Wednesday 5 August 2015

A visit to Toitu

Earlier in the week my GKB suggested we go into town for lunch.
Okay, I said, but I don't want to go to the Warehouse,
I'd like to go to Toitu and have a look around 
now that they have finished the renovations.
Toitu was, until quite recently, 
known as the Early Settlers Museum. 
So in we went, had lunch in the cafe there and went exploring.


The building above houses the transport 
 part of the museum - and where else would you put it 
but in the old New Zealand Railway Road Services bus depot?
Very appropriate. 

Some of the exhibits were behind glass for obvious reasons,
some roped off and others you could try out if you wanted.

my GKB on a tram he used to ride occasionally 
trying out a penny farthing for size
Have I just dated us? never mind, onward and upward!

Some gorgeous cars were on display,
 I think I've said before that have a bit of a thaang for classic cars. 



Along with some old trams, trolleys and buses.


As well as horseless carriages,
 trucks of different types and petrol pumps.


But, the best thing of all (for me anyway) was...


...this beautiful Buick Eight towing 
this...


tiny caravan.

looking in through the back window of the caravan
Isn't it fantastic?

Sorry about the last photo, it was so hard to get a good photo through the glass. I had my flash turned off but because it was so dim in the museum it came on automatically.
If you'd like to take a look at more of the museum you can go to a link here.

Of course the museum doesn't just house transport, it is a wonderful visual history of Otago from Maori times through the arrival of the sailing ships and early European settlement and on up to the present day. I think it is great and shall go back one day without my GKB as he doesn't enjoy these things quite as much as I do :) That way I will be able to dawdle where I wish!

joining in with:

Well that's it for another week.
Look after yourselves and I will
see you again in a few days.
Diana

20 comments:

  1. That is so interesting, and thanks for sharing the photos with us. As large as it is, it would take more than one day to see it all. Hope you have nice evening.

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  2. I love museums too...I especially enjoyed the Harvey Girls Museum at the Grand Canyon. It is so interesting and educational. And on a cold winter's day, you might as well stay inside where it is warm.

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  3. I love museums! I think that little caravan is perfect. How cute. Looks like a very interesting day. I hope you can go back soon and see more.

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  4. Love the photo of you on a penny farthing. No idea how they ever rode those things. They look so uncomfortable.

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  5. Love the photo of you on a penny farthing. No idea how they ever rode those things. They look so uncomfortable.

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  6. What an exciting museum to visit! Love the bicycle! Don't fall off!!!!

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  7. This would be very interesting to see. I love your photos.

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  8. What a lovely place, thank you for the virtual tour.

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  9. What a lovely place, thank you for the virtual tour.

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  10. Hi Diana! Oh, another fun trip! Love the museum an the displays you've shown us. Oh, that little caravan is so cute! Thanks for popping in to see me.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  11. sounds like a fun day out, my kinda day. the museum looks awesome!!!

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  12. What a fun day out that was!! So nice to see all the pictures. Loved the one of you on the bike. : )

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  13. That looks like a great time for your day!

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  14. Dearest Diana; The Early Settlers Museum looks REALLY fascinating place to visit♪ I LOVED to see all the carriages, old cars and caravan, most of all so interesting to find "a penny farthing" in your post. (I have no idea about why it is called so p:-) I vaguely remember seeing this type of bicycle in old drama, haha. My husband will love to see this post tomorrow♡♡♡ (he is not home tonight)

    ps. Thank you very much for your sweet comment, I feel much better today :-) Hope you're not having cold winter, Dear friend.
    Please have a wonderful coming weekend.
    Sending Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan to my Dear friend in New Zealand, xoxo Miyako*

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  15. I love these kind of days...having lunch and then going thru interesting places. So glad you enjoyed the day.

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  16. This was simply fabulous, my friend! How fun for you and I just love the picture of you on the bike :) Thank you for sharing your loveliness with Roses of Inspiration. I hope you're able to join us again this week. Hugs!

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  17. Hi Diana! Thanks for popping in to see me. I'll bet your daughter would love some plates hung on the wall in her kitchen. I just love them. Hope you're doing well, friend.
    be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  18. This looks like a wonderful place to visit! I love the pic of you on the bike...I think riding it might be a problem for someone who had a fear of heights...lol!

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  19. What fun and so interesting.I loved the caravan.Over here We call those Teardrop Trailers and they've become popular all over again.What wonderful times You have with Your Sweetie,lovely memories.Oh Diana ,the pic. of You on the bike gave Me a chuckle with a nice big smile : ) hugs to You My friend-Denise

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  20. What fun and so interesting.I loved the caravan.Over here We call those Teardrop Trailers and they've become popular all over again.What wonderful times You have with Your Sweetie,lovely memories.Oh Diana ,the pic. of You on the bike gave Me a chuckle with a nice big smile : ) hugs to You My friend-Denise

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