Cars, clothes, culture in Invercargill
Trucks, dresses, and history – there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy in a vast Invercargill complex.
Where is it? What is it?
The Bill Richardson Transport World takes up a whole block of Invercargill’s CBD, so it isn’t hard to find. The official address is 491 Tay St, but you are heading for the block bordered by Anglem, Inglewood, and Dart streets.
It’s the largest private collection of its type in the world. Various ‘‘sheds’’ holding more than 250 vehicles take up 15,000 square metres.
They don’t call Transport World a museum because they don’t want to put off people who might not fancy an afternoon wandering around looking at old vehicles.
It really is a museum, but it’s much, much more than that. This is history told through trucks, cars, and vehicle memorabilia.
It’s a study in a rich man’s obsession with collecting vehicles. It’s his family’s use of that collection to create a vast memorial to him and to share his pleasure with others. It’s eccentric, and quirky in the way that only a privately funded venture like this can be.
Why go?
Because if you have the faintest bit interest in old cars and trucks you will be amazed at what you see. It’s a celebration of all things vehicle and the celebration itself is fascinating.
You’ll be staring at a truck and read the info and realise you are looking at a truck that has travelled 4.3 million kilometres up and down New Zealand carting live deer. It’s the birth of the deer industry on four wheels.
Transport World also feature a growing wearable art collection. In another room you’ll find the Bert Munro movie The World’s Fastest Indian playing on permanent loop.
You’ll be amazed that you are in the city where Bert Munro forged his legend, and marvel at Anthony Hopkins’ perfect Southland accent. And suddenly half an hour has gone.
Also on show are retro Kombis, Henry Ford Letter Cars, Model Ts, stunning 1930s V8s, and 150 vintage petrol bowsers. There’s also a wearable arts collection, children’s play zones, and themed toilets.
Insider tip
It has to be the toilets. You’ve never seen toilets like these. They are all crazily decorated but the best fun is using the men’s that look out over the entrance hall.
In front of the urinal is a one-way mirror, which let’s you watch the crowds who can’t see you while you do your business.
On the way/near by
Other great Invercargill attractions to fill out the day include the Southland Museum and Art Gallery - it has a special bonus ’’tuatarium’’ that holds 100 of the reptiles whose ancestors rubbed spiky shoulders with the dinosaurs.
During the oyster season from March 1 to the end of August, or when the quota has been caught, head to Bluff and get a feed of the freshest, best oysters in the world, from one of the factory shops.
How much?
Adults $25; children under 5 free; children 5-14 $15; family pass $65; senior citizens and students $22.50.
Best time to go:
Whenever you get to Invercargill and have an hour or so to spare. It’s all indoors so rain or shine is fine.
Ewan Sargent travelled courtesy of Venture Southland