MOTAT Museum of Transport and Technology

“The MOTAT Christmas Lights event was truly awesome! The festive environment really made it feel like Christmas. We bought our tickets online—$10 for adults and $5 for children—which was very reasonable for such a fun night. The gates opened at 8 pm, which was a smart move because the event filled up quickly. Parking was quite difficult to find; I finally parked near Auckland Zoo and enjoyed a nice walk both ways to the MOTAT museums. Even then, we ended up queuing for about half an hour to get in. There was so much to enjoy—lots of live music, a silent disco, a Santa’s workshop, a charming model Christmas village, and a low-sensory cottage that offered a peaceful break. Many of the transport sections were open late, and I especially loved the vintage car collection. The train ride was fantastic and a real highlight for us. The heaps of food trucks were a great bonus too. I especially loved the popcorn from Reglan Kettle Korn and the pies from Pioneer Pie. Overall, it was a wonderful, festive evening full of magic and fun. Highly recommend it!”

“Visited the Motat (Auckland Museum of Transport and Technology) and it was an amazing experience. We had fun throughout our visit. Since we went with small kids, covering everything was a bit challenging, but we’re glad we managed it within a proper time frame. The collection inside the museum was truly impressive new, well-maintained, and very interesting. It’s engaging for kids and equally fascinating for adults. There is so much to see and learn that it keeps everyone involved. The area where the planes are displayed was also very nice and added a special touch to the whole experience. Overall, it was a wonderful visit. I would highly recommend Motat to anyone coming to Auckland. It’s a beautiful place, perfect for families, and definitely worth visiting. Loved it!”

“The MOTAT Christmas Lights event was a delightful and festive experience that truly captured the Christmas spirit. With affordable online tickets priced, it was a great family-friendly outing. The 8 pm opening was well timed, although the event became busy quickly. Inside, the wide range of attractions—including live music, a silent disco, Santa’s workshop, transport exhibits, and a scenic train ride—created a magical atmosphere. The variety of food trucks added to an enjoyable and memorable evening. Overall, the event offered a magical and well-curated festive atmosphere, combining entertainment, nostalgia, and family-friendly fun. It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening and is highly recommended for anyone looking to embrace the Christmas spirit in Auckland.”

“MOTAT is a fantastic family day out where kids can learn through hands-on play, such as exploring interactive science exhibits. The free vintage tram ride between the two sites and the incredible aviation hall with historic aircraft are highlights that delight all ages. With its welcoming, well-managed facilities and engaging activities, it’s an outstanding and educational experience that truly sparks curiosity for the whole community.”