The multimillion-dollar transport-themed attraction in Invercargill's main street has been under construction for the past 18 months.
It opened temporarily for four days during last month's Burt Munro motorcycle challenge and opened permanently on Saturday.
The new facility revamps and expands the truck and transport memorabilia museum started by Richardson Group founder the late Bill Richardson.
Operations manager Sally McDonald said this week the old museum attracted about 5000 people annually and the new facility was already well on the way to exceeding her target of at least 20,000 visitors annually.
‘‘We had 1700 people through during Burt Munro. People were just blown away by what we had. A lot had seen the old museum before but because of what we have done, this is like entering a whole new museum.''
Mr Richardson's passion was collecting trucks, transport memorabilia and construction and farming equipment.
His 300-strong vehicle collection includes rare models such as a 1939 Dodge Airflow Texaco tanker and a 1914 Stewart truck.
The facility has added displays including a collection of more than 30 vintage ‘‘letter'' Fords purchased last year, plus pedal cars, classic cars, racing cars and Kombi vans.
There are also heritage, wearable art and children's play area as well as a cafe, shop and conference centre.
Miss McDonald said a look through the guest book showed many visitors so far were from outside Southland.
‘‘One man was told by a [friend] in Dunedin he had to make a special trip down here to come through, and he did.
‘‘A contracting company in Darfield brought 10 staff down on a day trip, paying for their flights, lunch and museum entry. I think we will see a lot more of that.''
Colin and June Morris, of Gore, who visited with their son Michael, of Kuriwao, on Monday, said they were impressed with the facility.
Mr Morris, a retired farmer, said he had been through the old museum once with his Probus club.
‘‘It's a great display now. Some of these vehicles take you back and bring back the memories.''
Miss McDonald said repeat visits would be encouraged by rotating displays and holding themed events.
