September Holiday Experience

Friction is at work every time you climb, tie a knot, slide down a hill or come to a stop. It's the force created when surfaces or materials move against each other. Although you can't see it, you can absolutely feel it.

Museum Of Transport and Technology (MOTAT)

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Words by MOTAT
Last updated 21 Oct 2026

These school holidays, discover the fun of friction with hands-on activities that turn everyday physics into playful discovery.

Build a ramp from textured pieces and race a car or marble. In the Glide Zone, take a turn on the air hockey table and feel the difference friction makes to the movement of the puck.

See friction make art on the spinning bikes, design and test your own aircraft prototype in a vertical wind tube and explore how shape, weight, surface area and drag affect flight.

Get hands-on with rope, thread, string and yarn, trying your hand at knot-making and feeling how different materials grip and hold.

Plus so much more! Bring the whānau and enjoy a fun, hands-on exploration of the science of friction these school holidays.

Included in General Admission.

Location

Te wāhi

Museum Of Transport and Technology (MOTAT)

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Local tip

He tīwhiri mō te rohe

All-weather venue.

Getting there

Te huarahi ki reira

Town: 6km to central Auckland., Airport: 30km to Auckland International Airport., Bus: Close to public transport., Parking: Best parking is at the MOTAT Aviation Display Hall at 200 Meola Road.