Southward Car Museum

In a quiet corner of Otaihanga, near the town of Paraparaumu, lies a true treasure trove for all car enthusiasts — the Southward Car Museum. This is not just an exhibition, but the largest private collection of its kind in the entire Southern Hemisphere. Set across 6 hectares, the collection features more than 450 rare automobiles, hundreds of motorcycles, and even aircraft engines, representing a grand chronicle of world transport.

Southward Car Museum. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The display is striking in its variety: from the oldest car in New Zealand — the 1895 Benz Velo — to modern icons of speed. Here, you can see the legendary DeLorean, which became a pop culture icon, and truly rare historical pieces, such as the bulletproof Cadillac once owned by gangster Mickey Cohen. Each exhibit is accompanied by detailed information, turning a walk through the halls into a fascinating journey through time.

Beyond the impressive rows of chrome and steel, the museum offers a cozy atmosphere with interactive zones and a theater housing the famous Wurlitzer organ. This location has become a major cultural hub in the Kapiti region, drawing tourists with its blend of engineering genius and the remarkable human stories behind every steering wheel and engine.

To clarify details of your visit or to book group tours, you can use the following contact information:

The main activity at the museum is, of course, a detailed study of the collection. Each vehicle here has its own story, which can be read on the information boards. Be sure to find the 1939 Mercedes-Benz 770 and take a look inside the legendary bulletproof Cadillac — the bullet marks on the thick glass leave a lasting impression. The cars are arranged so that you can appreciate the evolution of design: from "horseless carriages" to futuristic supercars like the Lamborghini Diablo.

Don't limit yourself to just the main hall. Head down to the nostalgia zones where the atmosphere of past decades is recreated, or peek into the workshops. If you're lucky, you'll see the restoration process where master craftsmen return the shine to vintage parts. Aviation enthusiasts should take time to view the aircraft, and fans of watercraft should look for the Redhead speedboat, on which Sir Len Southward once conquered the waves.

For a break, the museum features a cozy cafe where you can have a snack while discussing what you've seen. Don't forget to stop by the souvenir shop for memorable gifts. If your visit coincides with a cultural event, you might hear the live sound of the massive Wurlitzer theater organ, which rises directly from beneath the floor in a specially equipped hall.

Getting to this unique location is quite simple, especially if you are traveling from Wellington. The museum is located in the Otaihanga area, between the towns of Paraparaumu and Waikanae. A car journey via the modern expressway heading north from the capital takes approximately 30–45 minutes. Follow the signs at the exit from the new expressway, which will lead you directly to Otaihanga Road.

If you prefer public transport, you can use the rail network. Regular trains depart from Wellington Central Station and run to Paraparaumu or Waikanae stations. Upon arrival at the station, it is most convenient to take a taxi, which will take you to the museum entrance in just a few minutes.

For those traveling by private or rental vehicle, spacious parking is provided on-site. A visit to the museum fits perfectly into a weekend itinerary along the Kapiti Coast, allowing you to combine the collection tour with other local attractions.

The history of this impressive collection began in 1956 as a personal hobby of Sir Len Southward, a prominent marine engineer, and his wife, Lady Vera Southward. The first exhibit was a modest 1915 Ford Model T, purchased for just 40 pounds. Over the years, the hobby evolved into a lifelong passion, becoming the largest private car collection in the Southern Hemisphere.

To accommodate the constantly growing exhibition, a 6-hectare plot of land was acquired in 1971. Construction of the specially designed building began in 1977, and the grand opening of the museum took place on December 22, 1979. Sir Len personally worked on the restoration of many cars even after his retirement, putting his heart into every nut and bolt.

After the founder's passing, management was transferred to the Southward Car Museum Trust Inc. The organization carefully preserves the Southward family legacy, continuing to add modern supercars to the collection to remain engaging for new generations of car enthusiasts. Today, the museum is not just a storage facility for machinery, but a true chronicle of engineering thought and design.

A quick walkthrough of the main halls will take about an hour, but for true motoring enthusiasts, this time will certainly not be enough. The huge variety of exhibits and detailed information cards for each vehicle will practically force you to slow down.

The optimal choice is to set aside 2 to 4 hours for your visit. This will allow you to not only examine rare car and motorcycle models but also peek into the workshops, walk around the grounds, and relax in the local cafe. If you plan to study the history of every rare engine and aircraft, be prepared to spend the entire day here.

The Southward Car Museum is hospitably open to visitors daily. You can plan your visit for any convenient time during the week, as the operating schedule remains consistent from Monday to Sunday:

Monday — Sunday: 09:00 – 16:30.

Please note that the museum is closed only two days a year: Christmas Day and Good Friday. On all other days, including public holidays, the museum doors are open to everyone wishing to touch the history of the automotive industry.

The Kapiti Coast is famous for its relaxed atmosphere and interesting locations, so after your visit to the museum, you will have plenty of options for continuing your day. Exploring the surrounding area will allow you to get to know the local gastronomy, aviation history, and picturesque beaches.