One of the North’s hidden treasures
Five kilometres west of Taipa¯ , less than an hour’s drive north of Kerikeri on the way to 90 Mile Beach and Cape Reinga, is one of the Far North’s hidden gems.
Matthews’ Vintage Cars and machinery collection is a private and locally-owned museum with a unique and comprehensive collection of vintage cars, tractors, fire appliances and stationary working engines. Accumulated and lovingly restored by an avid vintage enthusiast over the last 40 years, the undercover display area stretches over 1100 square metres.
It’s the perfect place to take a trip down memory lane, enjoying the extraordinary collection of historical artefacts that offer an A small part of the Matthews’ vintage collection.
insight into New Zealand’s history, showcasing the best in vintage memorabilia, some of which have been used and owned by the Matthews’ family over the past century.
The collection covers everything from traditional farming implements to pioneering household appliances and a stunning collection of vintage cars and machinery used in New Zealand as long ago as the early 1900s. It includes an extensive range of Farmall tractors along with other makes and models from the 1920s to the 1950s.
The vintage cars include Nash and Chevrolet models, a Singer Roadster and more, sharing space with all sorts of stationary engines, all in working order, including Tangyes, Wolseleys, Andersons, Listers and Bamfords.
The museum’s rural setting is complemented by the friendly hospitality of owner Winston Matthews enjoying seeing his guests meandering around the gardens, admiring the aviaries, the resident sheep and other friendly farm animals.
Visitors are welcome seven days a week, except for Good Friday and Christmas Day, admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children, pre-schoolers free of charge. To plan ahead, phone (09) 406-0203.
Matthews’ Vintage Collection is a nostalgic treasure trove of a bygone era, and makes an excellent family outing, a fantastic stop and a must do on any Far North road trip.