Mrsmackpaul,
The museum at Wanaka Airport that Ray mentioned is very good but is aircraft oriented. The truck and machinery museum is on the same road in Wanaka but is BEFORE the airport. When I was there a few years ago, they had a restored 1958 Ford Fire Engine on a mound at the front gate. They were having "play days" when the owner and his mates were using heavy earthmoving equipment to excavate a huge hole to sink a new hanger-sized shed to extend the museum. The watertable is about 160 feet (don't quote me on the exact depth) below the surface, so groundwater is no problem. They are in the flightpath of the airport so had to excavate to get a big shed under the height limit. I believe the shed is now built and operating. They have a huge collection of cars, trucks, tractors and various machinery, plus three aircraft. For the Mrs to look at while you are busy, they also have the largest collection of dolls in the Southern hemisphere, as well as the largest collection of stuffed toys. Also household equipment and a lot more. Allow a bit of time to see it all.
I can't wait to go back and see it again. When I was there, the Richardson collection was only operating part time just after the death of Bill Richardson, and was closed for the week I was there because the operator was in Perth for a wedding. It is now open full time. Last time, I had free motel accommodation but now my friends have sold the motel, boo hoo.
I have my shoulder to the wheel,
my nose to the grindstone,
I've put my best foot forward,
I've put my back into it,
I'm gritting my teeth,
Now I find I can't do any work in this position!
