Love / Science

Experience the stories behind the technology.

Now Open

Parapara Ingenious

Innovation in Aotearoa. MOTAT’s exhibition space that celebrates Kiwi ingenuity and innovation, one object at a time.

Silver Linings: Aotearoa innovation during Covid

An exhibition showcasing Aotearoa innovation during Covid.

Opening 29 May 2021 | 10am - 4pm

Pumphouse

Feel the power of steam in MOTAT’s original 1870s Pumphouse. With steam engines operating every day, you’ll see, hear and smell the amazing story of steam in our industrial past.

Permanent Exhibition

Best Reached by Rail

Take a journey into New Zealand’s domestic tourism heritage through this showcase of original railway posters of the 1930s and ‘40s.

3 Aug - 30 Jul 2021 | 10am - 4pm

Village

The MOTAT village brings alive Pākehā settler life. You’ll be taken back in time as you explore the original cottages, schoolhouse, chapel, washhouse and forge.

Permanent Exhibition

Aviation Display Hall

From the ground to high above, an aircraft display that inspires and wows. Take a journey through one of the most significant aviation collections in the Southern Hemisphere.

Permanent Exhibition

Accelerate: Driving New Zealand

Revved up, fully charged, and challenging the status quo! Take a drive through New Zealand’s love affair with vehicles and technology. This one’s for the petrol heads, tech enthusiasts, history buffs, and future thinkers alike.

Permanent Exhibition

Model Railway

A MOTAT favourite for 40 years, but as they say: “a model railway is never finished.” So come and see what’s new!

Permanent Exhibition

MOTOTS

Little ones will love the adventure and active play at MOTOTS, a special place for our youngest MOTAT visitors while their grown-ups take a break.

Permanent Exhibition

Scooter

Whizz by Scooter to discover what makes this two-wheeled-vehicle so much fun. Scooter takes you on a ride through the technology, fashion and culture changes from the 60s to today.

Permanent Exhibition

Machine Makers

Get hands on with the building blocks of engineering in this exciting and family friendly exhibition. Lift, slide, spin and build your way through six big interactive machines. It’s like a physics playground – with robots.

Permanent Exhibition

Get Smart - NZ Wired in the Digital World

Get Smart investigates the growth of computing, gaming and communications to show how the powerful machines we carry in our pockets have become faster, cheaper, and smarter.

Permanent Exhibition

Firehouse

Everyone loves a big red firetruck! From early horse-drawn pumps to V8-powered fire engines, discover the equipment and history of these everyday heroes.

Permanent Exhibition

Telecommunications

This long time MOTAT favourite offer a unique hands-on experience of telecommunication equipment and technology.

Permanent Exhibition