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MOTAT Auckland

4.5
·4k reviews·Auckland, New Zealand

Explore Auckland's transport history and future tech at MOTAT, with vintage trams, planes, and interactive science exhibits.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

3rd Sunday of the month

Free tram rides & live demos

CrowdMedium
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Be surrounded by stories of flight with Te Kōtiu the award-winning immersive digital experience.

MOTAT Auckland

Best Time

3rd Sunday of the month

Free tram rides & live demos

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore Auckland's transport history and future tech at MOTAT, with vintage trams, planes, and interactive science exhibits.

4.5
(4k reviews)

"A fantastic spot for families, offering hours of fun and learning with interactive exhibits and historic rides."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Free Tram Rides!

Ride the historic trams between MOTAT 1 and the Aviation Hall for free on the 3rd Sunday of the month.

💰 Discount Opportunities

Check for discounts with AA membership, SuperGold cards, or student IDs to save on admission.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 4,642 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Te Puawānanga Science Centre

Te Puawānanga Science Centre

Interactive exhibits spark curiosity for all ages, with hands-on fun and fascinating science stories.

Instagram
Historic Tram Rides

Historic Tram Rides

Ride vintage trams between MOTAT sites, a nostalgic journey through Auckland's transport history.

Instagram
Aviation Hall

Aviation Hall

Explore a hangar filled with impressive aircraft, from vintage planes to modern marvels.

Reddit
1877 Pumping Station

1877 Pumping Station

Step back in time at this original pump house, showcasing early industrial technology.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Avoid disappointment by checking which buildings are open, especially if visiting on a weekday. Weekends and special event days, like the 3rd Sunday of the month for free tram rides, offer more activities but can be busier. Reddit

Value for Money

While some find MOTAT expensive, consider the value of a full day's entertainment, especially for families. Look for discounts through AA membership or SuperGold cards. Reddit

Best Times

When
3rd Sunday of the month
Why
Free tram rides & live demos
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
More exhibits open
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, quieter
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Auckland’s coolest new thing to do #auckland #weta #wetaunleashed #skycity #nz #newzealand #nzmustdo #nztravel #aucklandtips #aucklandsecrets
@escape.video
66.1K likes • 755.2K views

🎯 Free Tram Rides!

Ride the historic trams between MOTAT 1 and the Aviation Hall for free on the 3rd Sunday of the month. Instagram

💰 Discount Opportunities

Check for discounts with AA membership, SuperGold cards, or student IDs to save on admission. Reddit

Top 5 things to do & see in Auckland #aucklandnz #mustseeauckland #nzthingstodo #thingstoseeauckland #aucklandthingstodo #hiddenbeach #beachesnz #nz #whattodoinauckland #auckland #newzealand #nztiktok
@hannahkoumakis
41.6K likes • 761.7K views
If you’re looking for something fun to do in Auckland with kids, MOTAT is so great! We were literally here all day until the closed, we all had so much fun. For more ideas of things to do with kids, check out the Roam With Kids app today 👌 #auckland #newzealand #parenting
roamwithkids
217 likes • 16.9K views

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 All-Day Family Fun

MOTAT is a fantastic spot for kids, offering interactive exhibits and plenty to explore for hours. Instagram

🚗 Parking Tips

Parking can be challenging during peak times; consider parking further away or using public transport. Reddit

🌟 Looking for an indoor adventure for a family outing? Explore MOTAT’s brand-new science and technology centre, Te Puawānanga! Packed with exciting interactive activities, fascinating stories of science, technology and art.💡🔬 #ourakl #auckland #motat #science #technology @motatnz
aklcouncil
60 likes • 5.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Tram Rides!

Ride the historic trams between MOTAT 1 and the Aviation Hall for free on the 3rd Sunday of the month. Instagram

💰 Discount Opportunities

Check for discounts with AA membership, SuperGold cards, or student IDs to save on admission. Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 All-Day Family Fun

MOTAT is a fantastic spot for kids, offering interactive exhibits and plenty to explore for hours. Instagram

🚗 Parking Tips

Parking can be challenging during peak times; consider parking further away or using public transport. Reddit

☕ Cafe Delights

Enjoy surprisingly decent food, including pies and bagels, at the onsite cafe. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

MOTAT is a highly-rated family-friendly attraction offering a mix of historical transport and engaging science exhibits. Visitors praise the interactive nature of the Te Puawānanga Science Centre and the nostalgic tram rides. While some find the admission price a bit steep, many agree it provides a full day of entertainment and educational value for all ages.

"Very good place for the family to spend the day. Plenty of parking and some great activities including the tram ride between the MOTAT locations. The aircraft in the hangers are wonderful as well as the steam pumping stations. There is even some old cars and a R100 rotary Mazda engined car for the lads."

