Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre
Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre, Mandeville: Hours, Address, Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre Reviews: 4.5/5
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
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Address
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We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
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1 within 5 kms
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2 within 10 kms
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Popular mentions
4.5
70 reviews
Excellent
52
Very good
15
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
0
StaceyCheer
Arapuni, New Zealand122 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.
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.
Cass2007
Christchurch, New Zealand185 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
What a gem! This is a small but perfectly formed air museum, shop, art gallery where you can also take a flight in a vintage aircraft.
The staff and volunteers are really knowledgeable and if you have even a passing interest in aircraft or air travel history in NZ you’ll love it here.
The shop has a wide range of interesting gifts and other nice things to buy.
At the time of our visit there was a very lovely exhibition of 2 artists works which on their own were worth stopping for.
The staff and volunteers are really knowledgeable and if you have even a passing interest in aircraft or air travel history in NZ you’ll love it here.
The shop has a wide range of interesting gifts and other nice things to buy.
At the time of our visit there was a very lovely exhibition of 2 artists works which on their own were worth stopping for.
Written 29 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you you have summed us up well - we hope to see you back again in the future.
Written 25 November 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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.
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.
Grant N
Hastings, New Zealand1,241 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.
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.
Susan N
Auckland Central, New Zealand93 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.
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.
Nicky F
73 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.
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.
Lord MacDuff
Aberdeen, UK664 contributions
Feb 2020
We stumbled upon this aviation centre which was having an open day with lots of steam train and plane enthusiasts in attendance. It appeared to be manned by enthusiasts and it was great to see a steam railway engine in action as well as other steam engines. We also visited the aircraft hanger where there were several old aircraft which had been restored and some of them were doing demonstration flights for folk. I wish I knew more about them to be able to offer a more professional review but I can say we really enjoyed our visit. If you like old planes and want a flight, get in touch with them!
Written 1 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Paul U
SW England230 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.
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.
PilotDan5
Chicago, IL10 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Nice bit of Kiwi aviation history and vintage aircraft to see. Only 2 hours from Dunedin. Also a lovely cafe next door.
Written 10 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you and we are glad you enjoyed your visit to Mandeville
Written 12 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
chrisandbarbara
Dunedin, New Zealand142 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
While we discovered this place by chance, it is only a two hour drive from Dunedin and made a great stop for a delicious brunch at Miss Cocoa cafe adjacent to hangar. Delightful to eat in rustic house surrounded by artworks and watch a Tiger Moth take off and land. The aircraft in the centre are wonderfully restored (or nearly) and a joy to walk amongst, check out the controls and wonder at the bravery of of those who flew in them - like the replica 1910 Pither. This is a MUST place to visit or stop off on way to Te Anau.
Written 9 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you for your lovely review and we agree the Pither Replica does highlight the bravery of the early day Aviators.
For anyone reading this review I'll take the opportunity to mention 'All of our aircraft in the collection are kept in an operational state and as such we remind people to look but do not touch or climb onto the aircraft. Please do not misinterpret the review and think you will get access to the aircraft controls, even if they are still on the ground'.
Chrisandbarbara we hope on your next visit you are inspired to take to the skies in one of our de Havilland aircraft - a delight indeed, or maybe the Steam Train will be running for Waimea Plains Railway.
Written 5 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
teds300
Double Oak, TX187 contributions
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
Peggy E
Philadelphia, PA13 contributions
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..
Frequently Asked Questions about Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre
- Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre:
- (15.45 km) Wentworth Heights Bed and Breakfast
- (14.11 km) Croydon Lodge
- (12.25 km) Hokonui Bed and Breakfast
- (14.78 km) The Reservation B&B
- (15.44 km) Riverlea Motel
- Restaurants near Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre:
- (0.08 km) Miss Cocoa Coffee
- (15.87 km) Cafe Ambience
- (15.81 km) Howl At The Moon
- (15.77 km) The Thomas Green
- (15.80 km) The Green Room Cafe