Old-fashioned love

The MOTAT I remember as a child is nothing like this. Couples sit listening to the live band, drinking wine and eating a picnic on blankets on the grass lit by fairy lights on the Victorian Village green. What’s going on? Valentine’s at MOTAT…

The MOTAT I remember as a child is nothing like this.

Couples sit listening to the live band, drinking Matua wines and eating a picnic on blankets on the grass lit by fairy lights on the Victorian Village green. What’s going on? Valentine’s at MOTAT.

The inaugural event held on February 14th was created to bring a touch of romance to the historical exhibition centre and broaden its appeal to a wider audience.

The sell-out evening for forty couples started with a glass of bubbles on a tram ride, then an al fresco dinner in MOTAT’s historic Victorian Village. Organisors said they were still taking calls up to the eleventh hour – from last minute men – wanting to book tickets at $149.95 per couple.

We took a scenic return ride alongside Western Springs park.

The latest addition to MOTAT’s tramway fleet, Double Decker Tram No.47. This 1906 Wellington Double Decker tram named ‘Big Ben’ is one of six bogie double-deckers and stands today as one of only two operating double decker trams in New Zealand.

After the tram ride we were dropped off at the Village…

…where picnic blankets awaited, topped with full picnic baskets, balloons and a goody bag of Valentine’s treats.

After night fell, the fairy lights created a magical atmosphere. Below: the old church.

The live band entertained guests with covers on a theme of love from Michael Jackson to Eric Clapton.

It was an incredibly romantic setting and – down to organising fine weather in a very changeable Auckland climate – they did a fabulous job of making Valentine’s Day special for all.

I wondered if anyone proposed under the fairy lights on the night?

MOTAT
Great North Road and Meola Road Western Springs, Auckland.

Ph 09 815 5808 or bookings@motat.org.nz
www.motat.org.nz

By Megan Robinson 15 February 2011.
Photography Kevin Robinson.