Ngā hau a Tāwhirirangi
Forces of Flight

Ngā hau a Tāwhirirangi Forces of Flight uncovers the invisible powers that make flight possible. Explore how lift, thrust, drag and weight work together to keep everything from birds to jumbo jets soaring through the sky.​

With hands-on experiments and interactive displays that let you test the forces yourself, feel the balance of physics in action - push against air, shape wings, and see what it takes to fly.​

See examples of flight innovation from the MOTAT collection including the stunning rainbow coloured Lancer II hang glider spanning 9.75 metres, a Jetpack prototype and a human-sized manu aute kite by contemporary Māori artist Nikau Hindin that showcases Māori technology. ​

Designed for families, school groups, and aviation fans alike, Forces of Flight invites you to explore how science and imagination come together. Whether you’re fascinated by the mechanics of flight or just love the magic of take-off, there’s something here to lift your curiosity.​