Top 10 Museums in Southland Region, South Island

One man’s passion started it all. Experience a family legacy that has become the largest private automotive museum of its type in the world. Stunningly crafted within a world-class facility, Bill Richardson Transport World has something for everyone. Hugely popular, you will find more than 300 vehicles including retro Kombis, Henry Ford Letter Cars, Model Ts, stunning 1930s V8s and over 200 vintage petrol pumps. Outside of our extraordinary vehicle range we house a growing wearable arts collection, movie theatre, children’s play zones and themed bathrooms fast becoming as famous as our vehicles. Allow plenty of time - there is a lot to see.

The Otautau Art and Crafts Gallery is based in a renovated 1902 Methodist church on the main street of Otautau, Southland. The gallery has a wide range of New Zealand art and crafts including original paintings, prints, photography, cards, woodwork, glass ware, pottery, jewellery, handmade leather handbags, and much more. Famous artists on show include John K Reed, Julie Greig, Lynnley Driver, Graham Brinsley, Kate Williamson, Rachael Errington, Harold Coop, Richard Williams, Sam Earp, Bari Duncan, Lindsay Muirhead, Brian McCracken, Wayne Vickers, Sue Currie, Lorna Allan, Lyn Henry, and many more. There is something for everyone here with prices ranging from $3.50 upwards.

Regularly described as ‘stunning’ and ‘mind-blowing’ in scale, Classic Motorcycle Mecca is the Southern Hemisphere’s leading motorcycle museum. Offering New Zealand’s most diverse collection, guests will find displays of classic British, European and American bikes as well as Japanese, Motocross and Speedway. A tribute to legend Burt Munro and an internationally significant hero bike display of Britten and Brough Superior is also on offer. Offering guests an intimate, up-close experience of the bikes and packed with quirky details, quality exhibits and interactive displays, Classic Motorcycle Mecca is a truly mind-blowing experience.

The Athol Gallery represents both established and new local artists who have a deep connection to the land and its rural life. From stunning scenery to the everyday beauty of rural activities, we seek to capture the visual essence of this region of New Zealand's South Island. Athol Gallery is curated by a few local souls passionate about sharing the exceptional creativity flourishing here.

A hand picked collection of the best arts and crafts from Southland and Central Otago. Hand made and unique items from photography, jewellery, ceramics, cards, art and much more. A visit is a must for those travelling to Te Anau and Queenstown. Conveniently located half way between the two towns for a quick stretch and shop.

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.

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.

Local art , photography , post cards and art objects .