MOTAT opened in 1964 and is the largest museum of transport, technology and social history in New Zealand, housing a number of outstanding collections. Encompassing 40 acres, on two sites, it presents a fascinating and informative record of many of the technological developments that have helped shape New Zealand. Major collections include Road Transport, Early Auckland, Primary Industries, Medical and Dental and Pioneers of Aviation. MOTAT is also proud to have a working Tram Section, and a large aviation collection including a Lancaster bomber and a Solent flying boat.
The museum is built on the site that once pumped water drawn from Western Springs Lake to early Auckland homes and businesses. The Pumphouse, with its magnificent Beam Engine, is now a focal point it is one of only three working Beam Engines in the world.
The Pumphouse is one of two original buildings on the site, the other being the Engineer's Cottage in the Victorian Village.
Collection TypeHistoric Site, History, Military, Open Air, Science, Technology, Transport
Contact DetailsVisitor Information FacilitiesLecture hall/Museum brochures / tourist brochures/special offers
What's on
Welcome Little FlickThere is a new edition to the family at MOTAT, and this little guy is the cutest yet!
Take a ride around MOTAT’s Victorian Village and see the sights from a new level on the bright red fire engine Little ...
Region:Western Springs
Dates: 18-May-2012, 25-May-2012, 01-Jun-2012, 08-Jun-2012, 15-Jun-2012, 22-Jun-2012
View more sessions Beyond the LensCome and experience the history of the captured image at MOTAT’s breathtaking ‘Shutter’ exhibition.
Showcasing some of history’s most iconic antique cameras, MOTAT has over 100 for you to enjoy including 19th ...
Region:Western Springs
Dates: 11-Jun-2012, 11-Jul-2012, 11-Aug-2012, 11-Sep-2012, 11-Oct-2012, 11-Nov-2012
View more sessions MOTAT's Aviation Display HallNew Zealand’s largest clear span wooden structure is now open at MOTAT, with the new $18.5 million Aviation Display Hall already astounding domestic and international visitors.
The 3,000m2 custom designed Display ...
Region:Western Springs
Dates: 27-Sep-2012
Fantastic Flying BrothersAustin Leonard Walsh (Leo) and Vivian Claude Walsh are remembered for making the first powered, controlled and sustained flight in New Zealand.
Visit the new Walsh Brothers photographic display at the Walsh Memorial ...
Region:Western Springs
Dates: 27-Sep-2012
MOTAT's Tactile DomeThe Tactile Dome continues to be an all time favourite activity at MOTAT. Kids will thrive in the adventure as they work their way through a labyrinth of obstacles in a purpose built tunnel.
As an interactive ...
Region:Western Springs
Dates: 27-Sep-2012
