Future-Proofing our Iconic Tramway
Essential upgrades to the Western Springs Tramway
Essential upgrade work will be carried out on the Western Springs Tramway, from February to June this year, to maintain the long-term safety and reliability of this living history experience. These improvements ensure our meticulously restored heritage trams are not damaged on worn tracks and can continue to operate, bringing joy to thousands of visitors and the local community, for decades to come.
You will still be able to ride a tram every day during these works, but works do require a partial closure of the tracks and the service will differ from the normal route.
Trams won't be able to travel all the way between MOTAT Great North Road and the Aviation Hall, while work continues. A replacement bus service will operate on weekends and public holidays.
We apologise for the inconvenience and disruption to this much-loved service, and thank you for your understanding as we ensure the safety and future of our tramway. Thank you also to everyone who donated to the Adopt A Tram campaign allowing us to get work underway ... it’s not too late to climb aboard and help fund the final part of the upgrade works!
The work will be carried out in two stages and here’s what you need to know about the project to plan your next visit:
Stage 1: From 10 February and 10 April, work will take place at two locations on the tracks along Motions Road. During this time, trams will operate between MOTAT Great North Road and the tram stop outside the zoo. They will not be able to travel to the Aviation Hall.
April School Holidays: From 11-27 April, normal services will resume with trams running between Great North Road and the Aviation Hall.
Stage 2: From 28 April to 19 June, upgrade work will take place on the passing loop at the corner of Great North and Motions Roads. During this time tram rides will be limited to along Great North Road, to the corner of Motions Road and back.
Please note: On weekends (SAT&SUN) and public holidays an alternative bus service will be provided.
Please see the below FAQs for more information on the tramway upgrade:
In 2025, together with the support of Auckland Council and other partners, MOTAT is embarking on a major project to upgrade sections of the Western Springs Tramway.
Our heritage trams are integral to MOTAT’s museum experience. As working artefacts, they provide visitors with a unique opportunity to experience this significant part of New Zealand’s transport history. The trams also provide a free public transport link around Western Springs. During the past 60 years, MOTAT has lovingly restored and preserved these trams, but the tracks they run on are nearly 100 years old in some places and critical sections near Great North Road, Motions Road, Auckland Zoo and Western Springs College need replacement. The works will begin on the “S-bend” near the college before moving to the Motions Road crossing and lastly to the passing loop at the corner of Great North and Motions Roads.
We’re excited to finally be able to make these tramway track upgrades after much planning and fundraising, as it’s important that we do this now to future-proof keeping the trams on the tracks active in Te Wai Ōrea Western Springs precinct.
Yes. You can most definitely still enjoy a tram ride every day you visit MOTAT, but the route will be shorter during the upgrade works and not go all the way to the Aviation Hall, due to the partial closure of the tracks.
Between 10 Feb and 10 April, trams will travel from MOTAT Great North Road to the tram stop outside the Zoo, and back, daily.
Between 28 April to 19 June, trams will be limited to travelling along Great North Road only.
On weekends (SAT&SUN) and public holidays an alternative bus service will operate between MOTAT Great North Road and the Aviation Hall.
Only during the April school holidays. From 10 February to 10 April and from 28 April to 19 June the trams will not be able to go all the way to the Aviation Hall, due to the partial closure of the track.
On weekends (SAT&SUN) and public holidays an alternative bus service will operate between MOTAT Great North Road and the Aviation Hall.
Absolutely, you can park at the Aviation Hall carpark as usual. Just remember trams won’t be travelling to or from the Aviation Hall tram stop. From 10 February to 10 April, your closest tram stop will be the zoo tram stop on Motions Road. This is a 700-metre, or approx. 10-minute walk from the Aviation Hall car park.
On weekends (SAT&SUN) and public holidays an alternative bus service will operate between MOTAT Great North Road and the Aviation Hall.
On weekends and public holidays only, a replacement bus service will operate at regular intervals between the two sites. Buses will depart hourly, on the hour, from Stadium Road; and hourly on the half-hour from the front of the Aviation Hall.
Buses will depart from Stadium Road at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.
Buses will depart from the front of the Aviation Hall, Motions Road at 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm
During the week (MON-FRI) you can walk between the Aviation Hall carpark and zoo tram stop, where you can catch a tram to MOTAT Great North Road – this is a 700-metre or approx. 10-minute walk. This will be an option during stage 1 of the works only.
You can use your own car to travel between the Aviation Hall and MOTAT Great North Road, or cycle or scooter.
If you are keen to get your steps in, you could walk the whole way between sites, taking the scenic route through Te Wai Orea Western Springs. Don’t forget you will still need to enter MOTAT at Gate A on Great North Road. This is a 1.8km journey and takes the average adult approx. 25 minutes to walk it.
On weekends (SAT&SUN) and public holidays an alternative bus service will operate between MOTAT Great North Road and the Aviation Hall.