Chief among local museum attractions is Hawke's Bay Museum & Art Gallery, 65 Marine Parade (tel. 06/835-7781; www.hbmag.co.nz), a museum focused on the stories, heritage, art, and artifacts of New Zealand. At press time, however, the museum was closed for an NZ$80-million redevelopment; it is expected to reopen in 2013. You can check progress on their website.

For something a bit different, look into the British Car Museum, 63 East Rd., Haumoana (tel. 06/875-0561 or 025/231-3916; www.britishcarmuseum.co.nz), which parades more than 300 cars, trucks, petrol pumps, and other motoring memorabilia. It's open daily from 9am to 4pm and by appointment. Admission is NZ$10 for adults, NZ$3 for children under 13; credit cards not accepted.

Not quite a museum, but almost, is Trainworld and Lilliput, 88 Dickens St., Napier (tel. 06/835-8045). Up to 37 miniature trains operate on 800m (2,625 ft.) of track in one of the world's largest 00-gauge model railways. It's open daily in summer from 10am to 4pm with reduced winter hours; admission is NZ$10 for adults, NZ$5 for children, and NZ$25 for families.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.