MOTAT Taiwhanga Rererangi - Aviation Hall
Visit Taiwhanga Rererangi - Aviation Hall at Motions Road and discover the exciting stories of aviation in Aotearoa.
The MOTAT Taiwhanga Rererangi - Aviation Hall is a multi-award-winning space which hosts a large collection of recreational, military, topdressing, and commercial aircraft.
The collection celebrates the evolution of New Zealand aviation since February 1911 when Vivian Walsh achieved sustained and controlled flight in a British Howard Wright biplane.
Forces of Flight
Ngā hau a Tāwhirirangi Forces of Flight uncovers the invisible powers that make flight possible. Explore how lift, thrust, drag and weight work together to keep everything from birds to jumbo jets soaring through the sky.
With hands-on experiments and interactive displays that let you test the forces yourself, feel the balance of physics in action - push against air, shape wings, and see what it takes to fly.
Find out more about this exhibition here.
Te Kōtiu: An immersive digital experience
Be surrounded by the sights, sounds and stories of flight in New Zealand with Te Kōtiu, an award-winning immersive digital experience.
From the migration of our native Kuaka, to celebrating the growing diversity within the aviation and space industries, Te Kōtiu (meaning to swoop) showcases key moments in aviation in Aotearoa with stunning immersive digital projection throughout the Aviation Hall.
Find out more about this exciting experience here.
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360-degree Photography
The Aviation Hall offers an innovative exhibit featuring 360-degree photography of collection cockpits. This immersive visual experience provides visitors with a detailed view of the interior of various aircraft. By leveraging high-quality panoramic photography, guests can explore the cockpits of a wide range of aircraft from the extensive collection at the Aviation Hall, gaining insights into the intricacies and technology of aviation design and control systems.
New Zealand Police helicopter interactive
Perfect for children, the Aviation Hall offers an interactive exhibit focused on the New Zealand Police helicopter. This hands-on experience not only educates but also entertains, providing a closer look at the operational aspects of police aviation. It's a fun and engaging way for kids to learn about the important role helicopters play in law enforcement and public safety, and experience the thrill of aviation in a safe and controlled environment.
Other highlights include the Solent and Sunderland Flying Boats and the Lancaster bomber.
With a 155 space carpark right outside the door, and heritage trams to take you around Western Springs, it's never been easier, or more exciting, to visit MOTAT.
Collection objects on display:
Short S25 Sunderland MR Mk 5 NZ4115
Short Solent ZK-AMO Aranui, 1945
Short Brothers and Harland Limited.
MOTAT 1982.770
AESL Airtourer 115 "Miss Jacy"
AESL Airtourer 115 "Miss Jacy", 1969
Aero Engine Services Limited.
MOTAT 2005.74.
Avro Lancaster B Mk 7
Avro Lancaster B Mk 7, 1945
A. V. Roe (AVRO) Austin Works
MOTAT 1964.116.
Find out more about objects in the MOTAT collection.