MOTAT Museum of Transport and Technology — Attraction in Waitematā

A Symphony of Steel and Steam: MOTAT's Epic In Auckland's heart, a treasure gleams, A time machine, a dreamer's dreams. MOTAT, a realm where history resides, A canvas painted, where the past abides. Through rusty gates, a journey starts, A voyage through time, mending broken hearts. The air is thick with echoes of the past, A symphony of steel, forever cast. Locomotives, giants of the rail, Their iron frames, a timeless tale. With pistons pounding, and wheels ablaze, They carried dreams through bygone days. A vintage car, a sleek machine, A symbol of progress, a modern scene. Its polished chrome, a mirrored sight, Reflecting progress, day and night. A printing press, a rhythmic sound, Words taking shape, on hallowed ground. Ink-stained fingers, a writer's art, A legacy etched, upon the heart. A telegraph, a silent wire, Messages swift, a world's desire. Morse code's rhythm, a mystic tune, Connecting souls, beneath the moon. A steam engine, a mighty force, A testament to man's creative course. Its whistle's cry, a mournful sound, As it chugs along, on hallowed ground. A vintage plane, a bird of steel, Soaring through the skies, a surreal feel. Its wings outstretched, a symbol of flight, Conquering the heavens, day and night. A telephone, a voice's call, A connection forged, standing tall. A simple device, a marvel to see, Bridging distances, wild and free. A bicycle, a two-wheeled dream, A child's delight, a youthful gleam. Pedaling forward, a joyful ride, A sense of freedom, far and wide. A tram, a city's pulse, a vibrant sight, Carrying dreams, through day and night. Its clanging bell, a familiar sound, A journey through time, on hallowed ground. A fire engine, a noble steed, Protecting lives, a heroic deed. Its siren's wail, a haunting cry, As it rushes forth, to save lives nigh. A motorcycle, a rebel's ride, A spirit of freedom, far and wide. Its roaring engine, a thunderous sound, A thrill of adventure, all around. A shipyard, a vessel's birth, A journey to the ends of the earth. Hammering echoes, a worker's might, Building dreams, day and night. A workshop, a craftsman's art, Shaping metal, with a willing heart. A lathe's soft hum, a rhythmic beat, Creating beauty, from head to feet. A power station, a giant's might, Illuminating darkness, day and night. Its turbines whir, a ceaseless hum, Powering progress, to overcome. A radio, a voice's sound, A world of stories, all around. A dial's twist, a station's tune, A universe of sound, beneath the moon. A television, a window to the world, A visual feast, a flag unfurled. A flickering screen, a magic sight, Bringing distant lands, into the night. A computer, a digital age, A world of information, a wondrous stage. A keyboard's click, a mouse's glide, A universe of knowledge, far and wide. MOTAT, a time capsule, a treasure trove, A legacy of innovation, a gift of love. A place to learn, a place to dream, A place where history, eternally gleams. So let us wander, through these hallowed halls, And marvel at the past, its triumphs and its falls. For in these relics, our story's told, A testament to courage,...

Like every year we attended the Christmas Lights event again. We have done so every single year since my daughter was born and never really had any issues until this year. We have a 7yr old and 2yr old. We waited a good 30 - 45mins in line to get to the tram which is understandable. The entire time there were staff walking around but we got pulled up as we got towards the front of the line. We were the next lot to get in. We had a stroller (not a pram) for my son and planned to get off on the other side where the tram stopped to turn back. We got told that we were not allowed to take it on board unclear of the reasoning behind it. I would assume a safety issue? We did advise them that the stroller folds down making it compact to carry. After going backwards and forwards with the staff member she said we can check with the with the driver if he’s happy for us to take it as it’s upto him now. As we approached the tram we got told we couldn’t take it again by the conductor. My husband then asked if he was the driver because we’ve been told to ask the driver and he said no but you’re simply not allowed it. You can leave it on the side and come get it later. What made matters worse for us was another couple alone had a stroller folded up and they were allowed to ride the tram. Now normally, I am a understanding person especially if it’s a safety issue or what not but I found it very unfair that the rules were bent for 1 person and not the other being in the same situation. Our night ended abruptly as my husband had to walk back to the car himself while me and the kids rid the tram. What was supposed to be a nice family outing turned to custard! Would appreciate everyone being treated the same. Same rules should apply to everyone. We’ve always enjoyed this great event Motat puts on for years, it’s a tradition. But unsure if we have the heart to be back...

Loved it. highlights for me were the pumphouse with the beam engine, the steam and oil engines next door, and the aviation hall. I never imagined those seaplanes were so big. oh yeah, and the tram ride to the aviation hall...super :) Great place to take the kids or grandkids, as some of the displays are aimed directly at them - science discovery, etc. And watching the kids fascinated by the rotary dial phones (in the telecommunications displays) was funny. We used to take those dials for granted. Back when phone numbers were 4 or 5 digits, or out in the country, "party lines" . The cafe wasn't open, not sure why. Some areas had multi-lingual signs, but I wasn't impressed by this. I'm not there for a lesson in Maori. Do dual signs, or leave it in English. Especially as one gets older, it's hard to read signs, and having to work around double definitions is an unnecessary cognitive overhead. One appreciates that the mgmt are probably under political correctness pressure in respect of this. But nah. I didn't pay close attention to the 'village' or model railway [gotta leave some things for next time...] but noticed that the village area was an ideal place for picnics, and I hope the mgmt encourage people to "BYO" . Entry prices are such that the oldies are free, up to 6 people on a family pass, student discounts. this is deffo a viable picnic / gathering venue, and such things gel with the vibe of the place. The staff were friendly , and sussed out a safe place to park my bicycle. yay! 4 stars, I'd happily give 4.5 to match the average, but the goog is miserable about granularity, the cafe was closed, and I couldn't go into the printshop to inhale the fumes from the ink...so 4 stars, but it's...