Packard Motor Museum Maungatapere
A vast treasure trove of automotive history and eclectic memorabilia, showcasing pristine Packards and much more.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Packard Motor Museum Maungatapere
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast treasure trove of automotive history and eclectic memorabilia, showcasing pristine Packards and much more.
"What a hidden gem! We spent nearly two hours at the museum and saw an amazing collections of vehicles and historical items."
Allocate Plenty of Time ⏳
You'll need 2-4 hours to see everything! Don't rush this gem.
Chat with the Staff! 🗣️
They're super knowledgeable and love to share stories about the exhibits.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Iconic Packard Collection
Main Exhibition Halls
Marvel at the pristine condition of classic Packard automobiles, a testament to automotive luxury and engineering.
Diverse Vehicle Displays
Multiple Sheds
Beyond Packards, discover a wide array of motorcycles, tractors, diggers, and even a Red Cross tank.
Eclectic Memorabilia
Throughout the Museum
Explore fascinating collections of irons, telephones, lawnmowers, and more, adding a unique charm.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Allow Ample Time for Exploration
Engage with Knowledgeable Staff
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Allocate Plenty of Time ⏳
You'll need 2-4 hours to see everything! Don't rush this gem.
Chat with the Staff! 🗣️
They're super knowledgeable and love to share stories about the exhibits. +1
Bring the Whole Family 👨👩👧👦
There's something for everyone, not just car enthusiasts.
Check for Special Exhibits 🌟
New additions like dragsters can make your visit even more exciting.
Tips
from all over the internet
Allocate Plenty of Time ⏳
You'll need 2-4 hours to see everything! Don't rush this gem.
Chat with the Staff! 🗣️
They're super knowledgeable and love to share stories about the exhibits. +1
Bring the Whole Family 👨👩👧👦
There's something for everyone, not just car enthusiasts.
Check for Special Exhibits 🌟
New additions like dragsters can make your visit even more exciting.
Cafe Nearby for a Break ☕
Grab a coffee or snack right next door.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Packard Motor Museum as a 'hidden gem' with an astonishingly diverse collection that extends far beyond just cars. The friendly and knowledgeable staff are frequently highlighted for enhancing the experience, making it a worthwhile visit for all ages. While some wish for more detailed descriptions on all exhibits, the sheer volume and variety of historical items ensure a captivating and lengthy exploration.
"What a hidden gem! We spent nearly two hours at the museum and saw an amazing collections of vehicles and historical items. My son was especially fascinated by the red cross tank while my husband was particularly taken with the dragster which had recently been added to the museum. The staff and volunteers are friendly, helpful and knowledgable. It would be a fantastic place to get a larger group together and organise a guided tour. Very close to the Whangarei town centre and there’s a nice cafe right next to the museum. Definitely well worth the visit if you are heading north."
Joey Gillatt
"Great collection of machinery - motorcycles, cars, tracks, tractors... and several of odd small collections - from irons and lawnmowers, to phones and popato mashers 😁"
Viktor Glumskov
"Excellent museum! Mel was very knowledgeable and showed me where to go. A wide variety of cars and motorbikes as well as digger and farm machinery. The Packards are in perfect condition."
richard smith
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is conveniently located near the Whangarei town centre, making it easily accessible. Many visitors find it a straightforward drive, especially if heading north.
Yes, ample parking is typically available for visitors, making it easy to access the museum by car.
Absolutely! It's a perfect destination for a day trip, especially if you're exploring the Northland region.
If you're coming from further afield, using GPS or a navigation app is recommended. The museum is well-signposted once you're in the vicinity of Maungatapere.
While specific public transport routes might vary, it's generally best accessed by private vehicle due to its location. Check local bus schedules for Whangarei if this is your primary mode of transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum is generally open daily, but it's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date opening hours before your visit.
Admission fees are reasonable, and family passes are often available, offering great value. Some visitors have found deals on booking platforms like Book Me.
While advance booking might not always be necessary, checking their website or contacting them directly is recommended, especially if you're planning a group visit.
Keep an eye out for special offers or family passes, which can make the visit more affordable, especially for groups or families.
