Top Things to do in Southland Region
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The 7 Best History Museums in Southland Region, South Island
Discover the best top things to do in Southland Region, New Zealand including Hokonui Pioneer Village & Museum, Switzers Museum, E Hayes and Sons - The World's Fastest Indian, Hokonui Moonshine Museum, Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre, Waikawa Museum and Information Centre, Waimea Plains Railway.
Restaurants in Southland Region
1. Hokonui Pioneer Village & Museum
2. Switzers Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Waikaia owes much of its history to gold which was discovered here in 1862. At the peak of the rush Switzers (the town’s original name) had a population of around 2,000 including a large number of Chinese miners. Today gold mining is confined to recreational panning in Winding Creek. At Switzers Museum, Waikaia’s heritage is proudly displayed.
3. E Hayes and Sons - The World's Fastest Indian
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 829 reviews
E Hayes and Sons is a hardware, homeware, giftware and engineering supply store and visitor experience like no other. We’ve built a reputation for PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST serving the Invercargill and Southland region with an unmatched selection of quality goods, services and advice since 1932. Our entire store is also home to the unique E Hayes Motorworks Collection representing one of the finest private collections of classic motorcycles, automobiles and engines in New Zealand proudly built around our centerpiece - Burt Munro’s Authentic, Original and Legendary ‘World's Fastest Indian' motorcycle. The E Hayes Motorworks Collection and World's Fastest Indian is 100% FREE TO VIEW during our normal store opening hours.
Reviewed By brittneywhittinghamx - Hamilton, New Zealand
Wow, this is a 'must do' if ever visiting Invercargill. The shop is incredible to say the least! Obviously Burt Munro and the Worlds Fastest Indian was our reason for visiting but I did not realise how many other awesome items were on display. It is incredibly fascinating if you are in to seeing how objects, items, machinery and more have all evolved and changed over the years. With the shop being so large there is so much to see. You could spend hours here and buy almost any household item + more whilst you're at it. There is also a cafe and gift store inside. This was a great visit and amazing to have great NZ history on display all for free. They have done a brilliant job at this setup.
4. Hokonui Moonshine Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 63 reviews
To reduce the risk of Covid-19 and due to planned renovation, the Eastern Southland Gallery is closed temporarily. A trip to the Illicit Past... Gore’s colourful past as a centre for illicit whisky distilling and bootlegging is brought to life at the Hokonui Moonshine Museum. The adventures of the Scottish settlers and their exploits to avoid run-ins with the law are kept alive through dioramas, audio-visuals and artefacts. You can taste Old Hokonui made to the original recipe at the end of your visit, or even take a bottle home with you.
Reviewed By CK61 - Ballina, Australia
Lovely young lady on the desk greeted us cheerfully and put on the film to give us an overview of the moonshine industry history in the district. The museum itself is well laid out, the story well told in pictures and words and exhibits. Following on into the local history museum we were impressed with the quality and extent of the exhibits. A shot glass of “hooch” or moonshine, as we left was fun. Tip: have the one with honey.
5. Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 67 reviews
The Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre is committed “To retain our legacy of the golden era of aviation by the preservation, maintenance and operation of early historical aircraft” & is home to the largest collection of de Havilland aircraft in the southern hemisphere
Reviewed By aliciamaude - Paihia, New Zealand
A great find on our trip between Te Anau and Alex. The Museum was a treasure trove of classic vintage aircraft and also excellent cafe of a high standard and to finish the visit off a great scenic flight was available in a classic DE Havilland Tiger Moth which was fantastic. Highly recommend taking time out to visit.
6. Waikawa Museum and Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Entry is by donation. The Museum is housed in a disused and upgraded school building. The Museum tells the historical story of the area from the early Whalers, goldmining, fishing, sawmilling, stone quarrying to present day farming. It also has an interesting farm machinery display. A good display of historically relevant photographs and genealogy research available upon request.
Reviewed By 290grantn - Hastings, New Zealand
Stopped in to have a look at what is a rural museum showing the history of the region. Lovely lady on the desk who told us that it was free but they'd appreciate a donation which we duly supplied. The museum is full of artifacts relating to families, industry, and daily life going back to the 1800's. There's a ton of photos, documents and so on all looking fairly well preserved. It was a fascinating place and well worth a visit. We recommend a stop to check it out - also the outbuildings which include a jail cell.
7. Waimea Plains Railway
Home of the restored 140yr old Rogers K92 Steam Locomotive. Waimea Plains Railway Trust was established in 1998 to restore and recreate a small part of the historic, once privately owned Waimea Plains Railway, which opened in 1880 and operated from Gore to Elbow (Lumsden).
