Nelson Classic Car Museum
Nelson Classic Car Museum is the perfect wintertime activity – 150 stunning veteran, vintage and classic cars, all displayed undercover. As New Zealand’s “coolest car collection” (Classic American magazine) this is an absolute must-see on your travels around the Top-of-the-South.
This awesome collection is housed in two main galleries, complete with painted building facades – an old-fashioned Four Square dairy, an art deco garage, the Rover’s Return, a 1950s cinema and an Italian restaurant – all adding to the styling and nostalgia of the cars, and making for totally unique photo opportunities.
Even if you’re not a mad-keen crazy petrolhead enthusiast, you’ll be amazed at how many cars you recognise – there’s grandad’s Angela, that Ford Zephyr you wished you had as a teenager, all those glamour cars of every gangster movie, a pink Cadillac just begging for a cruise down the highway, and that oh-so-sleek Jag that will transform you into a rockstar (there’s actually a separate gallery for the 13 Jags…).
And a note for your diary, on Friday 13 September 2024, the museum stays open late for its special event, Hood’s Up! All the cars have their hoods popped and doors unlocked. This is your chance to get up close, get into and get friendly with these classic beauties in a fantastic see, touch and smell experience. There are also live demos, great food and licensed bars.
“Make sure you add this museum to your itinerary when visiting Nelson – you won’t be disappointed!” Mike, Trivadvisor
