Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT), Auckland

The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) is situated in proximity to Western Springs Stadium, Auckland Zoo, and Western Springs Park. The museum features a diverse array of exhibits, encompassing trams, trains, vintage traction engines, carriages, cars, buses, trolleybuses, and trucks, with a particular emphasis on fire engines, electrical equipment, space flight displays (including a Corporal rocket), and general science exhibits. Additionally, there's a recreated 'colonial village' that replicates early shops and houses, featuring structures like a fencible cottage and a blacksmith shop.

Within the museum, the 'Pioneers of Aviation' Pavilion houses memorabilia from the early days of aviation. This collection includes various artifacts, such as components from Richard Pearse's experimental aircraft, along with research supporting claims that he made uncontrolled hops or flights before the Wright brothers. It also holds relics from the Walsh Brothers' flights and aviation school, as well as a library and archive of transport-related resources named in memory of the Walsh Brothers, which is accessible to all MOTAT visitors.

In addition to aviation and transport exhibits, MOTAT's printery offers demonstrations of type making, typesetting, and printing using various manual and mechanical printing presses. These demonstrations are carried out by volunteers who create giveaways and small publications. There's also a volunteer bindery group that showcases their skills and offers classes to interested visitors.

Tip:
For the price of admission, you can take the streetcar that runs between the two MOTATs (MOTAT 1 – main displays; MOTAT 2 – aviation & trains). MOTAT 1 on Great North Road is more suitable for children and has a restaurant.