Discover the New Addition: Heavy Vehicles at Wanaka Museum
The National Transport and Toy Museum in Wanaka is not just home to vintage vehicles and toys—it also houses an impressive collection of heavy machinery. This remarkable display showcases the sheer power and innovation of the machines that have played a crucial role in shaping New Zealand’s landscapes. At the heart of this exhibit is the Paul Clarke Collection, which highlights 10 extraordinary pieces of machinery that demonstrate the evolution of construction and engineering across the country.
The Paul Clarke Collection: A Testament to Engineering Brilliance
The Paul Clarke Collection stands as one of the most captivating elements of the museum’s heavy machinery display. Featuring machines that once played key roles in some of New Zealand's most significant construction projects, each piece tells its own story of grit, perseverance, and ingenuity.
On display, you’ll find:
IH HOUGH 560
CAT 769B
CAT 16 Grader
CAT 225A Excavator
CAT 12E Grader
CAT D8
CAT D9
TEREX 8280 Track
1956 Euclid TC12 – the only operating example in New Zealand. Originating from Canada, South Island contractor L D Collis has restored it to its original livery.
IH TD25C
These machines aren’t just static displays; they represent a pivotal part of New Zealand’s industrial history. From hydroelectric projects such as Twizel and Pukaki to the construction of the Haast Pass roads, these vehicles powered through challenging terrain, helping to develop the country’s infrastructure and connecting remote areas.
Heavy Machinery: A Backbone of New Zealand's Development
Beyond the Paul Clarke Collection, the museum also boasts an array of heavy machinery that has been essential to the development of New Zealand’s national infrastructure. The collection includes:
Loaders
Bulldozers
Scrapers
Graders
Diggers
Rollers
Cranes
These machines helped shape everything from hydro schemes and major road networks to urban development. Their contributions were pivotal to the nation’s growth, enabling large-scale projects that have had a lasting impact on New Zealand's landscape.
Explore the Full Range of Heavy Machinery
For visitors, the heavy machinery display at the National Transport and Toy Museum is like stepping into a time machine. The collection offers a glimpse into the industrial might that built New Zealand. Here are just a few of the notable pieces in the museum's collection:
1950 Ackermans-Eslov 200D
1940s A&G Price Grader - A & G Price Limited is an engineering firm and locomotive manufacturer in Thames, New Zealand founded in 1868 and now has the largest foundry in the country.
1970s Athey Force Feed Loader
1950s Austin Western Grader - Originally used by Roundhill Skifield then purchased by Bernie Scarlett of Hadlow, near Timaru. Driven from Roundhill to Hadlow. Never used then Restored at Washdyke workshop. Restored by Mic Kerr
Aveling Barford Roller
1963 Aveling Barford Roller
1979 Bedford Cherry Picker - The boom lift built by Gensam Engineering Co. Ltd, Levin, North Island, New Zealand in the 1970s.
1972 Caterpillar 992 Loader – Purchased new May 1972 by the Upper Waitaki Power Development, started on the first canal from the Tekapo Power House to Pukaki. The Canal is 16 km long and crosses SH8 at Irishmans Creek. Then purchased by Higgins Earthmoving Company to help finish the canals.
Coles Cranes - Renowned manufacturer of truck-mounted cranes, established in Southwark in 1878, latterly of Sunderland. Company ceased trading in 1998
1964 Side Lifter - Custombuilt
1914 Fowler Steam Roller - Class D2 Road Roller 5Hp DCC cyl, 3 gears. Originally used by the Christchurch City Council and the Ellesmere County Council for road work. Bought by Mr Gerald Rhodes (Museum) from a Mr Goulden of Southbridge.
1930s Galion Patrol Master Diesel
1940’s GMC Crane
Hamilton Crane
1940s Hamilton Grader
1941 International TD18A
1960 International TD15
1967 Kairangi Forklift
Littleford Trail-O-Roller
1951 Priestman Wolf Excavator – Restored by Mic Kerr early 2000’s
Priestman Hull Crane
1963 P&H 255B 25 Tonne crane
1982 P&H 435ATC Truck Crane – Bought new by Port of Napier. It was the last new truck mounted strut crane sold in New Zealand. Purchased in 1999 by Lund South. While there worked on the:
1999 Steamer Basin wharf project
2000 City College Halls of Residence, Cumberland St,
2001- University of Otago Psychology Building Stage 2C
2001 - Mosgiel Velodrome Grandstand
2002- Dunedin Main Courthouse Redevelopment
2003 - Beacon Apartments Queenstown Waterfront stage 1
2003- Peregrine Winery, Gibbston Valley
2004 - Farmers Building Redevelopment, George St Dunedin
2004 – Beacon Stage 2
2005 - Moray Place Carpark Building
2005-6 Milton Prison
2006-7 John McGlashan College ELC Library
2007-8 Studio Apartment Complex, Arthurs Point, Queenstown
2009 -
2010-11 Balclutha Pool Redevelopment
2012-13 Water of Leith Reconstruction, Stage 1
1946 Thornycroft Coles Crane - Originally purchased by the Air Department (airforce) at Whenaupai, Auckland, then sold to Haast Transport Ltd 6th October 1976.
More Than Machines: A Walk-Through New Zealand’s Engineering Legacy
Visiting the heavy machinery section at the National Transport and Toy Museum is more than just looking at massive vehicles—it's a journey through New Zealand's engineering past. Each machine played a vital role in shaping the country's modern-day landscape, and standing next to these giants, you can imagine the sheer effort and precision it took to operate them.
The museum allows visitors to connect with this past in a way that’s both informative and awe-inspiring. Whether you're a machinery enthusiast or simply curious about New Zealand’s history, this exhibit offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the power and innovation that drove the country’s development. So, if you want to see these heavy vehicles displayed face-to-face, plan your visit and book your ticket today!
