I have stayed in Napier since 2005 and this is the second thing I have done recently that I've never done before. Why? I had been advised to go many times. A friend visiting from the UK is a physicist and I suggested that we might pop in and see what it was like. The volunteer staff are very knowledgeable... More

What an experience..... From old fashioned steam,diesel and petrol engines to early refrigerators, washing machines, kettles & stoves to the equipment from an old school dental clinic - there is something for the whole family with plenty of opportunity to touch & play with the displays. Run by very knowledgable & enthusiastic volunteers, this is a must for everyone. Limited... More

Great wet weather venue for kids but get there early. Tesla coil is neat. Has a large number of hands on activities.

A mixture of science and lovely old fashioned artifacts with lots of hands on knobs to press. Not many opening times so check first

Went with the 4 kids and hubbie who left me to go and look at all the engines on display. Kids had a great time and if didnt have a long drive in the afternoon we would have stayed longer. The volunteers were wonderful with the kids, explaining everything to them and it was great for the kids to touch... More

Found this quite by accident. The staff were knowledgeable by personal experience rather than by following a script. Kids will love it and will have to be enticed away. I'm a wrinkly so many memories were brought back as I walked round. The huge motor driving an early electric typewriter intrigued me, it must have needed its own power station!... More

Fortunately we squeezed in a visit to the Faraday Centre. It closed rather early in the afternoon so check times so that you don't miss this "toy store for tinkerers." It's very refreshing that many of the items are decidedly hands-on and many others are not machines to just look at, but which have been lovingly restored by volunteer engineers... More

This was an unexpected gem. Lots of hands on things to do and touch. parts of it felt like my grandfather's garage 40 years ago but the two year old still had plenty to keep her amused. We could have spent hours here. It's one for the whole family and very cheao. the volunteer staff were great too. Don't miss... More

Two things I especially enjoyed about Faraday Centre are that you can try out many of the things on display, and there are lots of volunteers on hand to explain different things. Many of the exhibits are from the time when I was a kid, so it was interesting to see these things again- like two systems for sending cash/messages... More