When it comes to visiting Museums I usually have a preference for those that are aviation related, however I've been known to visit almost any kind of Museum as long as it offers something that is unique and unusual. Whilst traveling around New Zealand in 2010 a came across a Museum in Rotorua - 'The Caterpillar Experience' - and much to my families protests, I had to go in and have a look.
What really impressed me about this private collection was the standard of the facilities and the manner in which the machinery was displayed. From the moment I entered the display hall - or large shed - I was immersed in a forest of trees - which was not what I expected - and within this were various bulldozer in their unrestored state, set in mini dioramas showing just how they'd been employed. Once I cleared this area - figuratively speaking - it then opened up into the main gallery, in which are displayed many rare and unique caterpillar products - graders, tractors, bulldozers etc - and a line up of fully restored caterpillar bulldozers ranging from the diminutive D2 right through to the mighty D8. Just when I thought I'd seen it all as I rounded the corner to exit the gallery I was greeted by a fully restored WWII GMC 6x4 logging truck complete with trailer loaded with a mighty Kauri log. Impressive!
For me this Museum was a truly unique experience and if your ever traveling through Rotorua I'd recommend it is one not to miss, as it has something that will appeal to everyone.
For me this Museum was a truly unique experience and if your ever traveling through Rotorua I'd recommend it is one not to miss, as it has something that will appeal to everyone.
