While waiting for the weather gods to be kinder to us so we could head up Mount Taranaki to do the Manganui Gorge Bridge Walk, we found ourselves exploring New Plymouth. Among the many family-friendly things to do in this region, the Hillsborough Holden Museum was one of the most memorable.
Despite the name, it’s not just a world-class Holden Museum (and I’m not exagerating when I refer to it as being world-class). Here, you’ll also find a fun luge, a mini-golf course based on Australia’s famous Bathurst track and a cafe. But let’s talk about the Holden Museum first.
What is the Hillsborough Holden Museum?
Purpose-built by Steve and Joy Fabish to display their private collection of Holden vehicles and memorabilia, the Hillsborough Holden Museum can be found on Egmont Rd, Hillsborough just outside of New Plymouth, Taranaki, New Zealand. It’s around a 10-minute drive from central New-Plymouth and opening hours vary so it’s best to check here for current times.
The collection spans early Holden models (including models from the 1950s era), fully restored classics, late-model Holdens and some unique one-of-a-kinds, representing the evolution of Holden across the decades.
You really don’t have to be a Holden enthusiast to enjoy a car museum such as this, but if you are a Holden fan, it’s worth going out of your way for. The collection also includes a substantial amount of Holden memorabilia, which helps tell the story of the company from its post-war years through to the end of the Holden brand.
I’ve visited plenty of museums on our travels, but I wasn’t prepared for just how impressive this colllection would be. However, what makes Hillsborough a winner for families is everything outside of the museum.
Racing the kids on the Hillsborough luge
The Hillsborough luge is a 240-metre downhill track on brightly coloured plastic carts. The good news? A little train is available to transport riders back up the hill for their next race. Like most luges, this one is a lot of fun, although we did find ourselves wishing it was twice as long as its over before you know it.
It’s not scary and how fast you go is up to wether you put the brakes on or not. The kids of course, went fast and I pretty much lost every race. I got sick of the luge long before they did and it was a mission to get them off when it was time to go.
Playing Mount Panorama Mini Putt
Modelled on the famous Mount Panorama circuit in Bathurst, Australia, the mini-golf course was a big hit with my bunch. It’s a brilliant tie-in with the Holden theme rather than feeling like somebody randomly plonked a mini-golf course beside a museum.
It’s a nice little 18-hole course thats well maintained but with a teen and a tween on my hands, it was hard to compete with the luge.
What about the Hillsborough cafe?
The Hideaway Café was closed when we visited, so unfortunately we didn’t get a chance to try it. At the time of writing, the café remains temporarily closed, although the museum, mini golf and luge are open on weekends and public holidays. Check the Hillsborough website or Facebook page for the latest opening information before visiting.
Is Hillsborough Holden Museum good for kids?
I probably wouldn’t take younger kids into the museum, particularly if you’ve got a wild child. The vehicles are for looking at only and not for climbing over and into. It’s more suited to school age kids and I personally things tweens and teens are more likely to appreciate the cars.
I wouldn’t say my two loved it as much as I did, but the cars were interesting enough for them that they were happy to walk around and look at them knowing we would be playing mini-golf and riding the luge next.
How long do you need at Hillsborough Holden Museum?
I think its good to leave an hour for each attraction, so three hours all up. You probably won’t end up staying an hour in the Holden Museum unless you’re a massive Holden fan or a rev head, but it’s nice to be able to stroll around at a relaxed pace and not rush.
This also gives you a bit of extra time in case mini-golf takes longer than expected. You never know if the people in front of you are going to be slow or not!
Planning your visit
Location:
- 683 Egmont Road, New Plymouth,4372, New Zealand. Around 10 minutes from Central New Plymouth.
Opening days/hours:
- Saturday & Sunday 10am – 4pm. Public holidays 10am – 4pm. Check their facebook page for current opening times.
Pricing:
- Luge – Adult 3 run $35.00, Adult 5 run $55.00, Child 3 run $30.00, Child 5 run $40.00, Tandem rider $6.00 per run, Train ride only $6.00. Luge riders may take complimentary train rides to top of hill after each run when train is running. Children are 5 to 14 years. Tandem riders must be less than 130cm tall.
- Museum – Adults:$23.50, Children under 16: $12, Family: $60 (2 adults, 2 children).
- Mini Putt – Adults: $18.50 per game, Children under 16: $12.50 per game, Family: $50 (2 adults, 2 children) per game.
Other things to do in New Plymouth with kids
Wandering what else to do while you’re in the region?
- New Plymouth: A Family Guide + Best Things to Do
- Manganui Gorge Bridge Walk: Family Guide to This Mount Taranaki Track
- Auckland to New Plymouth Road Trip: Chaos, Glowworms & Giggles
Where to next:
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Let me know what you think!