Visit this free museum to journey back to the start of the 20th century when the story of Wellington's cable car began.
Located inside the winding house which once used a steam engine to raise and lower the cars, the Cable Car Museum gives you the chance to learn more about Wellington's famous cable car. Watch engines, gears and cogs whirr to life as you track the history of this longstanding form of New Zealand transport.One of the first things you see when you walk through the museum entrance is the red cable car located on the Upper Gallery. This car dates back to the 1970s and is in the exact condition it would have been then. It was eventually decommissioned when the steam-powered system was replaced by the electrical system.Next stop on your visit should be the museum cinema. Here, three short films are screened on the subject of Wellington's cable cars as well as trams across New Zealand. There are also photo and information displays documenting the history of the cable car system.Next up is the lower floor, where you can see some of the original machinery in action. The winding gear located here has been restored to working order, and the many wheels and levers are fascinating to watch at work. Also located on the lower floor is the museum's other cable car. Fully restored to perfect condition, visitors are not allowed inside this 1905 car, in order to ensure that it remains that way.The Cable Car Museum is located at the top of Wellington Botanic Garden near Kelburn lookout. Cable cars leave from Lambton Quay in the city centre every 10 minutes. There is also paid parking on the streets near the museum. The museum is free to visit and is open every day except Christmas Day.
