Museum of Transport and Technology, Auckland, New-Zealand

Museum of Transport and Technology, Auckland Overview

The Museum of Transport and Technology is the largest museum of technology, transport and social history in New Zealand. It is nicknamed MOTAT and is famous for providing an interactive platform to learn about the history of New Zealand and its achievements. The museum also provides fun activities and programs to enable a complete learning experience for visitors of all age groups. These programs consist of stories, the country's heritage, culture, technology and transport exhibitions; all put together in a way that makes learning an exciting activity.

Out of the 40 acres that the Museum of Transport and Technology occupies in Auckland, one portion of the attraction is located near Great North Road and the other near Meola Road. Both the sites are located about 2.5 kilometres away from each other and can be accessed by foot or by cabs. The Museum is a registered charity that has an extensive and interesting collection of artefacts, including some rare exhibits. These articles are considered to be of great historic value and reflective of cultural heritage. They also provide a sneak peek into the discovery and the evolution of New Zealand.

Things to Do at MOTAT

The Museum has a stunning collection of items mostly related to transport and technology in New Zealand. They mainly consist of aviation and locomotive displays, military vehicles, trams, vintage vehicles, steam water pumps etc.
A part of the museum has been used for interactive displays where visitors can get a feel of certain vehicles.
Also, there is extensive information about the creation, launch, technology and evolution of the exhibits.
There is also a café where visitors can have refreshments.
The vast expanse of the attraction takes at least three to four hours to cover all the displays.

Tickets and Timings

Timings:
10:00 AM to 05:00 PM NZST (open all days of the week)

Tickets:
Adult - NZD 25
Child - NZD 13

Best Time to Visit

The Museum of Transport and Technology can be visited any time of the year, but the most recommended time for tourists is the summer season which begins in December and goes on till February. This is the driest time of the year when the mercury level remains between a maximum of 32ᵒC and a minimum of 22ᵒC.

If travellers do not mind a lower temperature, they can also visit during the spring season, between September and November, when the temperature is mostly between 18ᵒC and 4ᵒC.

Auckland receives rainfall between April and August which are not much suitable for outdoor activities but since this attraction is a museum, travellers might be able to explore the indoor exhibits.

How To Reach Museum of Transport and Technology

The Museum of Transport and Technology is located in Western Springs, Auckland. The attraction is situated very close to the Western Spring Stadium, Western Spring Park and Auckland Zoo. Within the city, travellers can reach the museum by city buses or taxis.
The closest airport to the Museum of Transport and Technology is the Auckland Airport located approximately 24 kilometres away. The route leading to the attraction goes via State Highway 20 A - State Highway 16 E - Saint Lukes Road - Meola Road – Western Springs.
The closest bus terminal is the InterCity Bus Terminal which is located about 5 kilometres away. The route to the museum from the bus terminal goes via SH 16 – Helensville – Waitakere – Grey Lyn/ MOTAT – St Lukes Road.
Likewise, the closest railway station, the Auckland Strand Railway Station, is located 6.6 kilometres away and the route leading from the railway junction to the attraction goes via – SH 16 - Grey Lyn/ MOTAT – St Lukes Road – Great North Road.