MOTAT - Museum of Transport and Technology
MOTAT - Museum of Transport and Technology
MOTAT - Museum of Transport and Technology
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
With changing exhibitions and school holiday experiences, unique events and live activities, MOTAT is a great place to explore, discover and spark imaginations. MOTAT has a broad collection showcasing technology and ingenuity of Aotearoa New Zealand. Loved by families and an intergenerational experience, there is something for all to enjoy. Experience past, present and future technology and ingenuity through interactive exhibitions, see the original Pumphouse, stroll through the historic village and enjoy a ride on a heritage tram. Our Aviation Hall houses one of the largest aviation collections in the Southern Hemisphere. MOTAT is known as one of Auckland’s best value attractions. A Family pass is just $45 for two adults and up to 4 children aged 5-15 years. Under 5s enter for free. Entry to both our museum spaces is included in your ticket purchase and our free heritage tram service transports you between the two. Go to MOTAT.NZ to find out what’s on and help to plan your visit.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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See what other travelers are saying
- CiderMonkeyCornwall, United Kingdom254 contributionsAnother good day outSpent a full afternoon just wandering around looking at and learning of all the exhibits on the site. It was a scorching hot day so we were glad of the shelter. A lot has changed in 6 years so needed to have a look at those changes and was really impressed. The site has more touchy feely things as well as looking at some both Auckland and NZ history. Included in the entrance fee is a ticket for the tram to go to the aircraft museum. It is approx 10 mins away and is out passed the zoo.⁰ inThanks for your fantastic review! It's great to hear that you enjoyed your visit to MOTAT.Written July 13, 2020This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2020Traveled with friendsWritten March 22, 2020
- Peter20 contributionsGood for College GroupI went MOTAT with my collage friends🙆🏻🤷♀️🙎♂️ and really love the experience there, first I saw the maze there but it was finish so early then my told me it designed according for kids🧒. Cafe available inside the Museum but you need to pay extra for your meal as food is not included in Museum ticket🎫, then we had Lunch🥙 there - after a while we waited outside for Tram🚃 and when tram arrived we all were settled down and visit to the another section of the Museum. Good place to get informationℹ️ about New Zealand🇳🇿 History.Thanks for visiting us and for amazing review, Peter! Glad you enjoyed your experience at MOTAT.Written March 9, 2020This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2020Written March 1, 2020
- MikeAKLAuckland Central, New Zealand72 contributionsAn interesting collectionMOTAT has an interesting collection of aircraft and NZ aviation history displays. (Did a kiwi beat the Wright brothers to powered flight?). My kids prefer MOTAT 1 (trains and cars), I like MOTAT 2 - aviation. Would be great to see the Lancaster flying though. Static displays always seem a little depressing to me. NZ Warbirds have a couple of hangars of interesting aircraft at Ardmore Airfield, which actually fly, so I highly recommend taking a look at their collection also.Thank you for your review, Mike. We are happy to hear you and your kids loved the trains, cars and aviation. You are correct, Richard William Pearse bet the Wright brothers to a powered flight. Witnesses interviewed many years afterward claimed that Pearse flew and landed a powered heavier-than-air machine on 31 March 1903, nine months before the Wright brothers flew. Thank you for your recommendations regarding the aircraft's.Written March 9, 2020This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited December 2019Written February 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
842 reviews
Excellent
421
Very good
292
Average
93
Poor
25
Terrible
11
Highlander65
Twizel, New Zealand150 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Parking is a tad tricky, recommend you go to the aircraft place where you can pay and then take the frequent tram back to the main museum. The aircraft section is excellent, I'm not really into planes but found this collection and the info really hits the mark. The pumphouse is pretty cool, other than that, it's a slightly wierd and eclectic mix of random stuff spread around random places in a large area. We did enjoy our visit, tram ride was cool, the driver Albert really friendly and informative. We were very surprised at how few people were there, looks like most the visitors are school groups for the science sections. We think MOTAT needs a bit of focus and a freshen up. Other than the tram and planes, could be any small town museum collection and it's certainly not a gold coin donation to get in!
Written March 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Denise S
London, UK27 contributions
Jan 2020
This museum is in on two sites - the smaller site (where you park) is where a superb aviation hanger can be found. It’s full to the brim with planes and even this non-plane enthusiast got caught up reading all the info and watching the staff start up engines or get the Avenger plane’s foldable wings folding! My companions had to come and find me... The day we were there the steam train was running and even though it’s only a short stretch of track, it really gave you a flavour for the sounds, smells and feel of the age of steam.
