Hillsborough Holden Museum - Image 1
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Hillsborough Holden Museum

4.4
·450 reviews·Hillsborough, New Zealand

Discover a unique blend of automotive history with iconic Holden cars, a challenging mini-putt, and a thrilling luge ride.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
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Hillsborough Holden Museum - Image 1

Hillsborough Holden Museum

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover a unique blend of automotive history with iconic Holden cars, a challenging mini-putt, and a thrilling luge ride.

4.4
(450 reviews)

"A hidden gem with a superb mini-putt and a fantastic car collection!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Museum & Mini-Putt Combo

Combine museum entry with mini-putt for a full day of fun!

🎢 Luge Ride Tandem Option

Kids too short for solo luge? Tandem rides are available for a shared thrill.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Holden Car Collection

Holden Car Collection

Explore a remarkable private collection of iconic Holden cars, rich with history and memorabilia.

Challenging Mini-Putt

Challenging Mini-Putt

Tackle 18 uniquely designed and difficult holes on a beautifully presented mini-putt course.

Luge Ride Adventure

Luge Ride Adventure

Experience a fun luge ride down the hill, with tandem options available for younger adventurers.

Fabulous Gardens

Fabulous Gardens

Wander through immaculately maintained gardens, a testament to the dedicated gardening team.

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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit to the Hillsborough Holden Museum

Discover a unique blend of automotive history and fun! The Hillsborough Holden Museum showcases an impressive private collection of Holden cars, memorabilia, and local history. Complement your visit with a challenging mini-putt course and a thrilling luge ride. Arrive early or during off-peak hours to enjoy the attractions with fewer crowds, especially for the popular mini-putt.

Maximizing Your Experience

Combine your museum visit with a round of mini-putt and a luge ride for a full day of entertainment. Consider purchasing the train ride add-on for the luge for added fun. While the cafe may have limited hours, the surrounding gardens are a delight. Check for special events, like the Mid-Summer Concert, which can add to the experience and support local causes.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend mornings
Why
Enjoy the mini-putt before busy
Crowd
Medium
When
During special events
Why
Unique community experiences
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Always join ij the fun! This was the best #puttputt Ive ever plsyed! #prehistoricputt #lincolnne @layneeashlock
@kimashlock
439K likes • 5.5M views

🚗 Museum & Mini-Putt Combo

Combine museum entry with mini-putt for a full day of fun! Instagram

🎢 Luge Ride Tandem Option

Kids too short for solo luge? Tandem rides are available for a shared thrill. Reddit

And just like that, mini golf ended on the 14th hole 🙃🤪🫠😅 #kidsoftiktok #minigolf #toddlersoftiktok #thirdchild
@bri_roulette
225.7K likes • 3.5M views
The Hillsborough Holden Museum hosted the Mid-Summer Concert over the weekend, raising a wonderful $550 for the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter which will be going towards new rescue harnesses! 💛 The Taranaki Rescue Helicopter crew had a fantastic time connecting with the community and even managed to fly past the event on the way to do some training! We would like to extend a huge thank you to @‌The ...
taranakirescue
19 likes • 729 views

🚂 Luge Train Add-on

Highly recommend the train ride back up after the luge for added fun! Reddit

☕ Cafe Check

Cafe hours can vary; check in advance if dining is a priority. Reddit

#ThankYouLordForAllTheBlessings #saturdayfun #familyfirst #LoveTesla #autosteer #teslamodely #hillsboroughminigolf #hillsboroughholdenmuseum Hillsborough Holden Museum and Mini Putt
johnvarkeynz
14 likes • 357 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Museum & Mini-Putt Combo

Combine museum entry with mini-putt for a full day of fun! Instagram

🎢 Luge Ride Tandem Option

Kids too short for solo luge? Tandem rides are available for a shared thrill. Reddit

🚂 Luge Train Add-on

Highly recommend the train ride back up after the luge for added fun! Reddit

☕ Cafe Check

Cafe hours can vary; check in advance if dining is a priority. Reddit

☀️ Sunny Day Fun

Mini-putt is a blast on sunny days, but expect it to be busy! Reddit

🌸 Garden Stroll

Don't miss the beautifully maintained gardens, a true highlight. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(450 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Hillsborough Holden Museum, highlighting its impressive private collection of Holden cars and the exceptionally challenging yet beautifully presented mini-putt course. The luge ride and lovely gardens also receive praise, making it a well-rounded destination. Some find the museum entry price a bit high, and the cafe's operating hours can be inconsistent.