Joe Ninety

"While the first few halls were a bit boring, the Science and Technology Centre (hall 5) was really entertaining to both kids and adults. I was particularly impressed by the periodical table that lights up. The kids had so much fun charging the battery to unleash on that skewer of balls. The slide between the levels provided hours of entertainment.

The food was surprisingly decent. The pies were solid and the smoked salmon bagel was better than the one I had at Best Ugly Bagels."

Brian L

"It was pretty good, it opens all year long except on Christmas Day. On that day there were ambulances there for people to explore the insides of the ambulances 🚑, also to experience CPR on plastics figures. We then explored the Science and Technology Centre, it was very nice and fun 🤩. We also rode the train to the Aviation Hall where there were lots of fun games to play. It was Fabulous day!!!"

Nina Zhao

What People Like

Interactive Science Centre
Historic tram rides
Variety of exhibits

What People Dislike

Admission price
Some buildings closed on weekdays

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

MOTAT is located at 915 Great North Road, Western Springs. You can reach it by car, with ample parking available, or via public transport. Several bus routes stop nearby, and it's a pleasant walk from some areas of Western Springs. TikTok

Yes, MOTAT offers parking, but it can get very busy, especially on weekends and during special events. Arriving early is recommended, or consider parking at the Auckland Zoo and taking the tram. Reddit

Absolutely! Several bus routes service the Great North Road area, making it accessible via public transport. Check the Auckland Transport website for the most up-to-date route information. TikTok

While there isn't a train station directly at MOTAT, you can take a train to a nearby station and then connect with a bus service. The closest major train station is in the city centre. TikTok

The best way is to take the free historic tram that runs between the two sites. It's a fun experience in itself! Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

MOTAT is generally open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, except for Christmas Day. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most current hours before your visit. Reddit

Admission prices vary: Children under 5 and SuperGold Card holders are free. Children (5-15) are $10, Adults are $19, and a Family Pass (2 adults + up to 4 children) is $45. Students with NZ ID and Overseas Seniors (65+) are $10. Reddit

Yes, discounts are available for students with NZ ID, Overseas Seniors, and those with AA membership. Mates of MOTAT members also get free entry. Reddit

While tickets were previously sold at the door, it's now recommended to book online in advance, especially for popular events like the Christmas lights, as they can sell out. Reddit

Yes, MOTAT is very family-friendly and suitable for toddlers. The Science and Technology Centre has interactive elements, and the grounds are pram-friendly. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

MOTAT offers a wide range of exhibits, including historic transport (trains, trams, planes, cars), the 1877 Pumping Station, and the interactive Te Puawānanga Science and Technology Centre. InstagramReddit

MOTAT is highly recommended for kids! The interactive nature of the exhibits, the tram rides, and the dedicated Science Centre make it an engaging and educational experience for children. Instagram+1

You can easily spend a full day at MOTAT, especially if you have children. Many visitors report staying until closing time, enjoying the diverse attractions. Instagram

MOTAT hosts special events throughout the year, including themed live days on the 3rd Sunday of the month with free tram rides and demonstrations, and popular Christmas lights events. InstagramReddit

Highlights include the Te Puawānanga Science Centre with its interactive displays, the Aviation Hall, the historic trams, and the 1877 Pumping Station. InstagramReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, MOTAT has a cafe that offers a selection of food, including pies and bagels, which have been noted as surprisingly decent. Instagram

While not explicitly stated, it's generally acceptable to bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy in designated picnic areas if available. Check with MOTAT directly for their policy. TikTok

Specific dietary options are not detailed, but the cafe typically offers standard cafe fare. It's best to inquire directly with the cafe staff upon arrival for current offerings. Instagram

MOTAT is located in Western Springs, which has limited dining options directly on-site. However, you can find various cafes and restaurants in nearby Ponsonby or along Great North Road. TikTok

Prices at the MOTAT cafe are generally considered reasonable for a museum cafe, offering good value for the quality. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the historic trams, the impressive aircraft in the Aviation Hall, the vintage machinery in the Pumping Station, and the interactive displays in the Science Centre. TikTokInstagram

Generally, photography is allowed inside the exhibits for personal use. However, always be mindful of any specific signage or staff instructions regarding photography, especially in sensitive areas. TikTok

Drone usage is typically restricted at attractions like MOTAT to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors. It's best to check MOTAT's official policy on drone usage before flying. TikTok

Morning light can be great for outdoor shots of the trams and grounds. For indoor exhibits, lighting conditions will vary, but the Science Centre offers dynamic visual elements. TikTok

While personal photography is usually permitted, commercial photography or filming may require prior permission. Always respect the privacy of other visitors. TikTok

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