Last updated July 2026
MOTAT (Museum of Transport and Technology) is Auckland’s premier museum dedicated to transport, technology and social history, spread across two connected sites in the Western Springs precinct. Admission includes access to both locations plus unlimited rides on the heritage tram service that links them throughout the day. The Aviation Hall holds one of the largest collections of historic aircraft in the Southern Hemisphere, while the MOTAT Village recreates aspects of 19th-century Pākehā settler life through relocated historic buildings. The museum opened to the public in 1964 and continues to expand its interactive science and technology offerings.
Practical Information
| Location | 805 Great North Road and 98 Motions Road, Western Springs, Auckland |
| Hours | Daily 10am–4pm (last entry 3:30pm); closed Christmas Day |
| Adult | $19 |
| Child (5–15) | $10 |
| Under 5 / SuperGold Card | Free |
| Family pass | $45 (2 adults + up to 4 children aged 5–15) |
| Includes | Both sites and all-day heritage tram travel |
| Getting there | Bus routes serve Great North Road; paid on-site parking available at both sites |
| Accessibility | Most exhibition spaces accessible; heritage trams not wheelchair accessible; wheelchairs available on site |
| Website | motat.nz |
About MOTAT
MOTAT opened in 1964 on land at Te Wai Ōrea (Western Springs) and has grown into one of New Zealand’s most visited cultural institutions. Its collections document the evolution of transport, technology and everyday life in Aotearoa from the colonial era through to the present.
The two sites are linked by a free heritage tram service that operates continuously during opening hours. The tram ride itself forms part of the visitor experience, allowing easy movement between the Great North Road site and the Aviation Hall at Motions Road.
Exhibitions change regularly and include live demonstrations, school-holiday programmes and special events. The museum emphasises hands-on learning alongside its static displays of vehicles, aircraft and historic buildings.
Aviation Hall
The MOTAT Taiwhanga Rererangi – Aviation Hall at Motions Road houses one of the largest aviation collections in the Southern Hemisphere. It features recreational, military and topdressing aircraft from New Zealand’s aviation history, displayed in a purpose-built, multi-award-winning space.
Visitors can view full-size historic planes up close, including examples from the early days of flight through to jet-era machines. The hall also contains related artefacts and memorials connected to New Zealand’s aviation heritage.
MOTAT Village and Land Transport
Te Pā o MOTAT – MOTAT Village at the Great North Road site recreates aspects of Pākehā settler life through a collection of relocated historic buildings, including cottages, a schoolhouse and a chapel. The village provides insight into domestic and community life in 19th-century New Zealand.
The broader land transport collection includes motor vehicles, trams, trains, tractors and specialist vehicles such as fire engines. Many items are restored or operational and are displayed across both sites.
Te Puawānanga Science and Technology Centre
Te Puawānanga offers interactive, hands-on exhibits focused on science, technology and innovation. It is designed for families and school groups and features displays on New Zealand inventors and changing themes.
What Visitors Often Say
The aviation hall impresses with its scale and real aircraft that visitors can walk around. Families appreciate the tram rides between sites and the variety of interactive elements that keep children engaged for several hours.
Staff are described as friendly and knowledgeable. Many visitors recommend allowing a full day to explore both sites thoroughly, noting that the combination of historic vehicles, aircraft and village buildings provides a broad experience.
Where to Learn More
MOTAT Visit page: Current opening hours, ticket prices, accessibility details and transport options.
Aviation Hall page: Details on the aircraft collection and hall facilities.
MOTAT Village page: Information on the historic buildings and settler-life exhibits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does MOTAT cost?
Adults pay $19, children aged 5–15 pay $10, and children under 5 plus SuperGold Card holders enter free. A family pass for two adults and up to four children costs $45 and covers both sites plus tram travel.
How do I travel between the two MOTAT sites?
Free heritage trams run continuously between the Great North Road site and the Aviation Hall during opening hours; the service is included in admission.
Is MOTAT accessible for wheelchair users?
Most exhibition spaces are accessible. Heritage trams are not wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs are available on site for visitors who need them.
How long should I allow for a visit?
Most visitors spend four to five hours exploring both sites. A full day is recommended to see the aviation collection, village and interactive exhibits without rushing.
Are there parking options at MOTAT?
Paid on-site parking is available at both the Great North Road and Motions Road locations.
Does MOTAT offer any special programmes or events?
The museum runs changing exhibitions, live demonstrations, school-holiday experiences and special events throughout the year; check the website for current details.
Can I visit just one site?
Admission covers both sites and tram travel between them. Visitors may start at either location.
Is food available on site?
Café facilities and picnic areas are available at the Great North Road site.
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