Truck Loads Of Fun At Motat This Sunday

EVENTS LISTING

April 2011

Truck Loads Of Fun At Motat This Sunday

Visit MOTAT this Sunday and enjoy a special treat as the Museum shows off its biggest and best at the Trucks, Trains and Traction Engines annual event.

The whole family can experience history in motion as they climb on board MOTAT’s historic steam train, watch live wood chopping shows, or watch the mighty beam engine operate at the Pumphouse.

The day is all about having fun while learning as much as possible about the engineering and history of these great machines.

Other great activities on offer include Danny the Diesel mini train rides, sheep shearing demonstrations and military vehicle experiences.

MOTAT’s resident lollymaker will also be in action on the day so pop by and have a look at the tricks of the trade. Or for something a bit more relaxed, sit back and listen to the sounds of the live bands that will be playing throughout the day.

Dates:

Sunday April 10, 10am – 4pm

Location

MOTAT, Great North Road, Western Springs.

Costs

You can enjoy MOTAT’s ‘Trucks, Trains and Traction Engines’ as part of your entry fee to MOTAT. You can also enjoy free tram rides, entry to the Tactile Dome and Voyager1 and many other fun MOTAT activities for one great price.

Entry Fee:

§ Family (2 adults and up to 4 children) $35

§ Adults $14

§ Children (under 16) $8

§ Students $8

§ Senior Citizens $7

§ Children under 5 years are free

§ MOTAT Mates (annual pass) - $65 for a family (entitles you to unlimited visits to MOTAT)

OVER A CUPPA TEA

Visit the Village Gallery at MOTAT and learn about New Zealand’s long and fascinating history of drinking tea at the new tea exhibition – ‘A teaspoon per cup and one for the pot’.

From a traditional Maori medicine to a garden party must, learn what influence a ‘cuppa’ has had on the Kiwi way of life.

From its beginnings, tea has made a statement in New Zealand. The tea tree (or manuka) was initially used by early Māori for medicinal purposes, and in 1769, Captain James Cook saw its other potential and turned the manuka leaves into tea.

By 1850 it had become the hot drink of choice for the average New Zealander and was drunk all over the country in a wide variety of places and ways.

Kids will be interested in learning about how low cost budget brands of tea could contain dangerous additives such as sawdust and how in 1882 the Tea Examination Act solved this problem by stating that any tea sold must be pure.

Tea also played a role in the lives of New Zealanders stationed overseas. During both World Wars the spirits of the soldiers would be lifted by the sight of the YMCA or Salvation Army Canteen where a cup of tea and biscuits were offered to every man as a relaxing treat.

Come along to MOTAT and learn more about the common ‘cuppa’ and its significance to New Zealand society.

Dates:

Open now

Location

MOTAT, Great North Road, Western Springs.

Costs

You can enjoy MOTAT’s ‘Tea Exhibition’ as part of your entry fee to MOTAT. You can also enjoy free tram rides, entry to the Tactile Dome and Voyager1 and many other fun MOTAT activities for one great price.

Entry Fee:

§ Family (2 adults and up to 4 children) $35

§ Adults $14

§ Children (under 16) $8

§ Students $8

§ Senior Citizens $7

§ Children under 5 years are free

§ MOTAT Mates (annual pass) - $65 for a family (entitles you to unlimited visits to MOTAT)

GOLDEN TICKET FOR AUCKLAND SENIORS

MOTAT is giving Auckland region seniors over 65 the opportunity to turn back the clock and relive their golden days for free.

From April 01 – June 30 2011, residents with a Super Gold Card living in the Auckland region, can enjoy all MOTAT has to offer at no cost.

With an extensive collection of objects MOTAT has plenty to do and see, including the 1950s themed ‘I Am the Last Tram’ and ‘100 years of Flying Kiwis’ photographic tribute to the Walsh Brothers.

There are also printing press demonstrations every Sunday and telecommunications demonstrations on Tuesdays.

A highlight for the next month is also the new tea exhibition located at the Village Gallery. Come along to MOTAT and learn more about the common ‘cuppa’ and its significance to New Zealand society.

Dates:

April 01 – June 30 2011

Location

MOTAT, Great North Road, Western Springs.

Costs

Free entry on presentation of your Super Gold card.

TEACHING THE TINY

It’s never too early to start learning, so get the little tikes along to MOTAT for a rich cultural experience and give them a kick-start to their educational life.

MOTAT's early childhood programmes are interwoven with the Principles and Strands of the Early Childhood Curriculum, Te Whāriki (1996). These programmes are an assisted discovery of MOTAT’s collections guided by a qualified MOTAT Early Childhood Educator and are designed for MOTAT’s youngest visitors.

Little ones can take part in fun interactive activities that educate and entertain.

Kids will love exploring carts, carriages, fire engines and other interesting methods of transportation as part of the Busy Wheels activity. Or they can get dressed up in Victorian costumes and explore the MOTAT model railway at the Toys Through Time activity.

Dates:

Every weekday during term time

Location

MOTAT, Great North Road, Western Springs.

Costs

Under 5’s have free entry to MOTAT

Entry Fee:

§ Family (2 adults and up to 4 children) $35

§ Adults $14

§ Children (under 16) $8

§ Students $8

§ Senior Citizens $7

§ Children under 5 years are free

§ MOTAT Mates (annual pass) - $65 for a family (entitles you to unlimited visits to MOTAT)

BE PART OF THE ACTION IN VOYAGER1

Take an out of this world trip on MOTAT’s Voyager1 virtual reality simulator!

Voyager1 has two new journeys on show, including ‘Outpost 12’ and ‘Skyview’.

Outpost 12 will take you on a thrilling roller coaster ride through the futuristic world of Outpost 12, where you’ll experience all sorts of exciting sights and sounds.

Skyview will leave you feeling as free as a bird as you soar high above the South Island following various aeroplanes such as the Tigermoth.

Created by Dennis Hyde and his team at New Zealand’s own Space Dome Technologies, Voyager1 gives an intense virtual reality experience on par with international simulators such as those found in Hollywood theme parks.

Voyager1 features a 9 x 4 metre surround high-definition video screen, and incorporates dynamic stereo sound, a dazzling light show, and floor movements.

The kids will love this extremely realistic virtual extravaganza so make sure you come along to MOTAT for this treat.

Dates

Voyager 1 runs regularly during school holidays and on weekends, and at least twice daily on weekdays

Dates:

The new shows start at 12pm Sunday April 09 2011.

Location

MOTAT, Great North Road, Western Springs.

Costs

You can enjoy MOTAT’s ‘Voyager1’ as part of your entry fee to MOTAT. You can also enjoy free tram rides, entry to the Tactile Dome and many other fun MOTAT activities for one great price.

Entry Fee:

§ Family (2 adults and up to 4 children) $35

§ Adults $14

§ Children (under 16) $8

§ Students $8

§ Senior Citizens $7

§ Children under 5 years are free

§ MOTAT Mates (annual pass) - $65 for a family (entitles you to unlimited visits to MOTAT)
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