Museum of Transport and Technology

For some Auckland travelers, the best part of the city is walking by the waterfront and perusing the rows of sailboats. For others, the best part of Auckland is touring the islands or heading out west to the coast. For aviation and locomotive enthusiasts, the best part of Auckland is without a doubt the Museum of Transport and Technology.

Located in West Springs about ten minutes from the city center, the museum has been showcasing modes of transport since its opening in 1964. Everything from exhibits on trolleybuses and airplanes is on display at the massive museum, and there is also a focus on science and engineering that showcases changes in technology.

Climb aboard a railway carriage as if exploring during the 19th century, or walk beneath the wings of a WWII bomber that flew missions over the Pacific. The museum is separated into two separate buildings, and there is fittingly a tram which shuttles visitors between the two different parts of the museum. In addition to riding between the various exhibits, the tramway will also drop off passengers at the front of the Auckland Zoo.

There is more to the museum than just engines, however, and visitors can walk through a Victorian Village reminiscent of New Zealand’s past. Other exhibits feature topics as varied as Antarctic expeditions and telecommunications to analyzing the cultural history of tea.

While the museum is informative on any day you visit, it’s a particularly great way to pass a few hours during a rainy day in the city. Or, if traveling to Auckland with children, it’s an educational stop where the hands-on displays create an engaging and entertaining visit.