Port Marsden Oil Refinery Visitor Center

Port Marsden Oil Refinery Visitor Center

Port Marsden Oil Refinery Visitor Center
4

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4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles37 reviews
Excellent
17
Very good
16
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
2

Sharon B
Whangarei, New Zealand76 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2019
The visitors centre is very interesting and very informative. Great display of the refinery. All ages can enjoy this visit.
Written 17 October 2019
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.

Rae
Taupo, New Zealand76 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2019
Have tried to go twice. Appears closed down. There are signs from State Highway One, showing the way but once at the parking lot, nothing is open.
Written 8 October 2019
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.

Kath K
Hastings, New Zealand89 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2019
This is a must visit if you are in the area. The model display of the refinery is amazing as is the movie on the history of the build and how the fuel is processed and moved via the pipe line to Auckland. There is no entry fee but they could have a small charge to help with maintenance.
Written 5 June 2019
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.

MLScobie
Hamilton, New Zealand15 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2019 • Couples
We were recommended a visit by friends who came a few weeks ago. We "googled" before hauling our caravan there and were told that it opened at 10am. The sign outside the car park also told us that the centre opened at 10am. Very annoyed to find a scruffy sign on the main door informing us that they are now closed at weekends.
Written 8 March 2019
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.

Steve G
Omakau, New Zealand38 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2018 • Family
I know it sounds strange visiting a oil refinery information center but this place was awesome. The lovely lady on duty was so helpful and genuine. The model is IMPRESSIVE and a must see.
Written 20 July 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.

Robinjyates
Auckland, New Zealand91 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2018 • Couples
This is truly a hidden gem.
When I suggested to my wife that we call in at the Marsden Point Oil Refinery Visitor Centre she did not jump for joy, but later admitted that was a great experience. The centrepiece is a 150m2 fine detailed model of the refinery that was built to assist with its construction. Its accurate to every last pipe and valve and is lit up with batteries of spot lights. A bank of seats run the full 50m length of the model and there is a large video screen in the centre rear above the model so most seats have a clear view.
As the 20 minute video presentation begins the lights on the model are extinguished focusing the audience attention on the screen. As different parts/features of the refinery are explained on the video that section of the model is spot lit. Besides being technical educational the whole presentation, video, sound track and light show, is great entertainment and very professionally presented. As my wife put it "I may not be able to explain how an Oil Refinery works, but I do now have a reasonable idea and can understand what people and the media are on about when stories about oil appear in the media"
Down stairs, before the show, there is a scale model of the route taken by the oil pipeline from the refinery to the bulk storage and distribution centre at Wiri South Auckland. After the video show, which includes a 24 hour day, sunset, night and sunrise sequence, there is a comprehensive static display that those technically minded can review all the facts, figure and processing details that were covered in the video show plus more. There are also a number of smaller video presentations on oil exploration and drilling in separate viewing areas.
A world class presentation, similar in many ways to the ones we used to visit in Hong Kong when they had the worlds 5 largest construction projects all going at the same time.
And its free
Written 12 July 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.

Shelley S
Auckland, New Zealand8 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2017 • Family
This is a very informative display with a video & lit model describing New Zealand's oil manufacture and distribution. The video is about 20 minutes & then you can wander thru the rest of the displays at your leisure. Surprisingly interesting.
Written 3 January 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.

DavidandSuzanne
Hamilton, New Zealand186 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2017 • Friends
Lots of good displays, with loads of information about the Refinery operation and history. The large model of the complex is fascinating.
Written 7 November 2017
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.

Bluebird2004
Helensville, New Zealand32 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2017 • Family
Popped in to have a look. Really interesting displays & a very informative presentation about the oil refinery. The models were really amazing & so much detail. Worth the look.
Written 21 October 2017
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.

George8599
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2017 • Family
Last week we visited this place and it is very good for the kids. They came to know about the oil refining process and from where it comes from. Overall kids enjoyed it.
Written 18 May 2017
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.

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PORT MARSDEN OIL REFINERY VISITOR CENTER: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Port Marsden Oil Refinery Visitor Center