At the top of Wellington’s cable car route in Kelburn, the Cable Car Museum tells the story of the transport link between the city and its hillside suburbs. It occupies the original Winding House, where you can see two early grip cars and the machinery that hauled them up the hill. Entry is free, and the compact displays make this an easy stop alongside a cable car ride, the Wellington Botanic Garden or nearby Space Place. You can also sit inside a historic car.
Inside the original Winding House
The museum is housed in the original Winding House at the Kelburn end of Wellington’s cable car route. The building was used for cable car operations from 1902 to 1978. Across two floors, displays explain how the system worked and its place in the city’s transport history.
Two original grip cars are on display. The winding machinery shows how the cars were hauled up and down the steep route, which passes through a series of tunnels. You can also sit inside a historic car, including the red car known as the “Relentless Red Rattler.”
A link between the city and Kelburn
The cable car opened in 1902 as a transport connection between Wellington and the fast-growing residential area of Kelburn. It carried people between the harbour and the hills, and helped link the city with its hillside suburbs.
The museum traces the cable car’s development and its role in Wellington’s transport history. Its preserved cars and working machinery give you a close look at the system’s early mechanical design.
Plan a stop at the top
The museum is beside the cable car terminus, near the Wellington Botanic Garden and Space Place. A ride to the top makes it straightforward to visit all three in one outing. After the museum, you can walk through the gardens or head back down towards the city.
Entry to the museum is free. The cable car ride is a separate cost, so plan for it if you want to use the line to reach Kelburn.
FAQ
Is the Cable Car Museum free?
Yes. Entry to the museum is free. The cable car ride is separate.
How long do you need at the Cable Car Museum?
Around 20 minutes is enough to explore the compact museum.
What can you see inside the museum?
The displays include two original grip cars and the winding machinery used to haul the cable cars up the route. You can sit inside a historic car.
Where is the Cable Car Museum?
It is in the original Winding House beside the Kelburn cable car terminus, near the Wellington Botanic Garden.
