Southern Hemisphere’s leading motorcycle collection grows
Tucked away in a streetscape of heritage buildings in the regional Kiwi town of Invercargill, motorcycle enthusiasts will find heaven on earth.
Home to the annual Burt Munro Challenge, Invercargill’s reknown is flourishing – due in large part to southern tourism hub Transport World, including Classic Motorcycle Mecca. The leading motorcycle museum in the Southern Hemisphere opened in 2016. It boasts about 350 classic motorcycles, sidecars, and race-cars. With a smorgasbord of vintage and veteran bikes dating back to 1902, a selection of machines crafted by Kiwi legend John Britten – including a Britten V1000 – and an eyewatering collection of eight Brough Superiors, its appeal has grown even more thanks to a recentlycompleted extension. The museum now spans two sensitively-restored buildings of three storeys each. With New Zealand’s borders now open to Australians, it’s a great time to plan a visit across the ditch. Transport World executive director Joc O’Donnell says the extension has made it possible to showcase a wider pool of motorcycling interests. The new-look Classic Motorcycle Mecca is bigger and more diverse than ever before, with Japanese, motocross and speedway bikes added, among others. “Initially the collection focused on classic bikes from Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States. We quickly realised that motorcycle enthusiasts were passionate about their favourite marques, so diversifying our collection became a key priority,” she says. From
Ariel to Zündapp, you’ll discover plenty of rare and desirable big-hitters.
Classic Motorcycle Mecca is the second attraction opened by Transport World. The vision to create
New Zealand’s premier wheeled destination began when Joc’s father, transport magnate Bill Richardson, suddenly passed away in 2005. He left behind a beloved private collection of vintage trucks numbering in the hundreds. In 2015 Bill Richardson
Transport World opened its doors to the public, and with more than 300 vintage vehicles of all makes and models it is the largest automotive museum of its kind in the world.
Motorcycles were not part of the original plan, but when the opportunity arose, Joc and husband Scott O’Donnell purchased a collection of classic motorcycles previously found in Nelson. After a dozen journeys the length of the South Island, the bikes were displayed on gleaming tongue-andgroove floors, allowing visitors the chance to get up close. The ambience of the restored heritage buildings adds to the experience, she says. “The buildings compliment the heritage of the motorcycles found within the collection. Every inch of Classic Motorcycle Mecca celebrates real craftmanship.”
Workshop manager Graeme Williams says the beauty of Classic Motorcycle Mecca is simple: here, there’s something for everybody. “Different things appeal to different people,” he says. “Some people would book a flight from Sydney to see eight
Brough Superiors, whereas others are more interested in Japanese bikes or really rare bikes like an Indian Camelback. The collection at Classic World is such a mixture, though, that pretty much anybody with an interest in motorbikes is bound to find something that really wows them.” In the newish George Begg Bunker – found in the museum’s basement, part of an extensive renovation completed just before Covid-19 saw the country close its borders for two years – visitors will find the largest display ever of racecars built by the famed engineer. Car and truck buffs can get an extra fix of wheels at sister museum Bill Richardson Transport World: home to more than 300 vintage vehicles.
The latest addition at Classic Motorcycle Mecca features bikes built for the film The World’s Fastest Indian, starring Sir Anthony Hopkins. The movie took Invercargill speedster Burt Munro’s story to the world stage, and bikes used in its making have joined the tribute to Burt in the museum, which also includes authentic memorabilia courtesy of Munro’s family.
Air New Zealand offers direct flights to Invercargill from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. The Lodges at Transport World offers eight boutique apartments at the city’s only Gold Qualmark-rated accommodation. Visit lodgestransportworld.nz for more. Make the most of your stay in Invercargill. Grab a Turbo Pass for discounted entry to both Classic Motorcycle Mecca and Bill Richardson Transport World. For more, visit transportworld.nz or motorcyclemecca.nz ■