Southward Car Museum
About This Museum
You wouldn't expect to find one of the Southern Hemisphere's most incredible car collections on a quiet road just outside Paraparaumu, but here it is. The museum itself is a sprawling, no-nonsense complex of hangars that feels more like a giant, well-organized garage than a stuffy institution. Inside, the air hums with history and the scent of old leather and motor oil. It’s an overwhelming but fantastic maze of chrome, steel, and automotive dreams spanning over a century.
Collection Highlights
The lineup is staggering—everything from stately vintage Bentleys to impossibly elegant Bugattis that look like rolling sculpture. One of the most fascinating sections is the military collection, featuring rugged WWI lorries and other historic vehicles that tell a completely different story.
Visitor Information
It's easy to find just off Otaihanga Road; wear comfortable shoes because you'll be doing a lot of walking. You could easily lose half a day here without even realizing it.
Architecture & Building
Think less about grand architecture and more about pure function—it's a series of large, industrial-scale sheds designed for one purpose: to hold an enormous number of cars.
Contact & Location
Address: Otaihanga Road, Paraparaumu, Kāpiti Coast District, Wellington, 5036, New Zealand / Aotearoa
Phone: +64 4 297 1221
Website: Visit Website
