Where Motoring History Comes to Life.
More than 400 vehicles and exhibits fill over 6,000m² across three expansive floors at Southward Car Museum in Paraparaumu on the Kāpiti Coast. Stand among gleaming classics, racing machines, motorcycles, aircraft and vehicles spanning generations, from the rare and extraordinary to the ones that bring a memory rushing back the moment you see them. The collection was assembled over decades by Sir Len Southward, whose lifelong passion for motoring led to the museum visitors experience today. You do not have to be a petrolhead to get caught up in the Southward Collection. Come for the engineering, the stories, the nostalgia and the sheer scale of seeing hundreds of vehicles together under one roof.
Shop, Sip &
Stay a Little Longer
Reaching the last row of cars doesn’t have to mean the visit is over.
Grab a barista-made coffee, cold drink or snack, then take a look through the Museum Shop. You’ll find motoring gifts, books, Kiwiana gifts and keepsakes, New Zealand souvenirs, Southward souvenirs and plenty more. Our Southward Merch range is also available in-store, or you can shop online when you get home.
Outside, the fully fenced playground gives younger visitors space to play, while the surrounding grounds are made for slowing things down. Bring a picnic, find a spot on the lawn, take a walk, or simply enjoy a little more time at Southward before heading home.
The museum may be at the heart of Southward, but there’s plenty happening beyond the collection. Throughout the year, there’s always something else to look forward to. Browse what’s coming up below and see what’s on the calendar.
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More Than a Museum - A Standout Kāpiti Coast Venue
Southward has long been home to more than its vehicle collection. Our event spaces and services now have their own dedicated home at Southward Events.
Located alongside the museum on the Kāpiti Coast, Southward Events includes a purpose-built 474-seat theatre that can be converted into a flat-floor space, conference and meeting rooms, function spaces and extensive outdoor grounds. From conferences and weddings to performances, exhibitions, celebrations, concerts, workshops and community events, there are spaces for gatherings large and small.
On-site catering and AV support are also available, backed by an experienced events team. Planning an event somewhere else? Southward Event Hire provides equipment for events held at Southward and at venues across the region.
Southward Merchandise
Our Southward Merch range is inspired by favourites from the collection, with tees, mugs, posters, stickers and more for car lovers, collectors and visitors who want something to remember the museum by. You can shop the range in person at the museum shop, or browse and buy online whenever it suits you.
