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Museums

The Toy Collector

📍 Bishopdale, Canterbury

★4.7(186 Google reviews)

A specialist diecast model store in Bishopdale that opens into a vast private museum. Scales from 1:64 to 1:12, covering hundreds of brands from vintage tin toys to recent Lego releases. Free on-site parking.

✓ hidden toy museum✓ diecast scale models✓ passionate owner✓ vintage toys✓ multi-generational✓ Lego
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★★★★★Featured review by Rocky Ali

I was down in Christchurch for work and thought I would google for any diecast shops in the area. The Toy Collector popped up and it did not disappoint. If your into diecast car models, this place is for you. Awesome large selection of cars ranging from different scales! I personally collect 1:43 scale and they had an epic selection to choose from, not many model shops carry this size so it was great to see. The guys behind the counter were great to deal with and chat to. They were friendly and very accommodating. I have already told my friends back in Auckland about this shop, they will be jumping on to their website! Will definitely be back into this shop again on my next visit to Christchurch! =D

🏆 Family Action Verdict

Best for collector families and multi-generational groups — kids fixate on the models and dioramas, adults get hit by nostalgia from vintage toys they recognise. The owner's encyclopaedic knowledge makes it more engaging than any label ever could. Allow at least an hour.

â„šī¸ What to Know Before You Go

💡Check opening hours before visiting — hours are not always posted online.
⏰Ask the owner about specific scales or brands; he'll take you straight to them.
đŸŽŸī¸Bring grandparents — the vintage toy section reliably triggers strong memories.

đŸ’Ŧ What Families Are Saying

View all reviews →
4.7
★★★★★

186 Google reviews

Museum behind the shop55%
Collection depth and variety25%
Multi-generational appeal20%
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Rocky Ali

4 months ago

★★★★★

“I was down in Christchurch for work and thought I would google for any diecast shops in the area. The Toy Collector popped up and it did not disappoint. If your into diecast car models, this place is for you. Awesome large selection of cars ranging from different scales! I personally collect 1:43 scale and they had an epic selection to choose from, not many model shops carry this size so it was great to see. The guys behind the counter were great to deal with and chat to. They were friendly and very accommodating. I have already told my friends back in Auckland about this shop, they will be jumping on to their website! Will definitely be back into this shop again on my next visit to Christchurch! =D”

A

Anne Mortimer

5 years ago

★★★★★

“Excellent. The new site has lots of room to give the collection justice. My 10 year old loved it and had lots of ideas for his dioramas. I enjoyed the nostalgia of seeing favourite toys me and my family had and those we had really wished to have! The displays reflect the specific interests and enthusiasm of the curator. There is a great sense of fun and humour - as there should be in a toy museum. Would also be great for reminiscence work with older adults / those with dementia. My only niggle was that there were no Sindy /pedigree or Tressy dolls to show the development and breadth of fashion dolls. The shop is also nicely competitive.”

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Lisa Mclaughlin

7 years ago

★★★★★

“You walk into a small shop and think " oh nice" BUT THEN you go to the toy museum out the back , WOW words fail me,. Amazing,,. I have never seen anything like it, , I am so pleased I had brought my elderly father with me,. He was amazed also especially with the vintage toys,. Definitely worth the fee!”

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Dan McLean

8 years ago

★★★★★

“Really loved it here, such great memories. Run by a very passionate guy with a collection I could only dream of. Kids of all ages will enjoy it here”

Reviews from Google

Overview

Walk into The Toy Collector expecting a small shop — the museum out the back consistently stuns first-time visitors. The collection spans diecast models from hundreds of brands across multiple scales, alongside vintage toys, display dioramas, and recent Lego sets. The owner's passion runs deep and he talks through the collection at length. Reviewers bring grandparents and kids alike and find both genuinely absorbed. Free on-site parking.

🕐 Opening Hours

Thursday10:00 – 17:00
Friday10:00 – 17:00
Saturday10:00 – 17:00
Sunday10:00 – 17:00

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