Cable Car Museum

Small little musuem dedicated to the history, maintenance and restoration of the much loved Wellington Cable car. Free entry. A lift available to get between the two floors for guests with mobility needs .

The Cable Car Museum in Wellington is a fascinating and engaging destination that showcases the rich history of one of the city's most iconic transportation systems. Nestled at the terminus of the Wellington Cable Car, the museum is conveniently located near the Botanic Gardens, making it a perfect stop for visitors exploring the area. As you enter the museum, you are greeted by a welcoming atmosphere that immediately draws you into the world of cable cars. The museum is home to a wealth of information, photographs, and artifacts that chronicle the development and significance of cable cars in Wellington. The exhibits are thoughtfully curated, providing a chronological narrative that spans over a century of the cable car's operation. One of the highlights of the museum is the opportunity to see the original cable car winding gear, which dates back to 1902. This striking piece of machinery is a testament to the engineering ingenuity of the era and serves as a focal point for many museum visitors. The museum also features a collection of historic cable cars, allowing guests to appreciate their design and evolution over the years. Interactive displays enhance the experience, enabling visitors to engage with the history of the cable car system in a hands-on manner. From understanding the mechanics behind the cable cars to exploring their role in the city's public transport system, the museum offers a comprehensive overview that educates visitors of all ages. In addition to its educational value, the Cable Car Museum provides stunning panoramic views of Wellington from its outdoor viewing platform. The sight of the cityscape, the harbor, and the surrounding hills creates a picturesque backdrop that is perfect for photography or simply soaking in the beauty of the Wellington region. Staff members are friendly and knowledgeable, often eager to share anecdotes and answer questions, further enriching the visitor experience. The museum also has a small gift shop where you can find unique souvenirs, including books about Wellington's history and miniature cable car models. Overall, the Cable Car Museum is a hidden gem in Wellington, offering a delightful blend of history, engineering, and stunning views. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a tourist, or a local resident, this museum provides a unique insight into Wellington's heritage and the vital role that cable cars have played in shaping the city. A visit to the Cable Car Museum should be part of any Wellington itinerary, ensuring a memorable and educational experience.

Although quite small this little museum gives a good deal of information about Wellington's iconic cable car and it's history. There are two historic "cars" - one of which you can access as well a working version of the original wheels used to power the traction cables. In addition there is a gift shop selling memorabilia.

A fantastic mix of history, culture, and a scenic ride The Cable Car Museum is a wonderful place to visit and pairs perfectly with the iconic Wellington Cable Car ride. The ride itself is smooth, enjoyable, and great for all ages, with a lovely journey through the hillside before reaching the top. The museum is free to enter and very well presented. I really liked the detailed historical displays, old photographs, original cable car parts, and the way the story is shared in both English and te reo Māori. The short videos and clear explanations make it easy to understand how the cable car system has evolved over time, which makes it engaging for children and adults alike. The space is clean, modern, and thoughtfully designed, and it’s nice to see how it connects to nearby attractions like the Botanic Garden and Kelburn lookout. Overall, this is a relaxing, educational, and enjoyable experience. Definitely worth visiting if you’re in Wellington — whether you’re a tourist or a local.

If you like trains, trams etc then this is must do. Lots of information about the history, well displayed museum and to top the lot magnificent views across Wellington.

Recently went to the cable car museum as part of a trip up the cable car to see the winding room in action. The museum was great. Really informative on the history of the Wellington Cable Car, with a knowledgeable guide. Neat to see the old machinery in action and to see what the car used to look like.

We are visitors from Australia, first time to Wellington and had to do something so thought going up the Cable Car would be exciting, well once up there not alot to do, had abit of a view, nothing spectacular, there's the botanical Gardens you can walk through, but for us seniors with bad knees its very hilly and lots of steps, so couldn't do that either. They have a planetarium which you have to pay to get in, but the shows are on the hour so as we were on a limit we couldn't stay, so missed that one, but all in all found it all very underwhelming

Great place for young and old to visit, beautiful views, unique experience to be transported by Cable Car and staff where lovely! Highly recommend!

If you're riding the Wellington Cable Car, they have a museum at the top with free entry to learn about its history. It's a nice small museum that doesn't take much time. Inside is an old cable car you take pictures in, exhibits about the old iterations and information about why it was installed. There's also models. They have a gift shop as well, with all things Wellington including post cards and other souvenirs. The staff was friendly and helpful. There's a lookout, cafe, Botanical Gardens nearby too.

Cute museum at the top of the cable car route. Spend a few minutes learning about the history of the cable cars. Cute old red cable car. Perfect to snap a selfie. The Cable Car Museum is free, like most museums in Wellington. Nice for a quick stop while exploring the peak.

The cable car museum was free with our round-trip ticket on the cable car. We walked through the gift shop saw some artifacts, biographies and then a short film. Downstairs we saw an old car from 1905 and the mechanics underneath that makes the car run. The cable car just celebrated it's 120th birthday, it was constructed in 1889 and opened in 1902. Martin Kennedy a local businessman had plans for a new suburb and is credited for planning the cable car that was designed by James Fulton. It was very similar to the cable cars in San Francisco.

The cable cars now operating replaced those that were shut down ten-plus years ago. A round-trip ride cost $11. At the top is a small museum full of details about the origins of the cars. You will spend one hour or so including the ride.

The Cable Car Museum was opened in December 2000. It is located in the original winding house. Improvements were accomplished in 2006 to expand the building to hold more items for viewing. The museum is free and several items from throughout the years are on display here. You can see the original grip cars, with the electric winding gear still in working order. The winding gear runs a full loop of cable, however the cable car does not leave the area. There are several photos from throughout the years and you can view the engineering room as well. There are films available as well. You can read the history all of the triumphs the cable car had to overcome over the years to keep her still running today. From initial building of the line, to a fire, and to her current status...she has had her fair share of hurdles for people to jump to keep her going. But luckily, the people do support her and keep her going. Thank goodness...so we can all enjoy not only this museum, but riding the cable car today. Not only is the museum for the Wellington Cable Car, but it is for private cable cars as well. Open: 9.30am to 5.00pm every day except closed on Christmas. There is a gift shop located inside the museum as well. If you are not from the area and are staying in Wellington, I suggest you ride the cable car up to the museum at the top.

Took the cable car up, toured the museum, and walked down though they botanical gardens. The museum is a nice touch, and it is hard to beat the price (FREE!), but wish they explained the mechanics better to a non-mechanical person like me. They had explanations, but I couldn't follow it. More detailed drawings, maybe something suitable for a precocious child would better fit my level of understanding.