MOTAT celebrates the innovation and ingenuity of the 'kiwi spirit'. You'll see everything from fire engines to world war 2 planes to steam trains to a tram. At last count there was over three hundred items on display.
Kids will love the Challenge Zone. There's a earthquake simulator, a shadow room, a 5 seater flight simulator, a mirror maze and what's called a 'tactile room'. A trip through a room in total darkness using only your sense of touch!
Early Auckland is represented by a 1920's street scape where a village green is surrounded by a Victorian villa, school house, drapers house, a general store and many others.
The Museum also has a working tram and tramway. One of only four in New Zealand. There is also a very large collection of tram paraphernalia along with trams from all over New Zealand and even Australia. Steam trains are make an appearance and so of them actually work on scheduled 'live days'.
The 'Pioneers of Aviation' exhibit centres on the equipment and aircraft of such national heroes as Jean Batten, the holder of many record breaking solo flights and a replica of Richard Pearse's plane that he flew in 1903. New Zealanders like to think he flew before the Wright Brothers but this has never been proven. The world's only Solent Mark IV Flying Boat and one of a handful of WW2 Avro Lancaster Bombers are there. Even a gyrocopter!
Other military equipment, machinery and vehicles all help tell the story of New Zealanders at war.
There's also a wonderful collection of farm machinery and equipment which demonstrates the resilience and the ingenuity of this isolated people. A visit is highly recommended. Allow ½ a day.
MOTAT, Great North Road, Western Springs, Auckland
09 815 5800
