Hillsborough Holden Museum
Discover a unique blend of automotive history with iconic Holden cars, a challenging mini-putt, and a thrilling luge ride.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Hillsborough Holden Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a unique blend of automotive history with iconic Holden cars, a challenging mini-putt, and a thrilling luge ride.
"A hidden gem with a superb mini-putt and a fantastic car collection!"
🚗 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Holden Car Collection
Explore a remarkable private collection of iconic Holden cars, rich with history and memorabilia.
Challenging Mini-Putt
Tackle 18 uniquely designed and difficult holes on a beautifully presented mini-putt course.
Luge Ride Adventure
Experience a fun luge ride down the hill, with tandem options available for younger adventurers.
Fabulous Gardens
Wander through immaculately maintained gardens, a testament to the dedicated gardening team.
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Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to the Hillsborough Holden Museum
Maximizing Your Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 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.
🚂 Luge Train Add-on
Highly recommend the train ride back up after the luge for added fun!
☕ Cafe Check
Cafe hours can vary; check in advance if dining is a priority.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 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.
🚂 Luge Train Add-on
Highly recommend the train ride back up after the luge for added fun!
☕ Cafe Check
Cafe hours can vary; check in advance if dining is a priority.
☀️ Sunny Day Fun
Mini-putt is a blast on sunny days, but expect it to be busy!
🌸 Garden Stroll
Don't miss the beautifully maintained gardens, a true highlight.
What Travellers Say
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 🔥. 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
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ 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.
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.
Driving from New Plymouth is straightforward, taking approximately 20-30 minutes. The route is scenic, especially if you're heading towards Mount Taranaki.
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.
Roads are generally well-maintained. During winter, check for any weather advisories, especially if traveling from higher elevations.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 ⛳ 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
The cafe offers a selection of light meals and treats, including coffee, toasties, pies, and cakes. Visitors have described the food as 'yum'.
Picnic policies are not explicitly stated. It's best to consume food and drinks in designated areas if available, or inquire with staff.
If the on-site cafe is closed or you're looking for more options, New Plymouth offers a variety of restaurants and cafes.
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.
📸 📸 Photography
The classic Holden cars offer fantastic photo opportunities. The beautifully presented mini-putt course and the scenic gardens also provide great backdrops.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the museum itself might be more appreciated by adults, the car collection can still capture the imagination of older children. The fabulous gardens provide a pleasant space for a stroll. If the cafe is open, it's a convenient spot for a snack, but it's wise to check hours beforehand.
🚗 Car Enthusiasts
While the museum is the primary focus, the challenging mini-putt course offers a fun diversion. It's a unique course that even seasoned mini-golfers find engaging. The combination of automotive history and a quirky recreational activity makes for a memorable visit.
✨ Day-Trippers
Consider visiting during a weekday afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds, especially for the mini-putt. The beautiful gardens also provide a lovely spot to relax. If you're driving to or from Mount Taranaki, it's conveniently located for a detour.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Holden Collection
Many visitors, even those not typically considered car enthusiasts, find themselves appreciating the knowledge and history presented. The way the collection is curated allows for an engaging experience, highlighting the evolution of Holden and its place in the hearts of many. It's a chance to connect with a piece of automotive heritage that resonates with generations.
While the museum entry fee is noted by some as a consideration, the quality and uniqueness of the private collection are consistently praised. It's a hidden gem that offers a deep dive into a beloved automotive brand, making it a worthwhile stop for many.
Mini-Putt: A Challenging Delight
With 18 holes to navigate, players will encounter a variety of obstacles and designs that test skill and precision. The course's aesthetic appeal is also frequently mentioned, adding to the overall enjoyment of the game. It's a place where both casual players and seasoned mini-golf enthusiasts can find a rewarding challenge.
Due to its popularity, especially on sunny days, the mini-putt can get quite crowded. To make the most of your experience, arriving during off-peak hours or on a weekday is often recommended. The fun and difficulty make it a highly recommended activity for families and friends.
The Thrill of the Luge
Safety is a priority, with staff paying close attention to operational procedures. For younger visitors who may not meet the solo riding height requirements, tandem rides are available, allowing them to experience the thrill with an adult. This makes the luge accessible to a wider range of ages.
An optional train ride back to the top of the luge run is also offered and highly recommended by visitors. This adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the experience, making the journey back up as fun as the ride down. It's a popular add-on that enhances the overall adventure.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit