MOTAT (Museum of Transport & Technology)

MOTAT showcases the innovation, ingenuity and technological achievements that have helped shape New Zealand.

MOTAT is proud to have in its possession over 300,000 items covering everything from fire engines to World War II planes, steam trains to a fully functioning tram line.

A fantastic day out for all the family. Last entry 4.30pm.

Ongoing Activities:
• Journey to the Centre of the Earth
A new Voyager I show has arrived at MOTAT. ‘Journey to the Centre of the Earth’ takes you on an animated roller coaster ride into the depths of the earth as you’ve never seen it before.

Created by Dennis Hyde and his team at New Zealand’s own Space Dome Technologies, Voyager I gives an intense virtual reality experience on par with international simulators such as those found in Hollywood theme parks. Voyager I features a 9 x 4 metre surround high-definition video screen, and incorporates dynamic stereo sound, a dazzling light show, floor movements and even water spray effects.

Kids will love this extremely realistic virtual thrill ride, so make sure it is part of your next trip to MOTAT.

A ride on Voyager 1 comes as part of your MOTAT admission fee. Rides take place at least twice daily on weekdays and at regular intervals on weekends. In association with Space Dome Technologies Ltd.

• MOTAT's Kiwi Bach
Come and chill-out at MOTAT’s Kiwi Bach! The Kiwi Bach display will highlight everything that makes-up a Kiwi summer holiday.

Everything from the sound of waves crashing on the beach, to jandals, and a swing-ball seat on the lawn will be on display for visitors to interact with and enjoy.

• Birthdays at MOTAT
Give your little one a birthday to remember with MOTAT’s exciting themed birthday party experiences.

With four themes to choose from, MOTAT offers something for every child – whether your little one dreams of flying an aeroplane, making friends with robots, loves dress-ups or is a mad scientist at heart.

The ‘Fly Away Aviator’ birthday party is perfect for budding pilots and those fascinated by planes, with the opportunity for groups to make and decorate paper aeroplanes and fly them in MOTAT’s very own wind tunnel!

MOTAT’s ‘Robots’ themed party is the ultimate birthday celebration for kids who enjoy building their own robot or transformer toys. They will have hours of fun in the craft area where they can play with and construct different kinds of robots to create their very own robot fleet.

Let the kids go a little wild and crazy with MOTAT’s ‘Crazy Science’ birthday package. The ‘mad scientists’ amongst the group are sure to enjoy the activities on offer. The craft corner includes blowing up balloons with homemade gas and creating their own goo concoction!

There is also the ‘Victorian’ themed birthday experience where kids can dress up in Victorian clothes, play games and make a Victorian craft.

Each party includes entry to MOTAT, a private party room for two hours, a trained MOTAT party host for two hours, a treasure hunt and a craft activity.

Birthday party sessions 10.30am - 12.30pm or 1.30pm - 3.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays during the school term.

Birthday party bookings essential, please contact the MOTAT bookings coordinator on 09 815 5808 or email bookings@motat.org.nz.

Catering options can also be arranged through the bookings coordinator.

• The Walsh Memorial Library
Bring your budding engineers along to MOTAT and check out the Knowledge Base in the Walsh Memorial Library. Established in 1964 the library aims to conserve technical information relating to older technologies and keep them alive.

The collection contains a range of formats including books, journals, photographs, manuscripts, maps and plans covering a wide range of topics such as trams, trains, cars, trucks, military and civilian aviation, agriculture, engineering and electronics. Show the kids how it was in your day or enjoy learning about early technological advancements together.

The Walsh Memorial Library is also open on the first Saturday of every month from 10am - 4pm.