MOTAT Museum of Transport and Technology image

MOTAT Museum of Transport and Technology

Tourist attraction Museum Event venue Technology museum

One of the Most Reviewed Event venues in Auckland


Address

805 Great North Road, Western Springs, Auckland 1022, New Zealand

Website

www.motat.nz

Contact

+64 9 815 5800

Rating on Google Maps

4.50
(5674K reviews)


Working Hours

  • Friday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Saturday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Sunday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Monday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Tuesday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Thursday: 10 AM to 4 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: MOTAT (21) tram (17) ride (15) kids (14) experience (14) visit (12) people (12) great (11) museum (11) aviation (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 kimberley O. 2 years ago on Google
    Things have changed this I was here before lock down. Where are the big trains for children and adults to climb over...where are the fire engines, where are the planes..where are the staff!! What you get is children stuff and lots of space and exhibition space.. I was comparing all the museums from up and down NZ to this place but they sure look better now. Left after ten minutes. This is not the MOTAT I grew up with. I know things change but this place is sad and lonely for the likes of the old who grew up with the trains, planes and what MOTAT stood for.. Not going back and I apologize for comparing the others to MOTAT.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Madan S. 1 year ago on Google
    Very good place to spend a day with your family. Kids will have a great time. Reasonable price. And they have free trams for everyone. Some areas are under construction and it will be cool if they open them. Location is great. Parking might be a problem in busy days. Must visit place. Gteat service too.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sita K. 10 months ago on Google • 232 reviews
    These are Christmas at Motat (online ticket only ) It is a very great idea for taking the family out but be aware of the limited car park. I recommend trying to park around Auckland Zoo and walking. If not off the road are plenty but first-in, first-serve.

  • 4/5 Camilo H. 9 months ago on Google • 24 reviews
    ["Great place for families. Lots of cheap paid parking and there is a free tram that connects both sites. I love the aviation hall site, but my only critique is they need more attractions for the little ones. An idea would be to have an actual airplane that people can tour inside, that would be really cool!",null,[0,306]]
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mark S. 1 year ago on Google
    This is an awesome museum and you can't miss it. The people there are very informative and skilled, I had the chance to talk with one of the people who restored several of the trolleys. They are quite a talented group. The $19 ticket covers both the air museum and the transportation museum. Probably the best deal in Auckland for things to do.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 STEPHANE R. 2 years ago on Google
    Today I went to MOTAT. This museum is a international benchmark. The exhibition is well done and comprehensive. I have seen kids smiling everywhere. And this is a unique museum that has brought together the skills to show and operate on live oldest technologies (e.g. you can ride tramways, you can place a call through a old telephone switchboard, you see pumping systems and boat engines with steam working). And there is a place for innovation and the world of today as well. Note: It makes us dream even more about a come back of trams to Auckland to make our lives and mobility even better and more sustainable, to make places spaces !
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 R B. 5 years ago on Google
    New Zealand's transport and technology museum. Very large collection, frequently of very large objects. Accessible by bus. Not much parking for visitors arriving in private vehicles.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Neets S. 11 months ago on Google • 34 reviews
    ["My family and friends had a delightful first-time visit to MOTAT in Auckland during the Christmas lighting event. The enchanting display of lights created a truly festive atmosphere, perfect for the holiday season. Our group, including my 3-year-old and friends' kids, had a fantastic time exploring the beautifully illuminated surroundings.The highlight of our visit was capturing precious moments with Santa, creating lasting memories for the little ones. The Christmas lighting, open exclusively on Fridays to Sundays from 8 pm to 11 pm, added a magical touch to the entire experience.The presence of food trucks offering a variety of treats, including fries, donuts, ice cream, pies, and more, added to the festive vibe. It provided a convenient and enjoyable option for satisfying our cravings during the visit.The affordability of the tickets was a pleasant surprise, with adults priced at $5, kids above 5 years at $2, and children below 5 enjoying free admission. This made it an accessible and family-friendly outing.Overall, MOTAT exceeded our expectations, delivering a joyful and memorable experience for both kids and adults. We're already looking forward to revisiting next year and extending our heartfelt cheers to MOTAT for creating such a wonderful Christmas celebration.",null,[0,238]]
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lisa L. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice Staff and a cool place to bring the family. $5-6 coffee which is fair to me. Cafe and rest spots plenty. Sadly the mirror maze isn't there atm (maybe back next year) also miss the human battery meter 😊 Under 5yr old room is pretty cool too! Lots to see and interactive.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Roger.machiko B. 2 years ago on Google
    Great for a family day out. Had lots of fun looking at the "old" technology we used to use ! Nice cafe and friendly staff. If the gift shop was better stocked I would have bought something but oh well. Had a great few hours here. Loved the Trams!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Shontaine H. 2 years ago on Google
    Fun day out with the kiddies so much fun activities for them too explore. Great Cafe good staff.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Robbo 10 months ago on Google • 92 reviews
    Great afternoon, especially when it's raining and looking for something to do. Plenty to see and do, including a great ride on a tram to the aviation hall. Very interesting and informative. Something for everyone.

