Military vehicles on parade

Visitors to the Packard Motor Museum on Anzac Day will have the opportunity to take a spin in a military vehicle.

Located on State Highway 14, west of Whangarei, in the centre of Maungatapere township, the museum is home to more than 300 classic and vintage vehicles including about 12 military vehicles.

The collection includes motorbikes, fire engines, horse-drawn vehicles and a replica mail coach, Allis-Chalmers bulldozers, early earthmoving machines, tractors and traction engines, buses and commercial vehicles, and stationary engines.

Museum founder Graeme Craw had a strong interest in the industrial revolution, and was passionate about preserving the machines and artifacts from this era, particularly those pertaining to New Zealand’s colonial era.

The collection also houses what is believed to be the largest collection of Packard motorcars in Australasia, covering most models from 1919 to 1958, when the last Packard was built.

Entry to the museum will be half price on Anzac Day and rides in the military vehicles will be free. Volunteers will be on hand to provide more information about the exhibits.

The museum will be open on April 25, from 1pm to 5pm. Info: www.packardmuseum.co.nz