Adopt a Tram
All supporters receive an adoption certificate of their selected tram. Donate $135 or more and receive additional benefits.
Your support is vital to keep the trams rolling and our tramway open for all to enjoy.
Every donation makes a difference.
Trams
Tram 321
The Pioneer Workhorse
Tram No. 321 was the first Melbourne tram to join the MOTAT fleet in 1982. Built in 1925, this reliable workhorse served Melbourne for decades and now needs a full repaint to keep it rolling strong.
Adopt
Tram 466
From Garden Shed to Glamour
Built in 1926, Tram No. 466 once ran through Melbourne’s Footscray and spent 40 years as a garden shed. Now MOTAT’s red-and-cream Dockline Tram, she’s a local legend in need of a running gear overhaul.
Adopt
Tram 893
Built Tough for Big Crowds
Tram No. 893 is a rugged SW6-class Melbourne tram built in 1944 to move the wartime and postwar masses. Now essential to MOTAT’s weekday operations, it’s in urgent need of a major body rebuild.
Adopt
Tram 906
Built for the Boom
Built in 1945 and delivered just after WWII, Tram No. 906 was made for a growing Melbourne. Now MOTAT’s vital link for accessible transport, she’s in urgent need of a major rebuild.
Adopt
Tram 11
A Grand Old Lady!
Tram No. 11 was the first electric tram in Auckland, and the first kitset tram for the Auckland Tramway, assembled in 1902 and in service for 50 years.
Adopt
Tram 44
A Rare Auckland Gem!
Built in 1906 from kauri timber and as a four-wheeler tram, known for its distinctive “Dinghy” style of ride, Tram No. 44 was in service until 1931, then became a greenhouse until presented to MOTAT in 1964 and later restored.
Adopt
Tram 100
A Living Piece of Tram History!
Built in 1891, and nicknamed “Puffing Billy” Tram No. 100 is one of only two operational steam trams of its type left in the world!
Adopt
Tram 47
Wellington’s Legendary ‘Big Ben’!
Built in 1906 Tram No. 47 is the last surviving double-decker tram from Wellington and is a crowd favourite on a summer day!
Adopt
Tram 135
Wellington’s Classic Double Saloon!
Built in 1921, and in service on Wellington’s streets until 1957, Tram No. 135 has been faithfully restored to its original livery and configuration by MOTAT.
Adopt
Tram 248
Auckland’s Historic Streamliner!
A sleek 86-year-old, Tram No. 248 was the last type of tram built for Auckland in 1938 and was part of the final tram procession in 1956.
Adopt
Tram 257
New Zealand’s Most Modern Tram!
Built in 1950, with air-operated doors and bus-style windows Tram No. 257 was popular for its upholstered seats and was part of the very last tramway to operate in NZ in 1964.
Adopt
Why MOTAT trams need your help
MOTAT’s heritage and Melbourne trams are more than museum artefacts – they’re living, working icons of New Zealand’s transport past. Operating 364 days a year they not only connect MOTAT at Great North Road and the Aviation Hall – they also provide a free public transport link around Western Springs.
Our generous tram adopters from October 2024 to June 2025 helped ensure MOTAT could successfully complete an upgrade of critical sections of the tramway near Great North Road, Motions Road, Auckland Zoo and Western Springs College.
But now our hard-working Melbourne trams and beautifully restored heritage fleet too need urgent repairs.
Your adoption today will make the difference and keep them moving and on track!
Learn moreSupporter Benefits: Unlock Exclusive Benefits While Supporting Our Trams!
Bronze Supporter | $25+
Join the community of tram supporters with a downloadable personalised Adoption Certificate (valid for 12 months), your name proudly displayed on our digital Supporters Wall and a charitable donation tax receipt.
Silver Supporter | $135+
Elevate your support! Enjoy all the Bronze-level benefits plus you will receive a cuddly MOTAT Tram Bear, perfect for any tram enthusiast or a gift for someone special.
Gold Supporter | $500+
As a Gold supporter, you’ll receive all Silver-level perks along with a MOTAT Family Pass, a framed certificate signed by the Chief Executive / Museum Director and special recognition in MOTAT’s Annual Report—cementing your place in our history.
Platinum Supporter | $5,000+
Our prestigious platinum supporters receive all Gold benefits plus their name on a plaque in the Tram Barn gallery, a VIP tram tour, and VIP guest invitation to the tramway upgrade celebration.
How Adopt a Tram Works
Pick Your Tram
Choose one tram from our fleet of historic trams, each with its own unique story. You can adopt one tram per transaction. You can adopt any tram you like—there’s no limit to how many people can adopt the same tram. You can also return to adopt as many other trams as you like.
Decide your level of donation
You can opt to be a Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum supporter. The minimum adoption donation is $25. You can adopt one tram per transaction, but feel free to return and adopt as many times as you like!
Be Recognised
The names of all donors will be displayed on our digital supporters’ wall on the website (unless you prefer to remain anonymous). Gold and Platinum supporters will be recognised in additional ways. Our team will check if you wish to make your donation anonymous. See our Supporters Wall here.
Enjoy the Benefits
Your adoption helps ensure our trams stay operational, but that’s not all. Depending on your level of support, you may also unlock additional benefits, such as invitations to special events, tram memorabilia or behind the scenes tours at MOTAT. See above for the Supporter Benefits.
Receive a Tax Receipt
We’ll send you a charitable donation tax receipt for your contribution. If you receive tiered benefits, the dollar value of these will be deducted from the receipt, but your generosity is still eligible for tax deductions.
Why Your Support Matters
Our tramway upgrade is now complete, but the work doesn’t stop there. The heritage and Melbourne trams themselves require ongoing repairs and maintenance to stay safe and reliable. The Melbourne trams, our daily workhorses, keep the service running 364 days a year – and your adoption helps cover the vital costs of keeping them on track.
Thank you
Thank you for helping us preserve this piece of history. By adopting a tram, you’re keeping the past alive and the future of our trams on track!