"Wow what an amazing place! Highly recommend. The museum was awesome, so much history and knowledge and the cars 🔥. I had a coffee and toastie and my partner had a pie, cake and coffee at the Cafe it as yum! We also played Mini golf. It was a sunny day and really busy but so much fun! The course had a lot of hard holes but was so enjoyable. Highly recommend and will be back ❤️"

Ange Smith

"Amazing private collection of Holden cars. Very well put together."

Brenda Clark

"what a hidden gem this place is. I'm not much of a car enthusiast but I could appreciate the collection of Holden cars. memorabilia and history on display. the mini putt was superb by far the most beautifully presented and hardest putt putt ever! we really enjoyed it. thought the luge was bit overpriced but it was a fun ride down. the kids loved the little train ride back up to the top. the gardens here are fabulous the gardening team do a magnificent job. would highly recommend this as a sightseer must-do in New Plymouth"

Andre and Michele Neckelson

What People Like

Amazing Holden car collection
Challenging mini-putt course
Fun luge ride

What People Dislike

Museum entry price
Cafe hours vary

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Hillsborough Holden Museum is located near New Plymouth. It's often visited as part of a trip to Mount Taranaki. Driving is the most common way to access the museum, with ample parking available. Reddit

Information on direct public transport to the museum is limited. It's best to check local bus routes or consider ride-sharing services if you are not driving. Reddit

Driving from New Plymouth is straightforward, taking approximately 20-30 minutes. The route is scenic, especially if you're heading towards Mount Taranaki. Reddit

Mount Taranaki National Park is a major nearby attraction, offering hiking and stunning views. The museum itself offers a variety of activities like mini-putt and a luge. Reddit

Roads are generally well-maintained. During winter, check for any weather advisories, especially if traveling from higher elevations. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the museum itself can be perceived as expensive by some visitors, leading them to skip it. However, the mini-putt and luge rides have separate admission fees. Reddit

While advance booking isn't always necessary, the mini-putt can get very busy, especially on sunny weekends. Arriving early or during off-peak times is recommended. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, and the cafe may have limited operating times. It's advisable to check the official website or social media pages for the most up-to-date information. Reddit

Information on combo tickets isn't widely available. It's best to inquire on-site about any package deals that might be offered for multiple attractions. Instagram

Yes, children may need to meet certain height requirements to ride the luge alone. Tandem rides are available for younger children who don't meet the solo height criteria. Reddit

🎫 ⛳ Onsite Experience

The museum houses an impressive private collection of Holden cars, alongside memorabilia and local history displays. It's well-presented and offers a glimpse into automotive heritage. Reddit

The 18-hole mini-putt course is known for being very challenging and tricky, with many difficult pars. It's considered one of the most beautifully presented and hardest mini-putt courses by visitors. Reddit

The luge offers a fun ride down the hill. While the actual run might be short, the experience is enjoyable, especially for kids. A train ride back to the top is available as an add-on. Reddit

Yes, children often love the mini-putt and the luge ride. The train ride back up the luge hill is also a hit with younger visitors. Reddit

Photography policies can vary. It's generally a good idea to be respectful of the exhibits and other visitors. Check for any signage regarding photography. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a cafe on-site that serves coffee, toasties, pies, and cakes. However, its operating hours can be limited, so it's wise to check in advance. Reddit

The cafe offers a selection of light meals and treats, including coffee, toasties, pies, and cakes. Visitors have described the food as 'yum'. Reddit

Picnic policies are not explicitly stated. It's best to consume food and drinks in designated areas if available, or inquire with staff. Reddit

If the on-site cafe is closed or you're looking for more options, New Plymouth offers a variety of restaurants and cafes. Reddit

Information on specific dietary options is not readily available. It's recommended to contact the cafe directly to inquire about vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free choices. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The classic Holden cars offer fantastic photo opportunities. The beautifully presented mini-putt course and the scenic gardens also provide great backdrops. Instagram

Generally, photography is allowed, but it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage regarding flash photography or restricted areas. Instagram

The challenging and uniquely designed holes of the mini-putt course can make for fun and dynamic photos. Capture the action as players navigate the tricky obstacles. TikTok

