Opening Hours
MUSEUM
Open Daily 9am to 4:30pm
Last Entry 4pm
COFFEE STOP
Open Daily 9am to 3:30pm
CLOSED
Good Friday
Christmas Day
Planning Your Visit
Everything you need for your visit to Southward Car Museum
Discover more than 400 vehicles and exhibits across three expansive floors at Southward Car Museum in Paraparaumu on the Kāpiti Coast. Explore rare, unusual and much-loved vehicles at your own pace, with family-friendly facilities, a Kids Area, outdoor playground and spacious grounds adding even more to your visit.
We recommend allowing at least 90 minutes to make your way around the collection, although many visitors choose to stay longer. There is a lot to take in across the three museum floors, so give yourself time to stop, look closely and discover the stories behind the vehicles that catch your attention.
Your museum ticket is valid for the whole day, so there’s no need to fit everything into one continuous visit. You can head out for lunch, explore some of the cafés, walks and other attractions around the Kāpiti Coast, then return to Southward later in the afternoon to continue where you left off.
Groups, Schools & Clubs
Southward Car Museum welcomes school groups, tour groups, car clubs, community groups and other organised visits.
Special group rates are available for groups of 10 or more, and our team can help you organise your visit in advance so arrival and entry run smoothly.
With more than 400 vehicles and exhibits spread across three floors, there is plenty for groups to explore at their own pace. Coach and minibus parking is available on site, along with ample parking for other group transport.
If you are planning a school trip, club visit or larger group outing, please contact us before you arrive so we can discuss group pricing and any requirements for your visit.
.jpg)
Visiting with Kids
Southward Car Museum is designed to be enjoyed by visitors of all ages, with plenty for younger visitors to discover throughout the museum.
Alongside the vehicle collection, children can spend time in our Kids Area, where they can build with LEGO, enjoy colouring and take part in rotating activities throughout the year.
Outside, our fully fenced children’s playground gives younger visitors somewhere to play before or after exploring the museum. Shade sails provide cover on sunny days, while nearby outdoor seating with tables and umbrellas allows adults to relax close by.
The outdoor seating area has clear sightlines across the playground, making it easy to enjoy a coffee, drink or snack while children play.
Families are also welcome to bring a picnic and enjoy the surrounding park-like grounds.
Prams and strollers are welcome throughout the museum.
Playground & Outdoor Seating
Just outside the Southward Shop, families will find our fully fenced children’s playground and adjoining outdoor seating area. Shade sails provide cover over the play space, while tables and umbrellas give adults somewhere comfortable to sit with clear views of the playground. Pick up a barista-made coffee, cold drink or snack from the Shop and bring it outside while younger visitors play - a handy way to break up a museum visit before heading back inside to explore more of the collection.
Beyond the playground, the wider Southward site opens out into spacious, park-like grounds with mature trees, a peaceful bush walk and generous open lawns. There’s plenty of room to spread out for a picnic, let the kids kick a ball around or simply enjoy some time outdoors before or after exploring the museum. The grounds give Southward a sense of space that continues beyond the collection itself, with room to slow down and make more of your visit.
The grounds are also part of the legacy of Sir Len Southward, whose vision for Southward extended beyond the collection itself. Today, they give visitors space to slow down, take a break and make a little more of their time at Southward.
Parking & Accessibility
Southward Car Museum has free on-site parking for more than 200 vehicles, with space available for cars, campervans, minibuses and coaches.
Parking close to the museum entrance is available for visitors with reduced mobility. The museum is accessible via ramps and lifts throughout, and accessible toilets are available on site. Prams, strollers and mobility aids can be used throughout the museum.
If you have specific accessibility requirements or would like to check anything before your visit, please contact our team.
Getting To Southward Car Museum
Southward Car Museum is located at:
250 Otaihanga Road,
Paraparaumu,
Kāpiti Coast,
New Zealand
The museum is easily accessible from State Highway 1 and is located just a short distance from the Kāpiti Expressway.
Need help finding us? Call 04 297 1221
Getting here from the South
Head north on State Highway 1 (SH1). Once you reach the Kāpiti Expressway, take the Raumati exit. Turn right at the first roundabout, then left at the next roundabout shortly after - this will bring you onto the Old State Highway 1 (also known as Main Road). Continue north through Paraparaumu, then turn left at the roundabout onto Otaihanga Road. After about 200 metres, you'll see the entrance to Southward Car Museum clearly signposted on your left.
Getting here from the North
If you're traveling south on State Highway 1 (SH1) via the Kāpiti Expressway, take the Peka Peka/Waikanae exit. Continue straight through the first roundabout, onto Old State Highway 1 (also known as Main Road). Proceed south through Waikanae, and after crossing the Waikanae River, you'll enter Paraparaumu. You will approach a roundabout, turn right onto Otaihanga Road—turn right here. After about 200 metres, you'll see the entrance to Southward Car Museum clearly signposted on your left.
Feel free to give us a call on 04 297 1221 if you need further help
Worth the Visit? See What Our Visitors Say
Don’t just take it from us. Read recent Google reviews and see what visitors have to say about their time at Southward, from the scale and variety of the collection to the little details that make the museum memorable. See what stood out, what surprised them and why so many leave recommending a visit.