The museum is spread across multiple sheds, and while efforts are made for accessibility, it's best to inquire directly about specific needs regarding mobility access.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find a fantastic collection of Packard cars in perfect condition, alongside motorcycles, tractors, diggers, and even a Red Cross tank. +1
Not at all! The museum boasts extensive collections of non-automotive items like irons, telephones, lawnmowers, and kitchen implements, ensuring something for everyone. +1
Most visitors recommend dedicating at least 2 to 4 hours to fully explore the vast collection spread across 5-6 huge sheds. +1
While self-guided tours are common, the staff are very knowledgeable and happy to provide information and answer questions, effectively offering a personalized experience. +1
The museum is spread across several sheds. Take your time and explore each one thoroughly. If you need information on specific vehicles, don't hesitate to ask the staff.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there isn't a cafe directly within the museum, there is a nice cafe located right next door, perfect for a break.
It's generally best to consume food and drinks outside the exhibition areas. The nearby cafe is a convenient option for refreshments.
Yes, the museum is close to the Whangarei town centre, which offers a variety of dining options to suit different tastes and budgets.
The adjacent cafe typically offers standard cafe fare, including coffee, snacks, and light meals, perfect for a pre or post-museum visit.
For larger group bookings, it might be possible to arrange catering. It's advisable to contact the museum directly to discuss options.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally permitted inside the museum for personal use. Capture those stunning classic cars and unique memorabilia!
While personal photography is usually fine, it's always good practice to avoid flash photography that might damage delicate exhibits or disturb other visitors.
The perfectly maintained Packard cars, the vintage machinery, and the eclectic memorabilia collections all make for great photo opportunities. +2
If specific vehicles like the Joseph Stalin Packard are on display, photography is usually allowed, but always be mindful of any signage or staff instructions. +3
The staff are a great resource for this! They can point out particularly photogenic exhibits or share interesting facts that enhance your photography experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the vehicles, the extensive collections of everyday historical items – from old telephones to lawnmowers – provide a fun and educational experience for all ages. It’s a great way to spark curiosity about how things used to work and live. The friendly staff are also a great resource for engaging younger visitors with interesting facts.
🚗 Car Enthusiasts
You'll find a diverse range of Packard models, each meticulously maintained, offering a deep dive into the evolution of this iconic marque. The museum also often features other significant vehicles, including rare or historically important pieces that add to the overall appeal for serious collectors and enthusiasts.
🤔 History Buffs & Nostalgia Seekers
Each shed is a time capsule, filled with objects that tell stories of daily life, technological progress, and cultural shifts. The knowledgeable staff can further enrich your understanding, providing context and fascinating anecdotes about the items on display. It’s an immersive experience that appeals to a broad range of historical interests.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of the Packard Brand
Many of the Packards on display showcase distinct design eras, from the opulent styles of the 1930s with their Art Deco influences
While the museum focuses on the Packard brand, it also features other significant vehicles, including the Joseph Stalin 1937 Packard armored limousine. This particular vehicle highlights the global reach and impact of Packard, even serving prominent world leaders with its robust construction and specialized features.
Beyond the Automobiles: A Collector's Paradise
From vintage irons and lawnmowers to telephones, typewriters, and even potato mashers, the museum curates an eclectic mix that sparks nostalgia and curiosity. These seemingly ordinary items, when displayed en masse, become extraordinary artifacts that offer insights into domestic life, technological advancements, and cultural shifts. It’s this unexpected diversity that keeps visitors engaged for hours, ensuring there’s something to capture everyone’s interest, regardless of their automotive passion.
This comprehensive approach to preservation means that a visit can be as much about exploring the evolution of household technology and communication as it is about admiring classic automobiles. The staff's knowledge extends to these diverse collections, making the experience both educational and entertaining.
Family Fun and Unexpected Delights
Many reviewers highlight how even non-car people were thoroughly impressed by the museum's offerings. The eclectic side collections of household items, tools, and communication devices provide a unique educational experience for all ages. It’s a place where kids can marvel at large machinery while adults can reminisce over familiar objects from their past.
The museum's layout across multiple sheds encourages exploration and discovery. The friendly and helpful staff are also a key factor, often happy to engage with children and answer their questions, making the visit more interactive and memorable.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit