Celebrating 60 Years of Innovation at Aotearoa's Museum of Transport and Technology
Discover 60 years of MOTAT, the Museum of Transport and Technology in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Visiting MOTAT, about 1964 by Unknown photographerMOTAT
The Pumphouse
The Pumphouse and Beam Engine were installed in Te Wai Ōrea Western Springs in 1877, providing Auckland with its first pumped water supply.
In 1964, the Pumphouse was the heart of MOTAT. The Beam Engine continues to be activated for MOTAT visitors today.
The Beam Engine, 1970s by Unknown photographerMOTAT
Christmas Lights (2023) by David St GeorgeMOTAT
Tram No. 253 arriving from Matakohe (1964) by Unknown photographerMOTAT
MOTAT’s Tramway
MOTAT’s tramlines were operational from 1967, repurposing tracks and trolly wires. In 1981 the tramway connected MOTAT and Auckland Zoo. Later the tramway was extended along Motions Road to connect MOTAT’s Great North Road site and the Aviation Hall.
Tramway extension (1981) by Unknown photographerMOTAT
Josh Garrat trialling forest waste briquettes in Tram No. 100 (2023) by Courtesy of Scion ResearchMOTAT
The Lancaster bomber arrives at MOTAT (1964) by Unknown photographerMOTAT
Aviation
In 1987 the first stage of the Aviation Centre at Motions Road opened, housing the Lancaster and other aircraft.
The Aviation Display Hall opened in 2011, enabling most aircraft to be displayed, including the Short Sunderland and Solent flying boats.
The Short Solent towed across Meola Rd (1966) by Ilford ImprintMOTAT
Te Kōtiu projection on the Short Sunderland (2023) by Connor CrawfordMOTAT
More information can also be found on our Collection Online website:
Visiting MOTAT, about 1964, WML 04-2940
The Beam Engine, 1970s, WML 05-2266
Tram No. 253 arriving from Matakohe, 1964, WML 05-2005
Tramway extension featuring Jeep Halling and Ma Shwe the elephant, 1981, WML 05-1813
The Lancaster bomber arrives at MOTAT, 1964, WML 02-1046
The Short Solent is towed across Meola Road, 1966, WML 02-1394
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