Burt Munro's efforts and success setting three world speed records on his modified 1920 Indian Scout were captured in Roger Donaldson’s 2005 movie The World’s Fastest Indian which features Invercargill Mayor Tim Shadbolt and stars Sir Anthony Hopkins as Munro.
The World's Fastest Indian
The movie tells the tale of a man’s life-long love affair with his motorcycle and his determination to realise a seemingly impossible dream. After setting a number of New Zealand land speed records during the 1940s and 1950s Munro turned his attention to the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, United States. Against all odds, the Southland character – who custom-made modified parts for his motorcycle in a shed where he ate and slept – got there.
His first trip to Bonneville as a competitor was in 1962 (Burt was 63) when he set a land speed record of 178.97mph (288kmh). He returned to Bonneville a further eight times to compete and set two more world records. His 1967 record of 183.58mph (295.44kmh), set when he was 68, still stands today.
Where was The World's Fastest Indian Filmed?
While parts of the movie were shot in the United States, a significant part of The World’s Fastest Indian was filmed at various spots in and around Invercargill, including the wide, flat sands of Oreti Beach – 10km from the city centre - where Munro used to test his bike and race.
Beach goers can drive vehicles along the sand – normal road rules apply – take a walk, ride a horse, and even kite surf. During summer months, in particular, Oreti Beach is a safe swimming spot while the cold waters of Foveaux Strait offer quite a challenge for mid-winter dippers.
Burt Munro Attractions in Invercargill
There are other reminders of Munro’s incredible feats to be seen around the city. The Southland Museum and Art Gallery, which is the world’s leading captive centre for “living fossils” the tuatara, has a display featuring the bike and other props used in the movie. Donaldson’s 1971 short documentary film Burt Munro: Offerings to the God of Speed also plays continuously in a theatre upstairs at the museum.
The Cambridge Place Arcade, linking Tay and Esk streets in the CBD, has another bike from the movie on display in a glass case. But for enthusiasts wanting the real deal, a visit to E. Hayes and Sons hardware store is a must.
With a 100m tool wall, the longest in the country, and a proud family history, the store is an attraction in its own right. And adding to it is a Burt Munro exhibition featuring his original, world-record breaking 1920 Indian Scout motorcycle and a 1936 Velocette. There’s also a great range of movie and Burt Munro memorabilia for sale.
And for those wanting a slice of Burt Munro action, there’s always the annual Burt Munro Challenge which includes a hill climb event, beach racing, track sprints and street racing. Held each November the weather can’t ever be guaranteed, but a great time can be.
Karen Arnold - I'm a multi award-winning freelance writer based in the very south of New Zealand. I've had 10 years' experience as a newspaper ...
