Tokomaru Steam Engine Museum

The Tokomaru Steam Engine Museum is a private collection of machinery that opened to the public in 1970 after constant requests from steam enthusiasts.

Founded by Colin and Esma Stevenson, the museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in New Zealand's industrial and agricultural heritage. Thousands of visitors from all over the world have enjoyed reminiscing amongst the relics of New Zealand's economic history. The museum is located in Tokomaru, a small town in the Horowhenua district of New Zealand.

The museum boasts the biggest and most comprehensive collection of working steam engines in New Zealand, and possibly the Southern Hemisphere. A total of 50 steam engines, including examples of most types of stationary engines, small locomotives, traction engines, steam rollers, and a small locomotives, are on display in full working order. The collection includes New Zealand's largest collection of stationary steam engines, from the smallest scale models to large industrial engines. There is also a full-sized railway system with 1km of track circling the museum property, as well as steam rollers and a traction engine.

The museum is unfortunately not open at present, but it is still worth noting for future travel plans. Its founder Colin Stevenson was given a steam-powered send-off when he died aged 87. The museum has recently changed ownership, and is now operated by Damian Groves and Roxanne Eastham, a couple with a young family who are dedicated to preserving Colin and Esma's legacy. The museum is located close to an attractive public picnic reserve, making it a great place to spend a day out with family and friends. The railway side of the museum is another story, told in a separate chapter in a booklet. The Tokomaru Steam Engine Museum is a privately run museum that is not to be missed by enthusiasts or those with an interest in New Zealand's economic history.