Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre
Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre
Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
The Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre is committed “To retain our legacy of the golden era of aviation by the preservation, maintenance and operation of early historical aircraft” & is home to the largest collection of de Havilland aircraft in the southern hemisphere
Duration: 1-2 hours
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4.5
70 reviews
Excellent
52
Very good
15
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Neill L
5 contributions
May 2021 • Friends
The vintage Tiger Moth flights are AMAZING. Totally worth the time to drive here.
Pilot Ben is extremely skilled. Flight starts slow and very scenic and then the optional aerobatics which I asked for at the end including spins and rolls were the best adrenaline rush I've had in years. Amazing what a little 82yr old biplane can do. Would happily have paid more. Remember to wear lots of warm clothing as its an open cockpit.
The static museum display also has lots of cool planes.
Pilot Ben is extremely skilled. Flight starts slow and very scenic and then the optional aerobatics which I asked for at the end including spins and rolls were the best adrenaline rush I've had in years. Amazing what a little 82yr old biplane can do. Would happily have paid more. Remember to wear lots of warm clothing as its an open cockpit.
The static museum display also has lots of cool planes.
Written 15 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We agree the Tiger Moth flight is the Best!
Pilot Ben has a way of making everyone feel relaxed and at ease.
Written 25 November 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paul U
SW England259 contributions
Feb 2020
I called in whilst passing - luckily for me, they had an event on, celebrating 100 years of DH aircraft. Plenty of old aircraft flying, plus an unhindered tour of the flight hangar. There were also steam traction engines to view as well. Well worth a visit to relive the glory days of early flying.
Written 23 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you and we are glad you enjoyed your time at our Mandeville Fly In & Steam Festival - held every year (weekend 8), maybe we will see you back again in the future.
Written 5 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Grant N
Hastings, New Zealand1,516 contributions
Apr 2021
Spotted this while heading to Arrowtown and stopped for a look. Very nice museum with a number of planes on display and quite a bit of historic detail about aviation . It's possible to get rides in bi-plane aircraft and there's an old train on display. Some nice art on display as well. Friendly greeting on arrival and overall it's worth a visit. Recommended
Written 22 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your kind review.
These aircraft are a little bit special, and amazingly many still fly.
Written 25 November 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nicky F
83 contributions
Oct 2020 • Solo
Stopped to see the amazing steam train and walked into the Aviation museum.
Excellent value for money. Art exhibit, plus gift shop, and a huge and amazing collection of NZ flying history. Bi planes, gliders. Training Jet. Wow a must see.
Excellent value for money. Art exhibit, plus gift shop, and a huge and amazing collection of NZ flying history. Bi planes, gliders. Training Jet. Wow a must see.
Written 6 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you and we hope to see you back in the future - maybe for a flight next time? (If you didn't get the opportunity when you visited)
Written 25 November 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
forthevillage
Stoke-on-Trent, UK64 contributions
Mar 2013 • Friends
One of our party read about being able to take a flight in a Tiger Moth and with us staying in Gore for the night on the way to Dunedin we thought we would check out this place and see if it was an option and how much it would be.
We phoned up on the morning, were told that the pilot would be in and to just rock up when they opened at 10/10.30 which we did. We were told to find Ryan which we did and within 30/40 minutes we were taking off in the 1930's Tiger Moth.
$90/95 bought us 10 minutes, $160 would buy you 20 minutes flying time and there was also a price for 30 minutes. We had the 10 minutes, flew over and around, enjoyed a loop and a roll and back for a smooth landing. What a joy!
There are other planes which could be flown if available, I would phone first to check though.
Also enjoy, the museum and cafe.
We phoned up on the morning, were told that the pilot would be in and to just rock up when they opened at 10/10.30 which we did. We were told to find Ryan which we did and within 30/40 minutes we were taking off in the 1930's Tiger Moth.
$90/95 bought us 10 minutes, $160 would buy you 20 minutes flying time and there was also a price for 30 minutes. We had the 10 minutes, flew over and around, enjoyed a loop and a roll and back for a smooth landing. What a joy!
There are other planes which could be flown if available, I would phone first to check though.
Also enjoy, the museum and cafe.
Written 9 April 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JennyWoof
Melrose, MA119 contributions
Nov 2018 • Couples
We stopped at Miss Cocoa for tea and scones on the road between Dunedin and Te Anau. The restaurant is at a grass strip north of Gore and adjacent is a little (not so little really) aviation museum. The front has some exhibits and a gift shop, but for a small fee (including a discount for seniors), there is a spectacular display of vintage aircraft, lovingly restored to flying condition. It's not just an aviation museum, it's really a history of New Zealand from an aviation perspective. We expected to stop in briefly but eventually had to tear ourselves away to continue our journey. People were really very nice, the airplanes fascinating, and it was a great break in the middle of the day.
Written 16 December 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to add this review. Correct we are a wee 'Gem in the middle of nowhere' as we often referred to and reviews like this help take us further on our way to becoming a 'destination stop', keeping of course our small town charm.
The team work hard to keep the aircraft in flyable condition and are very passionate about them. If you didn't get the opportunity to take a flight on this visit we hope you may be able to on your next visit. Enjoy your time in Te Anau - Beautiful area of NZ.
Written 17 December 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
fastcapri
Christchurch, New Zealand49 contributions
Sept 2016 • Couples
Ok its a small museum but what they lack in plane numbers the ability to get up close and personal is fantastic! Lady @ counter was just a wealth of information. And the restoration side I could have spent the whole day there. Dont forget the cafe! Entry was only $10 which was way to cheap. Going back again!
Written 26 September 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there fastcapri
Many thanks for your kind review. Looking forward to seeing you back soon. Yes we have something incredibly unique here.
Cheers
Rose
Written 29 September 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
spongesdad
Cardiff390 contributions
Mar 2016 • Couples
First of all I wish I could remember the lady's name behind the Counter because her infectious joy makes want to go in. At 10 dollars it's cheap anyway. The planes are gorgeous. You can literally touch history. Admittedly I love planes but this is above and beyond. Best place in my month in New Zealand.
Written 25 March 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi spongesdad,
Thank you for your review. It's great to hear you enjoyed your time at the Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre. We hope to see you back again in the future!
Many thanks,
GoreNZ
Written 19 April 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
StaceyCheer
Arapuni, New Zealand161 contributions
Jun 2021
What an unexpected little treasure! We were driving from Owaka to Te Anau and came across this little gem. Friendly, helpful staff, great little shop, and an aviation fan's slice of heaven.
Written 6 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you - we are often referred to as a Gem in the middle of nowhere. Well to us Mandeville is somewhere. We hope you call in again on a future visit to this area.
Written 25 November 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Susan N
Auckland Central, New Zealand111 contributions
Dec 2020 • Family
This is a small museum, the staff are friendly and the information signs are ok. If you are a huge aviation fan you might want more details.
The train is amazing
The train is amazing
Written 31 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank your for your review. We do specialise in Vintage Biplanes and some visitors may be expecting more modern aircraft. We agree the developing Waimea Plains Railway is a wonderful asset to have beside us here at Mandeville.
Written 25 November 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Are airplane rides still available at Old Mandeville? I had a wonderful time 2 years ago and would like to repeat this year. Also, please furnish your phone contact number. Many thanks!
Ted
Written 8 January 2015
Hi, Staff of Croydon Aviation Museum:
Can you please tell me what it costs to go for a ride in the Tiger Moth, and detail the prices for doing a 'loop' and then doing two 'loops' during flight (of course), Many thanks; we did this about 20 yrs ago and wish to possibly do it again, depending upon the fee..
Written 10 January 2018
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