I was disappointed by the second site though, and this is why I’m not sure whether MOTAT is a museum or a kiddie-attraction. With brightly coloured buildings (many of which didn’t seem to be in use) and big bold lettering, it seemed very geared up for the very young visitor. It was great to see the trams, and the fire engines and the pump house, but it was all intermingled with things specifically for children. I’m not knocking this at all, as this sort of environment is a great way for kids to learn, but I would have liked to have wandered around somewhere that looked less like TellyTubby Land and more like the historical site it probably once was.
I was disappointed by the second site though, and this is why I’m not sure whether MOTAT is a museum or a kiddie-attraction. With brightly coloured buildings (many of which didn’t seem to be in use) and big bold lettering, it seemed very geared up for the very young visitor. It was great to see the trams, and the fire engines and the pump house, but it was all intermingled with things specifically for children. I’m not knocking this at all, as this sort of environment is a great way for kids to learn, but I would have liked to have wandered around somewhere that looked less like TellyTubby Land and more like the historical site it probably once was.
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your review and suggestions, Denise. We are delighted to hear you thought the aviation hanger was so superb, your friends had to come at find you as you were so immersed in the experience. MOTAT is a museum that offers a fun and exciting learning experience for visitors of all ages. It is a great place for a family day out.
Written March 9, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rosslyn H
Adelaide, Australia2 contributions
Dec 2019
Our whole family loved MOTAT-our kids are 15 and 17. Our guide, Dave, made it such a wonderful experience for us. He clearly loved his job, was an expert on aviation and we learnt so many interesting facts from him. We spent 2 hours just at the Aviation Museum then took a lovely ride on the tram to the rest of the museum which we also enjoyed immensely. Great coffee in the cafe too.
Written January 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review! We are very happy to hear your whole family enjoyed visiting MOTAT. We will pass along your praises to Dave. We hope to see you again soon.
Written March 9, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Peter R
Auckland, New Zealand19 contributions
Feb 2022 • Family
Today was a very sad day. I visited MOTAT with my boys hoping to relive the Fantastic visits from my childhood and when the boys were young. What a disappointment . All the main exhibits have been removed…no Steam Trains! No vintage shops! The cottages are all locked and empty. No prisoner in the jail cell! No model trains (poor old Merv Smith would be sad), very few cars, almost no tractors, and the aviation section is closed for renovation! I hope they aren’t destroying that section like they have the main site. $48 to see two things of interest, the steam engine in the water works and Bruce Mclarens formula 1 car. Otherwise a huge disappointment. Avoid like the plague. I think Auckland City must be deliberately running down so it can close it and redevelop the site.
Written February 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rani Timoti
Auckland, New Zealand14 contributions
Apr 2021
Following a long break of a decade from my last visit, it was exciting and refreshing to see so many interactive activities for all ages!
My whanau of all ages had fun spending most of the day visiting all the exhibitions and areas of interest as well as taking the tram and Little Flick ride.
Every single person was friendly and super helpful from the time we entered to the impressive tram conductors and staff saying goodbye.
Poignant moments included our mum, in her 70s, reflecting on her time in the schoolhouse including how she used inkwells and in the telephone area as a telephone operator and some of the experiences she remembered.
I love local history so enjoyed chatting to staff about different aspects as well as reading the relevant information.
Poor mum was zonked after all our walking (sometimes running to catch the tram or beat my niece to the next exhibit) but there were plenty of chairs for her to rest while waiting for us.
We were fortunate to visit before the school holidays- so basically experienced everything at our own pace.
Glad to finally get time to make the most of MOTAT- definitely won't leave it for another 10 years or more of my stuff will be exhibited there!
My whanau of all ages had fun spending most of the day visiting all the exhibitions and areas of interest as well as taking the tram and Little Flick ride.
Every single person was friendly and super helpful from the time we entered to the impressive tram conductors and staff saying goodbye.
Poignant moments included our mum, in her 70s, reflecting on her time in the schoolhouse including how she used inkwells and in the telephone area as a telephone operator and some of the experiences she remembered.
I love local history so enjoyed chatting to staff about different aspects as well as reading the relevant information.
Poor mum was zonked after all our walking (sometimes running to catch the tram or beat my niece to the next exhibit) but there were plenty of chairs for her to rest while waiting for us.
We were fortunate to visit before the school holidays- so basically experienced everything at our own pace.
Glad to finally get time to make the most of MOTAT- definitely won't leave it for another 10 years or more of my stuff will be exhibited there!
