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Museums & Landmarks

Cable Car Museum

πŸ“ Kelburn, Wellington

β˜…4.5(2,126 Google reviews)πŸ‘ΆAll ages

The Cable Car Museum in Kelburn documents Wellington's iconic tram through historic vehicles, restored cable machinery, and detailed displays. Free entry. Lift between floors. Gift shop on site. Connects to the Botanic Gardens.

βœ“ free entryβœ“ historic cable carsβœ“ working machinery displayβœ“ lift accessβœ“ gift shopβœ“ pairs with Botanic Gardensβœ“ cable car ride

πŸ† Family Action Verdict

Reviewers describe the cable car ride itself as a highlight for children - the tunnel lighting in particular draws praise. The museum is noted as a natural and rewarding extension of the ride, with the working mechanical display drawing curiosity from all ages.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

πŸ’‘Lift available between floors for prams and mobility needs
⏰Gift shop on site at the museum
🎟️Café a short walk from the Kelburn terminus
πŸš—Combine with the Botanic Gardens walking tracks nearby

πŸ’¬ What Families Are Saying

View all reviews β†’
4.5
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2,126 Google reviews

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1,345
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157
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G Reviews from Google

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Neel Kumar

8 months ago

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β€œA 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.”

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Jody Maguire

7 months ago

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β€œIve riden the Cable Car to the Botanic Gardens a couple of times and I always enjoy the ride. It only takes about 10 minutes and the view is spectacular! The addition of lights in the tunnel is so much fun. There's a wonderful Cafe a short walk from the last stop at the top and toilets next to it. The Cable Car Museum is an interesting visit and they have Gifts available to purchase. There's a perfumery next to the cafe that is well worth a visit and a sniff 🌼 The Botanic Gardens are beautiful and there's many gardens to through. It's a lot of walking in one day so you might have to visit twice 😊 If your in Wellington do yourself a favor and jump on the Cable Car ❀️ it's a great experience .”

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B. F. G.

9 months ago

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β€œSmall 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 .”

πŸ“Š Commonly mentioned in Google reviews

Based on Google review tags

Botanical gardens

61 reviews

Free admission

46 reviews

Small museum

22 reviews

Cable car ride

22 reviews

Tunnels

20 reviews

Overview

The Cable Car Museum at Kelburn terminus has two historic cable cars - one walk-through - alongside a working restoration of the original cable-drive wheel system. Displays cover Wellington's cable car history and maintenance. Free entry. Lift between floors for prams and mobility needs. Gift shop on site. Short walk to a cafΓ© and the Botanic Gardens path. Birthday party facilities available.

πŸ• Opening Hours

Monday10:00-17:00
Tuesday10:00-17:00
Wednesday10:00-17:00
Thursday10:00-17:00
Friday10:00-17:00
Saturday10:00-17:00
Sunday10:00-17:00

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