Product Overview

This fascinating museum is one of the largest private collections in the world with four major buildings housing over 600 vehicles, 16 aircraft and 60,000 plus toys and miscellaneous items. The Museum is the result of one man’s dream - Gerald Rhodes who started collecting in the 1950s as an apprentice for International Harvester in Christchurch; it’s a 20^th century treasure-trove.  For a private collection the variety is amazing. 

This extraordinary collection leaves people amazed that one man has collected so much in one lifetime. The place is a real nostalgia trip, a must-see for all the family.  Leave plenty of time, there is indoor seating and outdoor picnic area you are welcome to use as well as a children’s playground.

Product Description

This fascinating museum is one of the largest private collections in the world with four major buildings housing over 600 vehicles, 16 aircraft and 60,000 plus toys and miscellaneous items. The Museum is the result of one man’s dream - Gerald Rhodes who started collecting in the 1950s as an apprentice for International Harvester in Christchurch; it’s a 20^th century treasure-trove.  For a private collection the variety is amazing. 

The transport collection alone includes vintage and classic cars, fire engines, military vehicles, tractors, trucks, motorbikes, heavy construction equipment, buses, boats plus much more. 

Aircraft include a Russian Mig 21, Antonov AN-2 Colt, an American Lockheed Lodestar and an English Hunter Jet Provost T5a, an English Electric Canberra and a Fokker Friendship.

The toys are a child’s dream. There are 1,000’s of die-cast models, Meccano, dolls, teddy bears, tin, windup, clockwork and battery powered toys plus much, much more.  Also on display is over 500 Barbie Dolls and accessories.  The Star Wars collection must be seen to be believed.

 Thousands of miscellaneous items around every corner, including typewriters, hurricane lamps, sewing machines, musical instruments and kitchen utensils – all bringing back memories of the past.  Check out their website for a full list of exhibits.

 It is not just a “look at” museum as you can take a ride on the adult-size pedal cars around the grounds, clamber over various guns such as WWII Bofors gun and a Chinese Anti-aircraft gun, and climb over a 50 ton Centurion Tank. 

Departure Times

Open 7 Days, 8.30am to 5pm. Closed Christmas Day.

Duration

takes at least 1 to 2 hours

What To Bring

Camera

Company Info

National Transport & Toy Museum