The largest museum of its kind in New Zealand, MOTAT offers a fun, interactive, and educational experience. Explore our fascinating exhibitions telling stories of the history and development of New Zealand transport, technology and Kiwi ingenuity. V...

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Reviews

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We really enjoyed their Victorian Christmas Evenings. Only a gold coin donation and loads of fun. Our daughter loves going to MOTAT with her Grandad when he is over from the UK. Love it when they have free months for Auckland residents.

Comment by KL
Great :)

My kids can spend hours here - and they do! They love it! Esp the telephone technology - find it hilarious that they have to dial a number to ring someone! Having the onsite cafe is a bonus when it all gets a bit much for the parents!

Comment by KL
Lovely :)

MOTAT is awesome.  Especially if you have kids.  It's only $14 per adult but you can get a year-long family pass (2 adults, 2 kids) for a mere $65.  There are always kids activities to do and tons of activities in School holidays.  The main site at Western Springs has plenty to keep everyone interested and there are special demos on different days.  These include the blacksmith, the printing press, the lollymaker and the beam engine.  The awesome voyager is on every day at no extra charge, older kids love the tactile dome and for the little ones there's the I-spy challenge.  They also do stories in the library on certain days.  You can wander around with a coffee (not many museums let you do that) and there's space to picnic as well as the cafe.  There are plenty of really enthusiastic volunteers who'll tell you everything about anything that you're interested in. A tram ride (included in your entry) takes you to the Aviation site where (on certain days) you can also get a steam train ride, a ride in an armoured personnel carrier and a go at radio controlled tanks - all at no extra cost.  All in all, you'll want to get that oh so cheap annual pass.  There's just tons at MOTAT.

Comment by KL
Superb review :)

love motat... go there many times with kids and family

Comment by MOTAT M.
Thanks johnsonchu, we love having you to visit! If you're coming with your kids more than once a year, I hope you know about our great value annual family pass - 2 adults and 4 children for only $65.

Had a nice afternoon relaxing

Comment by KL
Neat :)

As a teacher, I have been on one too many trips here :0, but my kids and hubby LOVE coming here. The exhibits are hands on and there is a mix of new and old exhibits. (Have fun chuckling at the retro stuff!)  During the holidays they have really good theme weeks going on, with activities and quizzes for the kids to do. The cafe is basic but good and yes, it serves ice creams. The gift shop is great for quirky birthday pressies.

Comment by MOTAT M.
Hi Lindabo! We are really glad you and your family love exploring what's on at MOTAT! We can’t wait to see you again next time. Thanks for your rave!
Comment by KL
Lovely :)

We were at MoTAT the day it snowed in Auckland, which was in itself, exciting enough. Then one of the volunteers came over and explained to the kids how snows forms and what causes it to fall as snow. The friends of Motat annual membership is the best kept secret, and the best value attraction in all of Auckland. The kids never tire of visiting this place and there is loads of stuff to keep boys interested. The tactile dome and the mirror maze are perennial favourites! And you can even have a birthday party here!

Comment by KL
Superb :)

MOTAT is a suitable outing for families with babies up! We have gone there twice this year and our little boy loved watching all the machinery. Having a ride on the tram and steam train was one highlight as well as my perinnial favourites the shadow room and the mirror maze!

Comment by KL
Great :)

We dropped into MOTAT following a fun trip to the zoo and delighted at all the machinery on offer. There's plenty to see and learn here which makes for an educational outing for the kiddies, Dad will like seeing all the big machines as well! They occasionally have event days (like hands on science exhibits) so keep an eye out for those as they really inject a fresh bit of life to the location.

Comment by KL
Super :)

MOTAT is great for taking the family, with lots of fun activities and things to do.  That is, if your family likes trains, motors, cars, machinery, technology and other cool things. They have a horse drawn carriage which is pretty fun for the littlies, as well as a dark maze-like room and lots of things to clamber on, in and around. I wouldn’t come here on a date or anything, as it’s really just a family type place, but it’s well put together and laid out, and if you’re looking for something to distract the kids with while they’re on holiday, MOTAT could be the answer.