Bill Richardson Transport World, Invercargill (2024) - Images, Timings

Bill Richardson Transport World, Invercargill Overview

Bill Richardson Transport World, formerly called Bill Richardson Museum, is a complex full of transport-related objects, mainly old trucks, cars, vans, and motorcycles. It is a part of the Transport World, which also hosts the Motorcycle Mecca, Dig This and this facility. It is a great place to spend a day, even if you’re not into trucks and cars.

Housed in retro, art-deco and industrial themes, the Transport World is constantly changing and updating exhibits. The largest automotive museum of its type in the world, it hosts a variety of shows, from racing cars to farming vehicles to rare classic vehicles! It represents over 50 brands, including Ford, Dodge, Mack, International etc., and less famous ones such as Maple Leaf, Autocar etc.
Even the kids will have fun here, with various interactive places, such as the Construction Zone Lego Room, wearable art exhibits and posing with a 1925 New Zealand Police Paddy Wagon! It also hosts a variety of themed restaurants, where you can grab something to eat while marvelling at the extensive collection of motor memorabilia.

Things to Do

There are a variety of displays here, both old and new, which one should not miss. Some of the key highlights are

Look at the collections! – This might seem obvious, but you will truly be blown away by the sheer number of vehicles on display, and how passionately they have been maintained and stored.
Motorcycle Mecca - Along with the Bill Richardson Transport Museum, the Motorcycle Mecca is replete with classic motorbikes that is sure to enthrall two-wheeler lovers.
Notice the tiny details – Here, the owners have incorporated tiny details and easily missed nuances in the décor, which truly reflect the spirit of the Transport World. For instance, even the bathrooms here are decorated in the transport theme! You should definitely take the time out to look for the quirky, tiny details!
The Grille Cafe - After ogling at all the beautiful vintage cars on show, indulge in some mout-watering Kiwi classics such as slow-braised pork belly and Angus beef burgers, set in a retro-inspired and automotive-themed establishment

History

This collection has taken over 50 years to amass, along with a lot of passion, care and hard work. It was the brainchild of Bill Richardson, who had been passionate about trucks, cars and anything motor-related from a very young age. He set up his own motor company in the late 1960s, while expanding his vintage truck collection. The first vintage truck he bought was in 1967, and there was no looking back from there. Bill continued to expand, even piquing the interest of others around him. In 1985, he displayed his collection to the public for the first time, and continued to build sheds. While he passed away in 2005, his family kept his dream alive and set up the Transport World in 2015 – spreading Bill’s love for trucks and motors.

Tickets and Prices

Admission for Bill Richardson Transport Museum:
NZD 30 - Adult
NZD 20 - Child
NZD 27.5 - Student/Senior citizen
NZD 75 - Family Pass (up to 2 Adults + 4 children)

Admission to Motorcycle Mecca:
NZD 25 - Adult
NZD 15 - Child
NZD 23 - Student/Senior
NZD 70 - Family

Turbo Pass (Admission to Bill Richardson Transport Museum + Motorcycle Mecca):
NZD 48 - Adult
NZD 28 - Child
NZD 43.5 - Student/Senior Citizen
NZD 133 - Family

How To Reach Bill Richardson Transport World

Here are a few ways by which you can reach the Transport World:

1. Bus – This is the cheapest way to get to the place. The Windsor Comet line passes through Tay Street, which is where the Transport World is located. You can flag down one of the local buses when you see one, and hop onto them.

2. Car – Transport World is located in the city of Invercargill. You can easily drive down to the place, and there is enough parking space available around the area.

3. Taxi – Various taxi services, such as Blue Bubble taxi are easily available throughout the city. You can either book one through their apps, or hail one down the road!