  • 5/5 Hong P. 11 months ago on Google • 84 reviews
    The MOTAT Christmas lights show in the evening is so popular, heaps of people there. Tram is free and shining. Highly recommend to book tickets online in advance. Read MOTAT web to check the available places of car parking

  • 4/5 Brittany D. 10 months ago on Google • 21 reviews
    I took my dad to the Christmas lights display as I thought it might be something different and fun. And it definitely was. I haven't been to MOTAT since I was in intermediate so it's changed quite a bit since then and having the machines working with the light displays made for a very visually entertaining display. but my biggest complaint would be that there were not enough staff/security out the front to help man the queue and to stop people from jumping in the line. I could've used the disabled card, as I have a valid disability but I didn't, I went and waited in the back of the queue like everyone else but we saw so many people cut in front and barge in front, or just have one person wait in line and then when that person got closer to the entrance suddenly let in like a group of ten to twelve people (these people were all the same age as I am).
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Tania R. 2 years ago on Google
    Pleasant staff. The space is nice and it's great to see old working machines. The tram ride is great. The hands on activities kept the children engaged. The planes were impressive. And much thanks to the forger for making us a leaf ornament. Amazing work!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jeremy P. 1 year ago on Google
    Having not been at MOTAT for over a decade it was a joy to revisit. Firstly taking the included free old tram to the Air Transport Museum and them back to the displays was a great visit to the History of Auckland, NZ and the developing world. Funny to see things from your childhood featuring in a museum. Many interactive displays for the kids.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kahiro W. 5 years ago on Google
    Greta little location for some historical filming!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anne Ah S. 1 year ago on Google
    Was really fun and something new to experience. Seeing the history of things was also very interesting, and made me think alot about how our world has changed, and is changing. The cars were definitely my favourite part.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 stacey t. 1 year ago on Google
    Great tourist attraction. Bit quite on the week day but I can expect it to get busier in the weekends.... lots to see and explore. Hands on as well.... great way to keep up the steps. Kids loved the tram ride so that's a bonus. Don't forget your sunblock can get quite hot in the sun.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Oliver Vence G. 1 year ago on Google
    Great place for the whole family to visit! It has informative exhibits and interactive displays for kids. There's a tram ride that connects the two sites and the ride is quite a treat! A cafe is conveniently located in the middle of the main site, perfect for a quick bite and a cup of coffee.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Haiping N. 1 year ago on Google
    It was a very fun experience for both adults and for kids, a lot of activities, both indoor and outdoors which is perfect for the unpredicable weather of Auckland. The tram to the aviation museum was also super fun! Super friendly staff! The cafe's offering is very average though.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pravin Charles V. 3 years ago on Google
    Very cool museum having a range of transport and tech. Unfortunately I missed the aviation display because of construction shutdown, rest of it is very good. Plenty of kids areas for Hands on interaction while the telephone section with a couple of knowledgeable people was very enlightening.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 jeverlyn b. 2 years ago on Google
    First time coming in here with our baby, a good place for children to explore and learn. We had fun riding the tram as well, you can ride on it and drop by on the Zoo and ride again going back in Motat, it's unlimited ride.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Graham G. 2 years ago on Google
    The aviation section was being revamped so we could not see anything we went to go and see and activity was toned down else where due to New years day but it is worth a visit Tram rides are great as they are historical..and cool We will go again
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Oberzocker 5. 2 years ago on Google
    Went there last Friday for the first time, It’s been a overall good experience and we‘ve enjoyed it a lot to see something different. I’ve enjoyed their Tram ride and tram history exhibition as well as the telecommunications display, quite a bit of interactive stuff for younger children. Unfortunately they were busy setting up new exhibitions so we couldn’t see everything, but gotten a voucher for an other visit. I suggest getting there via Bus as the Busstops are right in front of the entrance. Overall a nice thing to do, Worth a visit. Cheers Gerrit
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Malitha B. 9 months ago on Google • 36 reviews
    The entry fee is quite reasonable at $19, and students can enjoy an additional discount, making it an affordable experience. MOTAT offers a comprehensive look into New Zealand's transportation history, filled with fascinating exhibits and some interactive activities including morse codes, and telephone switch boards that are both educational and entertaining. It's a great way to engage with the technological advancements and historical context of transportation. You will have the opportunity to travel using the tram car. The aviation exhibition is another feature at MOTAT. It showcases a range of aircraft and aviation-related technologies, offering insights into the evolution of air travel. However, I feel like it is more catered to children rather than elders. If you have a child, they will definitely enjoy it.

