Older Holdens on show
1 / 6

Hillsborough Holden Museum

4.4
Β·450 reviewsΒ·Hillsborough, New Zealand

Discover a unique blend of automotive history with iconic Holden cars, a challenging mini-putt, and a thrilling luge ride.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Older Holdens on show

Hillsborough Holden Museum

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover a unique blend of automotive history with iconic Holden cars, a challenging mini-putt, and a thrilling luge ride.

4.4
(450 reviews)

"A hidden gem with a superb mini-putt and a fantastic car collection!"

Vertical photo
TIP

πŸš— Museum & Mini-Putt Combo

Combine museum entry with mini-putt for a full day of fun!

🎒 Luge Ride Tandem Option

Kids too short for solo luge? Tandem rides are available for a shared thrill.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.4 Β· 450 reviews

Type

Museum

πŸ‘Ά Good for kidsβ™Ώ Wheelchair accessibleπŸ…ΏοΈ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Holden Car Collection

Holden Car Collection

Explore a remarkable private collection of iconic Holden cars, rich with history and memorabilia.

Challenging Mini-Putt

Challenging Mini-Putt

Tackle 18 uniquely designed and difficult holes on a beautifully presented mini-putt course.

Luge Ride Adventure

Luge Ride Adventure

Experience a fun luge ride down the hill, with tandem options available for younger adventurers.

Fabulous Gardens

Fabulous Gardens

Wander through immaculately maintained gardens, a testament to the dedicated gardening team.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit to the Hillsborough Holden Museum

Discover a unique blend of automotive history and fun! The Hillsborough Holden Museum showcases an impressive private collection of Holden cars, memorabilia, and local history. Complement your visit with a challenging mini-putt course and a thrilling luge ride. Arrive early or during off-peak hours to enjoy the attractions with fewer crowds, especially for the popular mini-putt.

Maximizing Your Experience

Combine your museum visit with a round of mini-putt and a luge ride for a full day of entertainment. Consider purchasing the train ride add-on for the luge for added fun. While the cafe may have limited hours, the surrounding gardens are a delight. Check for special events, like the Mid-Summer Concert, which can add to the experience and support local causes.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend mornings
Why
Enjoy the mini-putt before busy
Crowd
Medium
When
During special events
Why
Unique community experiences
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Always join ij the fun! This was the best #puttputt Ive ever plsyed! #prehistoricputt #lincolnne @layneeashlock
@kimashlock
439K likes β€’ 5.5M views

πŸš— Museum & Mini-Putt Combo

Combine museum entry with mini-putt for a full day of fun! Instagram

🎒 Luge Ride Tandem Option

Kids too short for solo luge? Tandem rides are available for a shared thrill. Reddit

And just like that, mini golf ended on the 14th hole πŸ™ƒπŸ€ͺπŸ« πŸ˜… #kidsoftiktok #minigolf #toddlersoftiktok #thirdchild
@bri_roulette
225.7K likes β€’ 3.5M views
The Hillsborough Holden Museum hosted the Mid-Summer Concert over the weekend, raising a wonderful $550 for the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter which will be going towards new rescue harnesses! πŸ’› The Taranaki Rescue Helicopter crew had a fantastic time connecting with the community and even managed to fly past the event on the way to do some training! We would like to extend a huge thank you to @β€ŒThe ...
taranakirescue
19 likes β€’ 729 views

πŸš‚ Luge Train Add-on

Highly recommend the train ride back up after the luge for added fun! Reddit

β˜• Cafe Check

Cafe hours can vary; check in advance if dining is a priority. Reddit

#ThankYouLordForAllTheBlessings #saturdayfun #familyfirst #LoveTesla #autosteer #teslamodely #hillsboroughminigolf #hillsboroughholdenmuseum Hillsborough Holden Museum and Mini Putt
johnvarkeynz
14 likes β€’ 357 views

Tips

from all over the internet

πŸš— Museum & Mini-Putt Combo

Combine museum entry with mini-putt for a full day of fun! Instagram

🎒 Luge Ride Tandem Option

Kids too short for solo luge? Tandem rides are available for a shared thrill. Reddit

πŸš‚ Luge Train Add-on

Highly recommend the train ride back up after the luge for added fun! Reddit

β˜• Cafe Check

Cafe hours can vary; check in advance if dining is a priority. Reddit

β˜€οΈ Sunny Day Fun

Mini-putt is a blast on sunny days, but expect it to be busy! Reddit

🌸 Garden Stroll

Don't miss the beautifully maintained gardens, a true highlight. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(450 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Hillsborough Holden Museum, highlighting its impressive private collection of Holden cars and the exceptionally challenging yet beautifully presented mini-putt course. The luge ride and lovely gardens also receive praise, making it a well-rounded destination. Some find the museum entry price a bit high, and the cafe's operating hours can be inconsistent.

