Must-see New Zealand in Mandeville

Sometimes to experience must-see New Zealand, you have to discover places slightly off the beaten track.  Invercargill is the perfect base to explore – and this weekend, visitors to the city will get a chance to see a glimpse back in time thanks to Experience Mandeville.

A gentle drive from the city through Southland’s lush green fields, the little village of Mandeville is probably the last place you’d expect to see a yellow tiger moth flitting through the clouds.

But if you’re after a real slice of must-see New Zealand, look no further than Experience Mandeville. It’s the perfect opportunity to admire beautiful vintage machinery, all in a hidden gem of a setting just a 10-minute drive from Gore.

Step back in time and admire New Zealand’s transportation history

The Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre in Mandeville is a must-see at any time of the year, but if you’re visiting Invercargill this November make sure you don’t miss out on the weekend-long festivities. Held on Saturday November 16 and Sunday November 17, Experience Mandeville will give guests the once-in-a-lifetime chance to take a ride on-board vintage trains and even soar high above Southland on vintage planes.

The Waimea Plains Railway is a developing heritage railway precinct. During Experience Mandeville, an 1878 Rogers K92 Locomotive will be operating on a section of the track. The locomotive will be running approximately every 15 to 20 minutes.

What can you expect at Experience Mandeville?

An adult’s day rail pass is a mere $5, while a child’s day pass for the locomotive is just $2.50. Vintage aircraft will also be on hand offering joyrides. Make sure you don’t miss out!

Tickets can be purchased from the Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre in Mandeville. The centre is a nationally-significant museum dedicated to celebrating New Zealand’s light civil aviation heritage. Visitors will find fascinating stories of pioneer aviators and their equally colourful machines on display.

The centre is a must-see New Zealand attraction and features some of the country’s most important vintage aircraft. Among the display is the largest collection of de Havilland vintage aircraft in the Southern Hemisphere.

The centre also boasts a rotating art gallery area and gift shop, plus an incredible café.

Miss Cocoa Coffee and Money for Wine Gifts will also be on-site during Experience Mandeville.

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Posted in: Great things to do in Invercargill, What's On

Tags: classic machinery, events in Invercargill, things to do in Invercargill, things to do in New Zealand, things to do in Southland, transportation museum, vintage aircraft, vintage machinery, vintage plane, vintage train, what's on in Invercargill