Transport your guests to an event destination to remember. With atmospheric surroundings unlike those you’ll find anywhere else, Invercargill-based Transport World craft memorable event experiences customised to your imagination in two spectacular venues.
Bill Richardson Transport World
Within the largest private automotive museum of its type in the world, guests will discover an unparalleled venue that is versatile, modern, and spacious. With nine purpose-built events spaces, the venue has a capacity between five and 1000 guests, houses state-of-the-art acoustics and AV, and offers convenient access to accommodation, transportation, and the inner-city. From modern conferences to the most glamorous of gala dinners, Bill Richardson Transport World is proof the Transport World events team can do it all.
The Handle Bar at Classic Motorcycle Mecca
With old-world and character charm in spades, The Handle Bar is conveniently located in the heart of Invercargill. Marvel at the sympathetic restoration of two period buildings housing Classic Motorcycle Mecca (home to the crème de la crème in vintage motorcycles, from John Britten to Burt Munro and Brough Superior) in the perfect place to host more intimate affairs, from elegant sit-down dinners to lively cocktail parties.
Why Transport World?
The Transport World team takes great pride in its reputation as Southland destination experts and is adept at complementing events with memorable entertainment, exclusive incentive packages, and strong relationships forged with fellow southern tourism operators. Murihiku-Southland is home to some of the most spectacular sights in the country – Fiordland, Stewart Island-Rakiura and The Catlins are right on Invercargill’s doorstep, as well as a burgeoning gastronomic scene. Our on-site catering team is renowned for showcasing the absolute best in Southland fare, offering delicious cuisine with unexpected twists.
Conferences
Our two Invercargill venues are home to purpose-built meeting facilities. Brimming with natural light and equipped with state-of-the-art technology, every little detail – from quiet air-conditioning systems to unobtrusive entry points for catering staff – is considered.
Gala dinners
Flamboyant, lavish, spectacular: whatever superlative springs to mind does not do Bill Richardson Transport World justice. Bill’s Shed – the impressive space housing a gleaming collection of Ford letter cars, glamorous 1930s V8s, and pastel-perfect mid-century convertibles – is the jewel in the crown. Transport World can work with a variety of briefs to deliver a flawless event for 1000+ guests.
Cocktail parties
Take your pick and host a cocktail party at one of the 9+ event spaces housed within Bill Richardson Transport World, or opt for the refined and sophisticated The Handle Bar at Classic Motorcycle Mecca. Be captivated by flourishes throughout the interior styling at both venues.
Incentives
Let us showcase what makes Southland special. Choose unique experiences such as team-building packages at Dig This Invercargill, New Zealand’s only heavy machinery playground, or get back to nature and explore destinations like Stewart Island, Fiordland and The Catlins. Build a customisable programme to keep delegates entertained from start to finish.
Catering
For food and beverages to satisfy all tastebuds, look no further than our in-house catering team. Our on-site caterers are expert at taking local cuisine and elevating it with elegant and unexpected twists. From the mountains to the sea, canapes to a la carte options, our team will leave your guests raving long after the party ends.
Accommodation
Eight boutique apartments at The Lodges at Transport World complement the Transport World offering. Delight in the details at Invercargill’s only Gold Qualmark accommodation offering, in your choice of two or one-bedroom apartments
Transport World takes out excellence award
The Transport World team is buzzing after being named the winner of its category at the Southland Business Excellence Awards. Transport World – comprised of TW Events & Incentives, Bill Richardson Transport World, Classic Motorcycle Mecca, Dig This Invercargill, and The Lodges at Transport World – won the Consumer Award category at the event.
“Our team is absolutely thrilled,” Transport World executive director Joc O’Donnell says. “We love doing what we do. Everybody plays a part in creating a fantastic visitor experience for our guests, and our team is so genuinely enthusiastic about wanting to make sure our visitors enjoy their time with us. We take a lot of pride in what we do and the way we do it, so to be recognised in this way is really rewarding for everybody. We’ll have to plan a way for everybody to come together and celebrate!”
Being nominated in a category alongside other well-regarded businesses in the community had made the team feel “quite humbled, really”. “Southlanders take a lot of pride in their friendliness, and that certainly extends to the service and experience you receive as a customer at businesses throughout the region. Being named as a finalist in the same category as some really well-regarded businesses was quite gratifying,” Joc says.
“Being named as the winner of the Consumer Award has given our team a much-needed boost in some fairly challenging times for those of us in the tourism industry. We’re really rapt, and really appreciate the recognition. We want to congratulate our fellow finalists for their achievements, and thank the Chamber of Commerce and its sponsors for the award.”
This was the first time Transport World had entered the awards.