Coach House Museum Feilding
Discover Feilding's pioneering past with a vast collection of vintage machinery, horse-drawn vehicles, and settler life exhibits.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed exploration
Coach House Museum Feilding
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Feilding's pioneering past with a vast collection of vintage machinery, horse-drawn vehicles, and settler life exhibits.
"A gem of local history, well worth the visit with friendly volunteers and extensive displays."
Allocate Ample Time
Give yourself at least 2 hours to fully appreciate the extensive displays and interactive areas.
Chat with Volunteers
The friendly volunteer staff have fascinating stories and insights to share about local history.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vintage Machinery & Horse-Drawn Vehicles
Main Exhibition Hall
Marvel at an impressive collection of carts, coaches, and early farming implements that shaped the region.
Settler's Cottage & Blacksmith's Forge
Recreated Village Area
Step back in time in the authentic settler's cottage and witness the tools of a bygone blacksmith's trade.
Local History & Native Bush Displays
Community Archive Section
Gain insights into the development of Feilding and its native flora and fauna through comprehensive displays.
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Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to the Coach House Museum
Accessibility and Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Allocate Ample Time
Give yourself at least 2 hours to fully appreciate the extensive displays and interactive areas.
Chat with Volunteers
The friendly volunteer staff have fascinating stories and insights to share about local history.
Explore the Gift Shop
Discover unique gifts, including quirky horse ornaments and new items.
Support the Community Archive
Browse the second-hand book shelf to support the Community Archive.
Tips
from all over the internet
Allocate Ample Time
Give yourself at least 2 hours to fully appreciate the extensive displays and interactive areas.
Chat with Volunteers
The friendly volunteer staff have fascinating stories and insights to share about local history.
Explore the Gift Shop
Discover unique gifts, including quirky horse ornaments and new items.
Support the Community Archive
Browse the second-hand book shelf to support the Community Archive.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Coach House Museum Feilding as a hidden gem, highlighting its extensive collection of vintage machinery and horse-drawn vehicles, as well as its engaging displays on local history. The friendly and knowledgeable volunteer staff are frequently mentioned as a key reason for an enjoyable and informative visit. While the entry fee is considered reasonable, some may wish for more extensive dining options on-site.
"Wow. What a great place. So much to see. Well worth a visit. If you are traveling you can park here for 3 nights as long as you pay to visit the Museum"
Sean White
"A great place to learn about local history.
The volunteer staff were friendly and helpful. There was an art exhibition on as well as the displays of vintage machinery and horse-drawn vehicles. I particularly liked the settler's cottage, and the blacksmith's forge.
I saw some lovely gifts in the Museum shop, brand new items, and also donated horse ornaments which were varied and quirky.
A second-hand books shelf provides funds for the Community Archive which is also in the same building."
Janet Doyle
"I had seen this place advertised for years, but never had the time to go there when I was visiting Feilding, before now. What a gem! I wish I had made the effort to go sooner! It has an amazing display of carts, coaches, early farming implements, and old machinery used by the settlers who founded Feilding and surrounding areas, The exhibits give a comprehensive explanation of the native bush and birds in the area, development by early landowners, local farm workers, and business owners and how they achieved what they did. The displays are extensive, and there are some interactive areas where you can climb up and sit in some of the carts and carriages. The displays are so well done, and well researched. Many items have been donated from private individuals, and these are all acknowledged with gratitude. It is obvious that the exhibits have been created as a labour of love from the many talented volunteers, as a wonderful record of the people who saw the vision of what Feilding, Ashhurst, Kimbolton, and other local towns could be. Now that we know about this place, we will definitely put it on our list to bring family and friends visiting from other areas. It is a fabulous place to visit, and well worth the drive through to Feilding. Entry prices were reasonable, and we spent a couple of hours there, wandering around. Access is easy for anyone with mobility issues, and there is plenty of parking available."
Catherine Vaughan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Coach House Museum is located in Feilding, New Zealand. It offers plenty of parking on-site, making it easily accessible by car. If you're visiting from out of town, it's a scenic drive through the Manawatū region.
Yes, there is plenty of parking available at the Coach House Museum, which is convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Yes, visitors can park for up to 3 nights if they pay to visit the museum, offering a convenient option for travelers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee is approximately $15 per adult, which is considered very worthy for the extensive collection and historical insights provided.
Information on group or family discounts is not explicitly mentioned, but the current adult entry fee is considered reasonable for the experience. It's always a good idea to contact the museum directly for any special rates.
Opening hours can vary, and it's recommended to check the museum's official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on operating times.
Advance booking is generally not required for individuals or small groups, but it's advisable to check with the museum if you are planning a large group visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend a couple of hours exploring the museum, but you could easily spend longer if you delve into all the displays and interactive areas.
Yes, the museum has interactive areas where children can climb up and sit in some of the carts and carriages, making it engaging for younger visitors.
The museum is designed for easy access for anyone with mobility issues, with accessible pathways and displays.
You can expect to see a comprehensive display of carts, coaches, early farming implements, old machinery, and exhibits on local history, native bush, and birds.
The museum sometimes hosts art exhibitions and other community events. It's worth checking their schedule for any special happenings during your visit.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is no mention of an on-site cafe or restaurant. Visitors may wish to bring their own snacks or plan to dine in Feilding's local eateries after their visit.
Feilding town center is a short drive away and offers various cafes and restaurants for dining options.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions on flash photography or certain exhibits.
The vintage carts and coaches, the settler's cottage, and the blacksmith's forge offer great photographic opportunities. The interactive areas where you can sit in vehicles are also popular for unique shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider dedicating a good portion of your visit to these interactive elements. The friendly volunteers are also great at engaging with children, often sharing simplified stories that capture their imagination. It's a wonderful opportunity for kids to experience a tangible piece of New Zealand's past in an enjoyable and educational setting.
History Buffs & Enthusiasts
The museum's commitment to historical accuracy and the detailed acknowledgments of donations highlight the depth of research and community involvement. You'll find a comprehensive understanding of how the area was shaped, from its natural landscape to its economic foundations. The insights provided by the knowledgeable volunteer staff further enrich the experience, offering perspectives that go beyond the written displays.
Budget Travelers
Furthermore, the opportunity to park for up to three nights if you pay to visit the museum can be a significant saving for self-contained vehicle travelers.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Feilding's Past
The museum's dedication to preserving this heritage is evident in the detailed explanations and the acknowledgment of private donations. It's clear that this is a labour of love, aiming to create a lasting record of the visionaries who shaped Feilding, Ashhurst, and Kimbolton. Visitors often express surprise at the depth and quality of the displays, highlighting how much they learned about the region's development.
Beyond the static displays, the museum offers interactive elements, allowing visitors to climb into some of the carts and carriages, providing a tangible connection to the past. This hands-on approach makes the history come alive, especially for families. The Community Archive within the same building also houses a second-hand book shelf, where proceeds support their work, adding another layer of community engagement to the visit.
The Volunteer Spirit
Many visitors specifically mention how the volunteers' enthusiasm made their trip memorable. They are not just guides; they are storytellers who bring the exhibits to life, offering anecdotes and historical context that you wouldn't find in a typical museum display. This dedication is a testament to the community's pride in their heritage and their commitment to sharing it with others.
The volunteers' efforts are clearly a labour of love, and their presence makes the Coach House Museum a truly special place. It's this human element, combined with the rich historical content, that makes the museum a highly recommended destination for anyone interested in New Zealand's pioneering past.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit