Last updated June 2026
Faraday Museum of Technology is Hawke’s Bay’s dedicated hands-on museum of historical machines, gadgets and everyday technology. Visitors can touch, pull levers, push buttons and operate working exhibits that show how things functioned from the early 1900s onward. The museum occupies a heritage building on Faraday Street in Napier South, the site of Napier’s former power house. It is run by volunteers and draws much of its collection from local donations. The facility is open four days a week outside school holidays and daily during New Zealand school holidays, excluding public holidays.
Practical Information
| Address | 2b Faraday Street, Napier |
| Hours | Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 9.30am–3.30pm; Monday–Saturday during school holidays (closed public holidays) |
| Cost | Adults $12; children (under 15) $5.50; seniors and Community Services Card holders $10; family pass (2 adults, 2 children) $30 (fees for 1 July 2025–30 June 2026) |
| Experience | Hands-on — touch, hold, pull levers and operate exhibits |
| Good for | Families with children, technology enthusiasts, history buffs, rainy days |
| Accessibility | Mostly accessible; check directly for specific needs |
| Parking | Free street parking nearby |
About Faraday Museum of Technology
Faraday Museum of Technology occupies the former Napier power house on Faraday Street. The building supplied electricity to the city in its early years and later contributed to the national grid. The museum encourages visitors to interact directly with the collection rather than viewing items behind glass. Staff and volunteers demonstrate equipment and explain its historical context.
The collection focuses on applied science and technology from the Industrial Revolution onward. Exhibits trace changes in communication, domestic appliances, industrial machinery and transport. Many items were donated by Hawke’s Bay families and businesses and are maintained by enthusiasts.
The museum began in 1979 when a group formed to save a Fullagar engine from scrap. It operated from temporary sites before moving to Faraday Street and opening as the Faraday Centre in 1993. The facility was renamed the Faraday Museum of Technology in 2022. Faraday Street itself is named after the 19th-century scientist Michael Faraday.
Collection Highlights
The museum displays vintage radios, telegraphs, early telephones and gramophones that illustrate the evolution of communication. Domestic appliances include cookers, washing machines, vacuum cleaners, sewing machines and irons that show how household technology changed daily life.
Industrial machinery features working lathes, presses and tools that demonstrate the impact of mechanisation in regional New Zealand. Transport exhibits include old vehicles, engines and motorbikes. Interactive science demonstrations and a notable Tesla coil display are also available.
Visiting With Kids
The hands-on format makes the museum particularly suitable for families. Children can operate equipment at most exhibits, which keeps them engaged longer than static displays. School-holiday hours extend access during peak family travel periods. A typical visit lasts 1–2 hours, though families often stay longer when children become absorbed in the interactive elements.
What Visitors Often Say
Reviewers highlight the museum as an excellent rainy-day activity for families in Napier. The interactive exhibits allow children and adults to engage directly with vintage radios, appliances and machinery, creating an engaging experience that differs from traditional display-only museums.
Practical advice from visitors includes confirming opening days in advance, as the museum operates only four days per week outside school holidays. Many recommend allowing extra time beyond the minimum one to two hours, especially when demonstrations such as the Tesla coil or engine runs are scheduled. The modest entry fee is frequently described as good value given the level of interaction.
Where to Learn More
Faraday Museum of Technology official site: current opening hours, entry fees, group bookings and exhibition details.
Napier City Council — Faraday Museum of Technology: official facility page with history and visitor information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Faraday Museum of Technology located?
At 2b Faraday Street, Napier, in the former power house building.
What are the opening hours?
Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 9.30am–3.30pm. Open Monday–Saturday during New Zealand school holidays. Closed on public holidays.
How much does entry cost?
Adults $12, children under 15 $5.50, seniors and Community Services Card holders $10, family pass (2 adults + 2 children) $30. Fees current for 1 July 2025–30 June 2026.
Can visitors touch the exhibits?
Yes. The museum is designed for hands-on interaction. Visitors are encouraged to touch, hold, pull levers and operate equipment.
Is the museum suitable for children?
Yes. It is one of Napier’s popular family attractions, especially on rainy days, due to the interactive exhibits.
How long should I allow for a visit?
Plan for 1–2 hours. Families often stay longer when children engage with the interactive displays.
Is there parking available?
Free street parking is available nearby.
Does the museum offer group bookings or demonstrations?
Group rates are available. Special demonstrations such as the Tesla coil and engine runs occur at scheduled times.
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