Thinking about visiting us during the Burt Munro Challenge 2021?

12th February 2021

Looking for things to do in Invercargill during the Burt Munro Challenge 2021? For fans of everything two wheels, Classic Motorcycle Mecca is a must-do.

Home to more than 300 motorcycles – from bikes crafted by legendary Kiwi engineer John Britten, more quintessentially British and American bikes you could shake a stick at, and a jaw-dropping collection of Brough Superior machines (we’ve got eight – yes, eight) of the motorcycles often dubbed ‘the Rolls Royce of classic motorbikes’ – it’s not hard to see why we’re the leading classic motorcycle collection in the Southern Hemisphere.

Transport World tourism operations manager Courtney Russell – you’ll probably spot her on the front counter, welcoming guests to Classic Motorcycle Mecca – says there’s plenty to discover on a visit to the collection.

“Since our three-year renovation project was finished in 2020, Classic Motorcycle Mecca really is bigger and better than ever,” she says.

“The museum’s now home to more exhibits than ever, and there’s so much to check out within the collection that even if you have visited before, you’re bound to see plenty of things you haven’t seen yet.”

The crowds visiting Classic Motorcycle Mecca have had plenty of positive feedback – and some simple messages for anybody thinking about visiting before this year’s Burt Munro Challenge wraps up.

Tauranga woman Jenny Dawson – in Invercargill for her second ‘Burt’, and visiting Classic Motorcycle Mecca for the very first time – says she’s been blown away by her visit.

“I didn’t know there were so many different bikes here, it’s amazing,” she says.

Her picks of the collection? She is a big fan of the earlier bikes – including a Peugeot and a Motosacoche, both hailing from 1902 – as well as our display of jewel-toned Indians.

“I just like everything about them,” she says. “I took a lot of photos. It’s been great to see the progression of bikes over time, right from the early 1900s.”

Phil Osborne from Napier has just one word to describe Classic Motorcycle Mecca.

“Awesome. It’s just awesome. People definitely need to come in and do it.”

Vicki Gooch from Napier reckons the depth of history outlined within the displays in the Classic Motorcycle Mecca, and the variety of bikes on show, make the museum a must-visit for those looking for things to do in Invercargill.

“I totally recommend it, absolutely,” she says. “Simply because of everything that’s here, the number of bikes … It’s just eye-opening.”

 

Highlights among our collection include:

  • A tribute area to The World’s Fastest Indian, Burt Munro, himself: featuring authentic memorabilia given to Classic Motorcycle Mecca by Munro’s family
  • One of just two Cardinals, built by legendary Kiwi John Britten, on permanent public display in New Zealand
  • Ivan Mauger’s 1977 World Speedway Championship-winning bike
  • Three floors, across two restored period buildings, chock-full of classic motorcycles from the United Kingdom, the United States, Europe, Japan and more
  • The chance to check out the limited-time-only Evolution of Japanese Motorcycles display: here until 28 February.

 

Don’t forget: buy your tickets online in advance, and you’ll get to skip the queue – and that means more time to check out our incredible collection of bikes!