Written April 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are glad you enjoyed your visit. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review of your experience. We hope you visit again soon.
Written May 13, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Robyn W
1 contribution
May 2021
Motat excels as a cross generational interactive outing and Live Steam Day was no exception. To hear 'Rough Town' performing live in the aircraft hanger was a real highlight as was seeing the Avenger folding and unfolding its wings and taking a ride on the steam train around to climb aboard an old US Army truck. The volunteers and staff are fountains of knowledge and it is one place where children and adults alike are always greeted and encouraged to get involved and experience a slice of social and technological history, as well as exploring "the Future".... another awesome Motat experience.
Written May 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
familyoffiveonhols
New Zealand262 contributions
Sep 2020
We visited during the school holidays and while Auckland was at level 2. The website informed us about displays etc that would not be available which was good, although disappointing to not have the tram experience. The displays are well managed with some good information. The museum was a good mix of displays and a more hands on learning. The hands on learning was great and enticed the younger members of the group. The more traditional aspects of the museum could have been displayed in a more inviting way especially for the younger members of the group. Overall a good day.
Written October 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your feedback. We are glad to hear you enjoyed your visit and hope to welcome you back to the Museum again now we are back at Level 1.
Written February 25, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Roger E
62 contributions
Dec 2022
Brilliant facility, with a number of exhibuition halls - one for a wet day, certainly.
We parked out near the aviation hall and spent ages in there - the Bomber Command display is very informative and they have a complete Lancaster bomber as well as a number of other aircraft.
We caught the tram to the main site and spent another couple of hours in there - we didn't see it all, by any means. The telecoms, IT and Motoring halls are very interesting, as is the pumphouse. It was great to see the examples of personal computing/gaming all laid out.
We parked out near the aviation hall and spent ages in there - the Bomber Command display is very informative and they have a complete Lancaster bomber as well as a number of other aircraft.
We caught the tram to the main site and spent another couple of hours in there - we didn't see it all, by any means. The telecoms, IT and Motoring halls are very interesting, as is the pumphouse. It was great to see the examples of personal computing/gaming all laid out.
Written January 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aleekwa
Asia84 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
The museum is located on two campuses, connected via a tram. The tram is an enjoyable and immersive ride, with a tram boy offering free sou enir tram tickets. The exhibtions on campus 1 is interesting and fun for kids, but some of the interactive are broken. Exhibition on campus 2 is a collection of planes. Design of some planes are jaw dropping or "bizarre", do check them out if you have time
Written December 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter R
Auckland, New Zealand19 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
After being delayed due to the months spend building a new bike lane at the museum, finally got to the aviation section. A very sad and disappointing day. Aircraft presented in a dark hanger, little explanation, few stories, not linkage of the planes to interesting stories. Very very sad. Not a touch on international museums I have been to or the Blenheim museum or Ardmore warbirds. Perhaps gift these planes back to museums that actually care about these aircraft rather than poorly run by the city council.
Written October 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
looking to bring a bus load of 40 seniors, what is of interest for women?
Crazyfornewzealand
Palmerston North, New Zealand108 contributions
Broad range question as it depends on the interest of the women. Has a range from a working steam and old technology(cars, computers etc) to modern innovation. Also has a tram ride to an aircraft hanger with old aircraft including war planes. My wife and I are in our 50's and enjoyed it. Memory lane for a lot of things.
Shona B
Cambridge, New Zealand7 contributions
Hi, could you recommend a nearby motel to stay for planning a trip to motat.
Matt B
4 contributions
my advice would to not bother finding a motel specifically near motat, rather look into the best motels in central auckland . it's not very far from the central city
topsy723
Auckland Central, New Zealand
hi i would just like to ask you a its my husbands 60th bithday on friday 9th june and was wondering if you do anything special thankyou he loves cars old planes
MOTAT
Auckland Central, New Zealand
Hi, the Museum is open on 9 June however we do not offer special experiences for birthdays. We have a very large collection of old aircraft at our MOTAT 2 site on Meola Rd, and you can find out more about what is on at the Museum by visiting our website.
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Frequently Asked Questions about MOTAT - Museum of Transport and Technology
- MOTAT - Museum of Transport and Technology is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near MOTAT - Museum of Transport and Technology:
- (1.21 mi) Hotel Fitzroy curated by Fable
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- Restaurants near MOTAT - Museum of Transport and Technology:
- (0.05 mi) Araroa Tearooms
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MOTAT - Museum of Transport and Technology Information
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| Very Good Reviews | 292 |
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