What makes it 90% Kids-Friendly: Hands-on science centre, climb-in helicopters, steam-train Live Days and unlimited tram rides keep under-12s learning and active, while nearby toilets and food rooms ease supervision for parents.
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A 2–3 hour visit lets your family explore key exhibits and ride the tram without rushing younger children.
Heritage Tram Ride:
Board the vintage tram between Great North Road and Motions Road.
Tip: Catch the first tram at 10 AM to avoid queues and enjoy a round‐trip past Western Springs Park.
Eagle Police Helicopter:
Climb into the retired ‘Eagle’ helicopter in the Aviation Hall.
Tip: Let kids flip the switches and press the buttons for a hands-on experience.
Te Puawānanga Science Centre:
Interact with simple machines and chemical reaction demos.
Tip: Head here right after the tram to beat the midday crowd and secure workstations.
Live Day Activities:
Join monthly Live Days (3rd Sunday) for steam train rides, blacksmith demos and pony-trap rides.
Tip: Check the MOTAT calendar and arrive at 10 AM to join the first steam train departure.
Print Shop Souvenir:
Watch volunteers run letterpress presses and print your own keepsake.
Tip: Visit on Wednesday, Thursday or Sunday when the workshop is in action.

Kim Seaward
The MOTAT Christmas lights was awesome. Such a nice environment to make it feel like Christmas. Lots of live music, a silent disco, lots of the transport sections open late into the night to see it all in action. Heaps of food trucks. Loved the candy making demo. Gates opened at 8pm but we sought roadside parking at 715, which was a good idea as it filled fast and we still ended up queueing for ha...
Deborah Cotter
It's been many years since my last visit - wonderful to explore the different buildings and displays of the original site, then to check out the amazing Aviation Hangar Displays in Motat Part 2, by accessing via a free 🚊 return tram ride that runs between the properties = all included in the price of your ticket!
Mark Fookes
The aviation section is fantastic, the aircraft are in great shape and Preston an excellent environment with knowledgeable staff. The other section on cars, communication, etc is a bit more basic and more tailored to kids and school groups.
Joe Ninety
Very good place for the family to spend the day. Plenty of parking and some great activities including the tram ride between the MOTAT locations. The aircraft in the hangers are wonderful as well as the steam pumping stations. There is even some old cars and a R100 rotary Mazda engined car for the lads.
Gary Brydon
After not having been there for over 40 years I was very disappointed. The Automotive side of things was all but nonexistent. The old buses and machines all gone except for one trolley bus . The science centre was interesting but it wasn’t if you know what I mean. The only up side was the aviation centre. 10 out of 10 for that.
In summer (Dec–Feb) bring hats and sunscreen for outdoor tram waits. In winter (Jun–Aug) pack a raincoat as some tram stops and outdoor exhibits have little shelter.
Explore These Activities
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Family Pass (2 adults + 2 kids) | NZD 45 |
| Lunch at wharekai café | NZD 40 |
| Ice creams and snacks | NZD 15 |
| Total Estimated | NZD 100 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Address: 805 Great North Road, Western Springs, Auckland 1022, New Zealand
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