  • 5/5 Nikki P. 1 year ago on Google
    Do you have a passion for history? Aviation? Trains? Are you a budding pilot? Firefighter? Inventor? What about an aspiring engineer? Or are you in need of some fun, interesting fact finding, awesome way to spend a day with family? Well guess what? This place is amazing! There is so much history here that you will be blown away! The ride in old trams is the cherry on top. What an experience! Check this place out!. Great light show at Aviation building, the entire avaition history and presentation is wonderful. There is so much to do, see abs learn at the MOTAT. Frozen in time , absolute Gem in Auckland. It's totally worth the trip to MOTAT.

  • 5/5 Robert C. 5 years ago on Google
    Its history!

  • 5/5 ian s. 1 year ago on Google
    I had so much fun wandering around both the MOTAT Museum and the Aviation Hall. So many collection of different modes of transporatation as well as the colonial village, shop, fencible cottages and blacksmith shop. I will definitely come back

  • 5/5 Dorinda G. 10 months ago on Google • 16 reviews
    We went for the Christmas MOTAT experience and bought tickets for $5 per person in advance - incredible experience for the whole family We went at 19h00 and couldn't find any parking and the que to get in was endless down the street , so we drove to explore the city bit and get something to eat. Went back around 9pm and so glad we did! Got parking across, the park so much quieter as most people left. It was nice and dark with all the lights! It does help to go bit later

  • 5/5 Jefferson P. 1 year ago on Google
    The museum is a wonderful experience for all ages. There are several interactive sections, which enhance the experience. There are sections for telecommunications, trams, physics, and a whole seperate area dedicated to aircraft. Would definitely recommend.

  • 4/5 Falencia N. 1 year ago on Google
    The museum itself is not bad, I particularly like all the interactive installments. I was just expecting something more, like aviation history and exhibition. It's more suitable for kids.

  • 5/5 tabucutie 1 year ago on Google
    This place is awesome and is a tourist attraction in our backyard. Has an aircraft hangar on a separate site. Tram ride away. Ticket price included in your main admittance. Lots of kids interactive attractions as well as old cars and the cottages; where you can see how people used to live in the past with artifacts.