"Wow what an amazing place! Highly recommend. The museum was awesome, so much history and knowledge and the cars πŸ”₯. I had a coffee and toastie and my partner had a pie, cake and coffee at the Cafe it as yum! We also played Mini golf. It was a sunny day and really busy but so much fun! The course had a lot of hard holes but was so enjoyable. Highly recommend and will be back ❀️"

Ange Smith

"Amazing private collection of Holden cars. Very well put together."

Brenda Clark

"what a hidden gem this place is. I'm not much of a car enthusiast but I could appreciate the collection of Holden cars. memorabilia and history on display. the mini putt was superb by far the most beautifully presented and hardest putt putt ever! we really enjoyed it. thought the luge was bit overpriced but it was a fun ride down. the kids loved the little train ride back up to the top. the gardens here are fabulous the gardening team do a magnificent job. would highly recommend this as a sightseer must-do in New Plymouth"

Andre and Michele Neckelson

What People Like

Amazing Holden car collection
Challenging mini-putt course
Fun luge ride

What People Dislike

Museum entry price
Cafe hours vary

Frequently Asked Questions

πŸš‡ πŸ—ΊοΈ Getting There

The Hillsborough Holden Museum is located near New Plymouth. It's often visited as part of a trip to Mount Taranaki. Driving is the most common way to access the museum, with ample parking available. Reddit

Information on direct public transport to the museum is limited. It's best to check local bus routes or consider ride-sharing services if you are not driving. Reddit

Driving from New Plymouth is straightforward, taking approximately 20-30 minutes. The route is scenic, especially if you're heading towards Mount Taranaki. Reddit

Mount Taranaki National Park is a major nearby attraction, offering hiking and stunning views. The museum itself offers a variety of activities like mini-putt and a luge. Reddit

Roads are generally well-maintained. During winter, check for any weather advisories, especially if traveling from higher elevations. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the museum itself can be perceived as expensive by some visitors, leading them to skip it. However, the mini-putt and luge rides have separate admission fees. Reddit

While advance booking isn't always necessary, the mini-putt can get very busy, especially on sunny weekends. Arriving early or during off-peak times is recommended. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, and the cafe may have limited operating times. It's advisable to check the official website or social media pages for the most up-to-date information. Reddit

Information on combo tickets isn't widely available. It's best to inquire on-site about any package deals that might be offered for multiple attractions. Instagram

Yes, children may need to meet certain height requirements to ride the luge alone. Tandem rides are available for younger children who don't meet the solo height criteria. Reddit

🎫 β›³ Onsite Experience

The museum houses an impressive private collection of Holden cars, alongside memorabilia and local history displays. It's well-presented and offers a glimpse into automotive heritage. Reddit

The 18-hole mini-putt course is known for being very challenging and tricky, with many difficult pars. It's considered one of the most beautifully presented and hardest mini-putt courses by visitors. Reddit

The luge offers a fun ride down the hill. While the actual run might be short, the experience is enjoyable, especially for kids. A train ride back to the top is available as an add-on. Reddit

Yes, children often love the mini-putt and the luge ride. The train ride back up the luge hill is also a hit with younger visitors. Reddit

Photography policies can vary. It's generally a good idea to be respectful of the exhibits and other visitors. Check for any signage regarding photography. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a cafe on-site that serves coffee, toasties, pies, and cakes. However, its operating hours can be limited, so it's wise to check in advance. Reddit

The cafe offers a selection of light meals and treats, including coffee, toasties, pies, and cakes. Visitors have described the food as 'yum'. Reddit

Picnic policies are not explicitly stated. It's best to consume food and drinks in designated areas if available, or inquire with staff. Reddit

If the on-site cafe is closed or you're looking for more options, New Plymouth offers a variety of restaurants and cafes. Reddit

Information on specific dietary options is not readily available. It's recommended to contact the cafe directly to inquire about vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free choices. Reddit

πŸ“Έ πŸ“Έ Photography

The classic Holden cars offer fantastic photo opportunities. The beautifully presented mini-putt course and the scenic gardens also provide great backdrops. Instagram

Generally, photography is allowed, but it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage regarding flash photography or restricted areas. Instagram

The challenging and uniquely designed holes of the mini-putt course can make for fun and dynamic photos. Capture the action as players navigate the tricky obstacles. TikTok

Capturing the excitement of the luge ride can be challenging due to movement. Consider taking photos from the sidelines or asking a companion to snap shots. Reddit

Drone usage is typically restricted at attractions to ensure the safety and privacy of visitors. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise. Instagram

You may also like

Hillsborough Holden Museum (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide