10 Unusual Vehicles You Don’t Want to Miss at National Transport & Toy Museum

If you love cars, history, or just quirky inventions, then the National Transport & Toy Museum in Wanaka is a must-visit. This isn’t your average collection of classic cars and vintage aircraft. Instead, it’s packed with some of the strangest, most fascinating vehicles you’ll ever see. From solar-powered racers to home-built oddities, these machines all have incredible stories to tell. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most unique vehicles on display. 

1. Solar Kiwi – New Zealand’s First Solar-Powered Race Car 

Back in 1990, a group of passionate Kiwis decided to take on the World Solar Challenge, a 3,000 km race across Australia using only the power of the sun. The result? Solar Kiwi—New Zealand’s first-ever solar-powered race car. Despite working with a tight budget, the team managed an impressive finish, coming 22nd overall and second in the private car class. 

Built with composite aluminium and fibreglass, Solar Kiwi was powered by eight square metres of solar panels. It could hit speeds of up to 75 km/h and cruise comfortably at 60 km/h. The team’s reliability was one of their strongest points, with just 30 minutes of total breakdown time in the entire race. In 1992, the museum stepped in to save Solar Kiwi from being dismantled, ensuring this piece of Kiwi ingenuity would be preserved for future generations to admire. 

2. Kowari – The Fuel-Efficient Wonder 

The Kowari Mileage Marathon Vehicle might look small, but it made a huge impact in fuel efficiency competitions. Built from fibreglass and weighing only 32kg, it competed in the Shell Mileage Marathon in Australia during the 1990s. The goal? To travel as far as possible on the least amount of fuel. 

And Kowari certainly delivered—it achieved a staggering 1,400 miles per gallon (600km per litre), using no more than a teaspoon of fuel per hour! When Shell ended their sponsorship, the event continued under a new name, but Kowari’s legacy as one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles ever made remains impressive. 

3. Morris Cycles Motorised Invalid Carriage 

Some vehicles change the way people live, and the Morris Cycles Motorised Invalid Carriage is one of them. Built in Ashburton by Morris Cycles Ltd, this unique vehicle was designed to help those with mobility challenges get around more easily. While not much is known about its history, it stands as an early example of inclusive transportation. If you have any details about this vehicle, the museum would love to hear from you. 

4. Gnat – The All-Terrain Vehicle for Kiwi Farmers 

Farming in New Zealand comes with plenty of challenges, and the Gnat was built to tackle them. Designed as an all-terrain vehicle for Kiwi farmers, it was meant to be tough, practical, and reliable. But while it seemed like a great idea, the Gnat wasn’t the commercial success its makers had hoped for. 

Orders for 1,500 units were placed, but production took ten years, and only 3,300 were ever made. Some say the company was even approached by NASA to build a moon buggy, though that story remains unconfirmed. Either way, the Gnat remains an important part of New Zealand’s transport history, and the museum’s restored version gives visitors a glimpse into this ambitious project. 

5. Concrete Wheel Tractor – A Farming Rarity 

Not every tractor is built the same, and the Concrete Wheel Tractor proves it. Designed by Scarlett Engineering in Timaru, this one-of-a-kind machine was built for the Department of Agriculture and has some truly unique features. 

With a rare French motor, two gearboxes, and a differential taken from a Buick car, this tractor was a mechanical marvel. But what really makes it stand out is its concrete wheels, reinforced with steel cleats made from an old reaping binder. It was also one of the first tractors known to feature a three-point linkage, which later became standard in modern farming equipment. 

6. ForMaz – Two Cars, One Vehicle 

Ever wondered what would happen if you fused a Ford Laser and a Mazda 323 together? The answer is the ForMaz, a bizarre but fully functional vehicle with two complete front ends—each with its own engine, gear shift, and steering system. 

Built by Christchurch engineer Chris Van Der Meys, the ForMaz can drive at the same speed in both directions! It’s a fun and quirky experiment in car engineering that never fails to catch people’s attention at the museum. 

7. Monowheel – A Single-Wheel Experiment 

Imagine riding a giant wheel, and that’s exactly what the Monowheel is. Also built by Chris Van Der Meys, this 2007 creation is a motorised vehicle that features just one large wheel, offering a unique and futuristic ride. It’s the kind of invention that makes you wonder how people come up with these ideas in the first place. 

8. Home-Built Trike – A Personal Engineering Feat 

Back in 2001, after seeing a similar motorbike, Chris Van Der Meys decided to build his own home-built trike. Featuring a custom design and handcrafted construction, this vehicle showcases his engineering skills and love for innovative projects. 

9. Home-Built Screw-Propelled Vehicle 

A vehicle with screws for propulsion? That’s exactly what Chris Van Der Meys built in 2022. Chris Van Der Meys designed this unique creation to move using a rotating screw mechanism, proving once again that transportation doesn't have to follow conventional rules. 

10. Honda Wheelchair Motorbike – Accessibility on Wheels 

This home-built wheelchair scooter takes accessibility to a new level. Created using a modified Honda NH scooter, it allows someone in a wheelchair to ride without needing to transfer out of their chair. The back of the vehicle lowers for easy entry, and the rider can simply drive away while seated. It’s a brilliant example of how thoughtful design can make transport more inclusive for everyone. 

Come See These Unique Vehicles for Yourself!  

The National Transport & Toy Museum isn’t just about classic cars—it’s home to some of the most unusual, inventive, and downright strange vehicles ever made. Whether you’re fascinated by solar-powered speedsters, fuel-efficient wonders, or homemade engineering marvels, this museum has something to spark your curiosity. 

If you’re in Wanaka, don’t miss the chance to see these incredible machines in person. Plan your visit today and take a trip through the weird and wonderful world of transport history!