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Exhibitions

MOTAT’s permanent and short-term exhibitions draw on objects from our extensive collection to engage minds and tell inspiring stories of transport, technology and Kiwi ingenuity.
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Whakatangi Puoro Make Music

Sixty years of MOTAT
E ono tekau tau o MOTAT
Sixty years of MOTAT

Discover the milestone events across 60 years of MOTAT's extraordinary history, illustrated though the Walsh Memorial Library collection and archives.

Now open

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MOTAT Taiwhanga Rererangi - Aviation Hall
MOTAT Taiwhanga Rererangi - Aviation Hall

Visit Taiwhanga Rererangi - Aviation Hall at Motions Road and discover the exciting stories of aviation in Aotearoa.

Permanent Exhibition

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Science and Technology Centre
Te Puawānanga
Science and Technology Centre

More science. More discovery. More fun.

NOW OPEN!

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Pumphouse
Whare Mapu
Pumphouse

Built in 1877, Te Whare Mapu – The Pumphouse is an important landmark recognised by Heritage New Zealand as a Category 1 historic place. Experience the sounds, heat, smell and power when the boiler operates Wednesday - Sunday and during special events. The Beam Engine is a live demonstration on selected days across the year.

Permanent Exhibition

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Whakahohoro – Accelerate: Driving New Zealand
Whakahohoro – Accelerate: Driving New Zealand

Revved up, fully charged, and challenging the status quo! Take a drive through New Zealand’s love affair with vehicles and technology. This one’s for the petrol heads, tech enthusiasts, history buffs, and future thinkers alike.

Permanent Exhibition

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Whakawhiti Pārongo – Telecommunications
Whakawhiti Pārongo – Telecommunications

This MOTAT favourite offers a unique hands-on experience of telecommunication equipment and technology. It's always fun explaining rotary phones to those only familiar with modern phones and mobiles.

Permanent Exhibition

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Tereina Iti – Model Railway
Tereina Iti – Model Railway

A MOTAT favourite for 40 years, but as they say: “a model railway is never finished.” So come and see what’s new!

Permanent Exhibition

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Whare Tinei Ahi – The Fire Station
Whare Tinei Ahi – The Fire Station

Everyone loves a big red firetruck! From early horse-drawn pumps to V8-powered fire engines, discover the equipment and history of these everyday heroes.

Permanent Exhibition

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Kia Atamai – Get Smart
Kia Atamai – Get Smart

Kia Atamai – Get Smart investigates the growth of computing, gaming and communications to show how the powerful machines we carry in our pockets have become faster, cheaper, and smarter.

Permanent Exhibition

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Te Pā o MOTAT – MOTAT Village
Te Pā o MOTAT – MOTAT Village

The Te Pā o MOTAT – MOTAT Village brings alive Pākehā settler life. You’ll be taken back in time as you explore the original cottages, schoolhouse, chapel, washhouse and forge.

Permanent Exhibition

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Kutarere - Scooter
Kutarere - Scooter

Whizz by Kutarere - Scooter to discover what makes this two-wheeled-vehicle so much fun. Kutarere - Scooter takes you on a ride through the technology, fashion and culture changes from the 60s to today.

Permanent Exhibition

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