Trains & Railways in Wellington

14 activities

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Trains around Wellington: from the Cable Car to living steam

Wellington is quietly one of the best regions in the country for a train-mad kid. The Wellington Cable Car is the essential starter: the historic 1902 ride from Lambton Quay up to Kelburn, with harbour views at the top, and more than 7,000 reviews averaging 4.6.

The Kāpiti Coast is the heritage heartland. Kapiti Miniature Railway at Raumati Beach runs live-steam rides through Marine Gardens (4.8 stars), the Wellington Tramway Museum at MacKays Crossing in Queen Elizabeth Park rides restored 1920s trams to the beach with volunteer guides, and Steam Incorporated at Paekākāriki keeps mainline steam and diesel locomotives alive in its railway yard, next door to the free Paekakariki Station Museum in a restored 1909 station.

In the Hutt, Silver Stream Railway in Silverstream, Upper Hutt runs heritage steam and diesel rides, and over the hill the Fell Locomotive Museum in Featherston houses the world's only surviving Fell engine, kept by famously passionate volunteer guides.

Most heritage railways and the tramway run on set days, often Sundays and school holidays, so check each listing's timetable before driving out. The Cable Car runs daily.