  • 5/5 Chynna G. 1 year ago on Google
    Very fun experience if you're into history of transportation and communication. They've made it quite a fun experience for kids. Slight wait to enter if you're using the tram otherwise it's a fair walk.

  • 5/5 Jacob H. 1 year ago on Google
    Cheap annual pass but trams don't cost anything anyways. It's good to support these kinds of facilities! Motat include aviation hall and the main park area which is best to travel by tram. Or, park by the Aviation Hall and take the tram to the main park. By the way, there's Auckland Zoo in between. So the whole fun experience can take up to a day.

  • 4/5 Jarred T. 5 years ago on Google
    Very interactive

  • 5/5 B S. 1 year ago on Google
    Always enjoy visiting, but tonight was extra special. Our 1st Christmas lights event here, loved it. Well done to the staff and security, yous did well. We also got reserved disability parking (which I didn't realize existed) by email (for autistic children), many thanks. So pretty and well setup, welcoming and friendly staff. Activities, Carols, food, drinks and of course the lights. Only bummer was the people with no tickets clogging up the cue, delaying those that had tickets. Besides that was awesome, thanks heaps.

  • 5/5 James Y. 2 years ago on Google
    We went to MOTAT by chance but it turns out to be a wonderful place. There are lots of stuff in difference exhibition rooms which shows the development of transportation and technology in the last few hundreds years. It's quite educational and interesting for both adults and kids. i did find some of my childhood memory there:) The tram (which my boy likes very much) commutes between the MOTAT and aviation hall and you can find the time table at station.

  • 5/5 David T. 5 years ago on Google
    Great for adults and kids alike with plenty to see/explore. You can get tram car ride to aviation musuem and back. Cafe on site with nice lawned area. Worth a visit.

  • 5/5 Helen Andrews (. 3 years ago on Google
    Loved it.

  • 5/5 Hao 3 years ago on Google
    Duplicated comments definitely worth going and thinking of getting an annual pass for the family

  • 4/5 Glenn J. 2 years ago on Google
    I love the old vehicles, and there's so much more here, we spent the morning at the nearby Auckland zoo then took the free tram to Motat. Cars, trucks, technology, fascinating place to visit and lots to keep children entertained. Good bus service to / from the city.

  • 4/5 thushani m. 2 years ago on Google
    We visited MOTAT in early March in 2022. It was interesting. Aviation part and train side were closed. But we recieved a free pass to come back after June to visit the places we missed at MOTAT.

  • 3/5 nurav420 2 years ago on Google
    Motat was good but due to restrictions most parts are closed. That said it's free for little kids and there is a tram ride so why not. Cafe needs more options but there are no restrictions on taking your own food. Alex takes you on a ride called flick which tours the place and was a hit.

  • 4/5 Dennis N. 7 years ago on Google
    This is not an active firestation but a showcase of what it looked like in the past. Impressive and going back in time with the engine a model fireman in a booth answering a call.


Trends


See how the number of reviews and average review scores have changed over time.

Similar Tourist attractions nearby

Sky Tower image
1
Sky Tower
Tourist attraction
Landmark 60-storey tower with panoramic views, bungee jumping & a high-end revolving restaurant.
4.50 (18K reviews)
Auckland Zoo image
2
Auckland Zoo
Zoo
New Zealand's largest zoo, with 130+ species & nearly 900 animals in a range of exhibits.
4.50 (14.6K reviews)
Auckland War Memorial Museum image
3
Auckland War Memorial Museum
Museum
Museum & war memorial in a neoclassical building with a permanent collection & temporary exhibits.
4.70 (12.1K reviews)
Auckland Domain image
4
Auckland Domain
Park
Established city park containing museums, memorials & the entire blast crater of Pukekawa volcano.
4.70 (11.8K reviews)
Aotea Square image
5
Aotea Square
Plaza
Sculptures and statues line this open public space, sometimes used for rallies and outdoor concerts.
4.40 (6.1K reviews)
Last updated:
()