Hillsborough: Holden Culture and Experiences

Hillsborough puts a private collection of Australian Holden vehicles in the spotlight. It also offers mini golf, a downhill track and a live music venue. The wider destination of New Plymouth District also offers its own cultural, coastal and nature experiences.

Holden Vehicles at the Hillsborough Holden Museum

The Hillsborough Holden Museum preserves and displays a private collection of Australian Holden vehicles and memorabilia. It ranges from well-preserved early models to carefully restored models and newer vehicles from more recent years. The different model years and states of preservation give the collection more than one main focus. Car enthusiasts are welcome to enjoy and appreciate classic and modern vehicles; you can view early models, restorations and newer vehicles as different perspectives on the brand.

Mini Golf, Luge and Live Music

Mount Panorama Mini Putt has 18 mini golf holes. The entire course is modelled on the famous Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst. Hideaway Luge adds a 240-metre downhill track to the mix. It is located on the property on Egmont Road, next to the museum and Mount Panorama Mini Putt. This brings a themed mini golf experience and a downhill track together as distinct activities.

The museum gardens are also home to Hideaway Soundshell, a new live music venue. This means the range of on-site experiences extends beyond vehicles and active pursuits. If live music is part of your trip plans, you can consider including this venue in your itinerary.

Getting Around and Refreshments

The Hillsborough Holden Museum is a ten-minute drive from central New Plymouth. Parking is available on-site at Hillsborough Hideaway. Hideaway Cafe is fully licensed and serves homemade meals, sweet treats, wine and beer. Check whether the cafe is currently open before you arrive.

More Experiences in New Plymouth District

In the wider destination of New Plymouth District, coastal, regional history and nature experiences complement Hillsborough’s mix of attractions. The Coastal Walkway is 13.2 kilometres long and runs along the coastline from Pioneer Park at Port Taranaki to the eastern side of Bell Block Beach. It offers a different kind of outing from the vehicle-related activities in Hillsborough.

For a cultural focus, Puke Ariki has three permanent exhibition galleries covering the region’s history, taonga and natural world. Admission to all areas of the museum is free; check the latest visitor information before your visit. The guided Puke Ariki Historic Walk runs for about three kilometres through central New Plymouth and takes two hours. If you would rather plan a guided city tour than a coastal walk, the tour offers a clear difference in format and time commitment. Check dates and booking conditions in advance.

Nature and wildlife experiences are also among the options in New Plymouth District. Brooklands Zoo is home to capuchin monkeys, meerkats, parrots and tortoises, among other animals. Keeper talks take place twice daily, at 12 noon and 2 pm, on weekends and during school holidays; check the times before your visit. The Stony River (Hangatahua) Walkway passes through lowland bush and offers views of Taranaki Maunga. You can walk it as an out-and-back route or a loop.

Choose the Right Focus for Your Trip

New Plymouth District also offers a coastal walkway, local history and nature experiences.

Discover more destinations: New Plymouth, Egmont Village, Oakura.

Return to the wider destination overview: New Plymouth District.