He said the exercise was also about raising awareness around astrobiology and getting people, especially children, interested in space and space travel.
Scientists gave children, and eager parents, turns at playing with the rovers and drones while explaining how they worked.
Local Ramila Bhula said she couldn't understand how something so small could hold so much information.
"They're tiny. They look like a kid's toy, something that you might buy at a toy store. Who would've thought."
AUT University professor Steve Pointing, who has worked for Nasa for more than 12 years, said it was great to see so many people come along.
"There's been a few kids who were a bit reluctant at the start, but before you know it there's that spark of interest in their eyes and then they're hooked - that's what we want to see. "If every child here today goes home to tell mum or dad about their new found interest in science, or that they want to take science as a subject at school, then I'll be a happy chappy," he said.
For more information visit www.spacewardbound.astrobiology.kiwi/spaceward-bound-new-zealand.