Capturing the excitement of the luge ride can be challenging due to movement. Consider taking photos from the sidelines or asking a companion to snap shots. Reddit

Drone usage is typically restricted at attractions to ensure the safety and privacy of visitors. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Hillsborough Holden Museum offers a fantastic outing for families. The mini-putt course is a major hit, providing hours of fun with its challenging and unique holes. Be prepared for it to be busy on weekends! Reddit The luge ride is another highlight, with tandem options available for younger children who can't ride alone. Don't forget to consider the train ride back up the luge hill – kids absolutely love it! Reddit

While the museum itself might be more appreciated by adults, the car collection can still capture the imagination of older children. The fabulous gardens provide a pleasant space for a stroll. If the cafe is open, it's a convenient spot for a snack, but it's wise to check hours beforehand. Reddit

🚗 Car Enthusiasts

For lovers of automotive history, the Holden car collection is the main draw. This private collection is exceptionally well-curated, showcasing a range of iconic Holden models and extensive memorabilia. Reddit You'll find a deep dive into the brand's heritage, making it a must-visit for anyone with an interest in classic cars, particularly Holdens. Reddit

While the museum is the primary focus, the challenging mini-putt course offers a fun diversion. It's a unique course that even seasoned mini-golfers find engaging. The combination of automotive history and a quirky recreational activity makes for a memorable visit. Reddit

✨ Day-Trippers

If you're exploring the Taranaki region, the Hillsborough Holden Museum is a perfect stop. It offers a diverse range of activities, from the Holden car museum to the challenging mini-putt and the exciting luge ride. Reddit You can easily spend a few hours here, enjoying the blend of history and recreation. Instagram

Consider visiting during a weekday afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds, especially for the mini-putt. The beautiful gardens also provide a lovely spot to relax. If you're driving to or from Mount Taranaki, it's conveniently located for a detour. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Iconic Holden Collection

The Hillsborough Holden Museum boasts an impressive private collection of Holden cars, a brand deeply ingrained in Australian and New Zealand automotive culture. Visitors can expect to see a range of models, from classic sedans to iconic performance vehicles, each telling a story of automotive history. Beyond the cars themselves, the museum features a wealth of memorabilia, including vintage advertisements, workshop tools, and historical documents, offering a comprehensive look at the Holden legacy. This collection is a significant draw for car enthusiasts and those interested in the cultural impact of the brand. Reddit

Many visitors, even those not typically considered car enthusiasts, find themselves appreciating the knowledge and history presented. The way the collection is curated allows for an engaging experience, highlighting the evolution of Holden and its place in the hearts of many. It's a chance to connect with a piece of automotive heritage that resonates with generations. Reddit

While the museum entry fee is noted by some as a consideration, the quality and uniqueness of the private collection are consistently praised. It's a hidden gem that offers a deep dive into a beloved automotive brand, making it a worthwhile stop for many. Reddit

Mini-Putt: A Challenging Delight

The mini-putt course at Hillsborough is far from your average putting green. It's renowned for its challenging and tricky holes, making it a standout attraction. Visitors consistently describe it as one of the most beautifully presented and hardest mini-putt courses they've ever played. Reddit

With 18 holes to navigate, players will encounter a variety of obstacles and designs that test skill and precision. The course's aesthetic appeal is also frequently mentioned, adding to the overall enjoyment of the game. It's a place where both casual players and seasoned mini-golf enthusiasts can find a rewarding challenge. Reddit

Due to its popularity, especially on sunny days, the mini-putt can get quite crowded. To make the most of your experience, arriving during off-peak hours or on a weekday is often recommended. The fun and difficulty make it a highly recommended activity for families and friends. TikTokInstagram

The Thrill of the Luge

For a dose of adrenaline, the luge ride at Hillsborough offers a unique experience. While the actual run might be relatively short, the ride down the hill is consistently described as fun and enjoyable, particularly for children. Reddit

Safety is a priority, with staff paying close attention to operational procedures. For younger visitors who may not meet the solo riding height requirements, tandem rides are available, allowing them to experience the thrill with an adult. This makes the luge accessible to a wider range of ages. Reddit

An optional train ride back to the top of the luge run is also offered and highly recommended by visitors. This adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the experience, making the journey back up as fun as the ride down. It's a popular add-on that enhances the overall adventure. Reddit

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