Back in time at MOTAT

It did not bode well. Less than 30 minutes after excitedly entering MOTAT, Miss 6, Mr 8 and his mate, Mr 7, had all been in tears.

It all started after boarding the Voyager 1, an animated roller-coaster-like ride which took us on a Journey to the Centre of the Earth. Predictably, the boys loved it. But halfway through, Harmonie burst into tears and threw herself at me, terrified, as we tipped and swayed into what appeared to be the bowels of the earth.

Thankfully, the ride was soon over, tears were dried, and we made our way to the next activity on the kids’ wish list, the Tactile Dome. Basically, it seemed like a darkened maze, where kids have to ‘feel’ their way out. After her terrifying Voyager experience, Harmonie took one look at the dark entry, and baulked, but the boys charged through in delight. After ten minutes we heard pitiful wailing and screaming coming from somewhere above us. Apparently, they were stuck and couldn’t find their way out! The attendant was great, and quickly switched on the lights for our hapless adventurers, so they could escape with ease (and just a little embarrassment).



The Challenge Zone was thankfully popular with all three small humans. Honestly, they could have spent hours in the interactive science display, experiencing Earthquakes, playing with shadows, and enjoying all manner of fun things for kids. Their favourite was Flight Seat 5, a simulator where they get to ‘fly’ four different aircraft. Sadly, the activity was over-subscribed by big and small would-be pilots, and after a few push-ins by ill-mannered aviators, I finally got the kids a turn at the controls.

They loved the old school house, the Pump House Beam Engine, and the Victorian Village, where the display of a boy sitting in an outhouse sent them into fits of laughter. (“Yes, that is how people used to go to the toilet in the old days. No, not when I was a little girl!”)

Below: Miss 6, Mr 8 and his mate, Mr 7 full steam ahead on the train at MOTAT.



But enough of the kid stuff: I was keen to see the museum’s latest attraction, Signposts To Godzone. Billed as a slice of Kiwiana, the exhibit celebrates Kiwi kitsch and culture. The kids only gave it a cursory glance, preferring to giggle their way I through the maze of mirrors, while I took in the iconic images that make New Zealand so unique.





However, the kids did deign to take a look at the recreation of a Kiwi lounge room circa the 70s, marvelling at its daggy orange-brown decor. “Mum where’s the remote?” said one boy. “Why is the TV so small?” said the other.



They had a few laughs playing the giant games of snakes and ladders, and Connect 4, before hunger won out and we went in search of food. The café offered a selection of sandwiches, wraps and sushi, but the boys tucked into chicken nuggets and chips. The nuggets were pronounced delicious, but the chips were soggy, and there were far too many for an adult, let alone a child. Miss 6 put her hot dog down in disgust, and I couldn’t blame her. It had been over-microwaved to the point where the roll and sausage were hard and tasteless.

The boys wanted another turn on Voyager 1 – this time, the Journey to Eden over New Zealand’s southern alps. Unfortunately, a teary Miss 6 refused to go back in, and the attendant said the boys weren’t allowed without an adult to supervise them. They were disappointed, but a browse in the gift shop placated them. Unlike most souvenir shops, there were actually some reasonably priced knick-knacks for the kids, including some nifty laser ‘fingers’ for around $6.

After the obligatory tramcar rides, it was time for home – and despite the early tears, the day ended very happily. For the entry fee, MOTAT has to be one of the best-value family days out in Auckland.

TIPS:
• Go on weekends and school holidays when there are extra experiences included in the entry fee. These school holidays MOTAT is running a Make It Move exhibitions, where kids can learn how machines work, fly their own gliders, be scientists or inventors, and more.
• The Pumphouse Beam Engine usually runs every Thursday afternoon 12pm to 1pm and 2pm to 3pm. It also runs on special MOTAT events.
• The Blacksmith works in the forge on Tuesdays and Thursdays 11am - 12.30pm, 1pm - 3.30pm.
• No need to take umbrellas – they are readily available at the museum.
• Pack a picnic if café food doesn’t appeal. The grounds are gorgeous.
• A spare adult would be handy if you have a mix of nervy and hardy kids, so no one gets left out.
• Adults $14, Under-16s and seniors $7, Family (2 adults and up to 4 kids) $30, Under 5s FREE

Phone 0800 668 2869 or go to www.motat.co.nz for more information.

Story and photos, Bronwyn Marquardt, June 2009.