The cable car is one of Wellington’s iconic symbols and its history is celebrated in the Cable Car Museum. Located in the winding house that originally housed the steam engine that used to power the winding mechanisms that hauled the cable cars along the track, visitors can learn about the importance of the cable car in the city’s history.
In the Upper Gallery, you’ll be greeted by the sight of a red cable car that has been restored to its original condition, when steam power was still being used, before it was replaced by today's electrical system. Climb on board and imagine a time when people kicked against the tunnel walls as the car moved down the line.
The museum has its own cinema, which shows three short films providing information about New Zealand's trams, as well as the private and public cable cars that have historically served Wellington. Photographs and information displays give a further fascinating insight.
On the lower floor, admire the beautifully-restored winding gear, a towering structure complete with large wheels and levers. It is no longer in use but it will give you an idea of how the machinery worked.
Also on this floor, there’s a cable car dating back more than a century, which has been expertly restored to its original 1905 condition. This remarkable monument to the city’s history cannot be boarded by visitors, but you can still marvel at its design.
Located at the top of Wellington Botanic Garden by the lookout at Kelburn, you can get to the Cable Car Museum by car and park for a fee along the streets nearby. For a truly authentic experience however, arrive by cable car. They run every 10 minutes from Lambton Quay in the heart of town. The museum opens daily except for Christmas Day, and admission is free.
