Packard Motor Museum

The Packard Motor Museum is a must-visit destination for car enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Located in Maungatapere, New Zealand, the museum showcases the evolution of design and technology from horse-drawn vehicles to motor vehicles and heavy machinery that made New Zealand what it is today. The museum is housed in four sheds on the 5-acre grounds of the Old Maungatapere Dairy Factory buildings, about 12 kilometers from Whangarei.

The museum boasts one of the largest collections of Packard automobiles anywhere in the world, with over 60 Packard vehicles on display, including cars, trucks, and tractors. Visitors can expect to see a wide range of Packard models, from the earliest horseless carriages to the luxury cars of the 1940s and 1950s. The museum is open for guided tours on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10 am until 4 pm. Visitors can explore the museum at their own pace, but a guided tour is also possible on request.

The museum is spread across several buildings, and visitors can expect to spend a few hours exploring the exhibits. The buildings are well-maintained and provide an excellent backdrop for the collection. The entry fee is NZ$20, which is a reasonable price for the quality of the exhibits on display. Overall, the Packard Motor Museum is a fascinating destination that offers visitors a unique insight into the history of transportation in New Zealand. With its extensive collection of Packard automobiles and heavy machinery, the museum is a testament to the ingenuity and innovation of the people who helped shape New Zealand's development.