Museum & Gallery · Western Springs

MOTAT Museum of Transport & Technology

4.54,818 Google reviews

Younger kids (4–8)Older kids (9+)Indoors

How muchTe utu: $10–$19
Their siteHe pārongo atu anō: motat.nz
Last checkedI tirohia: Last checked 8 Aug 2026

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LocationTe wāhi

Western Springs

Directions Website

What it is

MOTAT occupies two linked sites in the Te Wai Ōrea Western Springs Precinct, and getting between them is half the fun — a heritage tram shuttles visitors across for free, giving children a ride worth clamouring for before they've even reached the next hall.

The collection runs to more than 300,000 objects spanning transport, technology and social history, with highlights including the Aviation Hall — which draws serious wow moments even from well-travelled visitors — and Te Puawānanga Science and Technology Centre, where hands-on, minds-on discovery keeps kids absorbed well past lunchtime. Live demonstrations and immersive experiences add another layer, so there is always something unfolding beyond the display cases.

Families with children aged five and over will find plenty to explore at their own pace, and the on-site café means no one needs to flag. Under-fives enter free, making it a practical as well as genuinely engaging day in Western Springs.

What other parents say

Vivienne Imarisioa month ago

I haven't been here for many many years but I'm glad I returned. The displays are very informative and its great that there are areas that are interactive. We had a lot of fun showing a group of school kids how to use a Bakelite phone..... it was hilarious.... they had no idea.

Polina Outkina4 months ago

Honestly I didn’t think I’d like it so much. Very interesting museum with a lot to share. Cool technology section. One thing to note is that the aviation part of the museum is 30 min walk away or alternatively you can drive there or there is a museum tram that runs every half hour or so. We got in late. I wish we came earlier for this reason. Still made it to aviation part by driving there. Impressive. Though the price of the ticket seems steep, it’s a very worthy museum. Visit both parts, very interesting place!

Read 3 more reviews ↓

Edith Wong4 months ago

It was quite interesting. Enjoyed the science and tech house the most. Guess because it was most practical with what we have studied in science. I felt the display were easy to read and quite interactive. There was the STEM fair there as well. Got 20% off the tickets because was the stardome annual pass. Only thing not much pointers to cafe 😂 Definitely very informative.

kj w3 months ago

The lovely lady who greeted me amazing I wish I could remember her name, she deserves a pay raise (Thursday afternoon ? South African) so informative and knowledgable and seemed happy to be doing what she was doing, loved the exhibits, tram was great, one star off as there is something not right with the aviation hall. I've seen the museum in Christchurch for the Airforce and the planes just seem less shiney and more real, it just seemed a bit fake. I know that makes no sense what so ever, it was laid out well and the families that were there were enjoying it immensely, I just felt the aviation hall was a let down compared to the rest of the place

Ellie Hyde3 months ago

Great morning at MOTAT. The staff were really helpful and it was super quiet. So much to do with a little one. Great indoor play area. The indoor telecomms and railway rooms were our favourite! The tram down to MOTAT aviation was great fun too.

Reviews from Google.