tin toys, dolls, and action figures to model trains and planes. It’s an engaging experience for both adults, who may recognize toys from their childhood, and children, who can see how toys have evolved over the years.

The museum's layout is accessible, and the friendly staff enhances the experience with their enthusiasm and knowledge. While it may seem overwhelming at first due to the sheer number of exhibits, each section is thoughtfully curated. Overall, the Wanaka Transport and Toy Museum is a fascinating visit for families, history buffs, and anyone who enjoys a unique blend of nostalgia...

I had the most amazing experience at the Toy Museum, the moment I stepped inside, I was transported through different eras and themes, with each section of collectibles uniquely styled and thoughtfully curated. The displays weren’t just organized; they were a complete sensory experience, each with its own theme and projection. I found myself wondering, who could have established all this, and how was it all possible? The effort was nothing short of extraordinary.

Then, one of the employees shared a fascinating tidbit—Mr. Rhodes, the visionary behind this venture, personally designed and curated each of the themes and displays. To learn that he did all of this on his own, without the backing of any local council or government funding, was truly remarkable. This whole venture is solely driven by tourism money, which makes it even more impressive!

It's clear that Mr. Rhodes' passion for the motor and aviation industries has truly shaped the museum. From the incredible attention to detail in the exhibits to the sheer enthusiasm behind the collections, it's evident that this is more than just a museum—it’s a labor of love.

I highly recommend visiting if you’re in the area; it’s an experience you won’t...