Cable Car Museum

Welcome to the Cable Car Museum, located at 1A Upland Road in Wellington, New Zealand. As an establishment, museum, point of interest, and tourist attraction, we invite you to step back in time and discover the fascinating history of Wellington's iconic cable car system.

Housed in the original winding house for the cable car system, our museum spans two floors and showcases the operational winding mechanism that was in use from 1902 to 1978. Additionally, we proudly display two of the original grip cars that once operated on the line, including the unique Grip Car No. 3. This particular car stands out with its middle-located grip man's cabin, showcasing an elegant piece of machinery from an earlier era of technological progress and late Victorian innovation.

Beyond the grip car, you'll enter the winding machine room, which served as the nerve center of the cable car system from 1930 to 1978. Here, you can marvel at the machinery that was responsible for hauling the cable cars up the hill to the summit. The engineering skill, innovation, and technology employed in transporting Wellingtonians and visitors for over a century is simply fascinating.

Don't miss the opportunity to experience the "Relentless Red Rattler," one of the red cable cars that were in use from the 1950s to the late 1970s. Take a seat and feel the rattling noise as you ascend and descend the steep incline and travel through the tunnels. Immerse yourself in the history of the cable car system through a short film that traces its evolution from the 1900s to the present day.

Located next to the Kelburn terminus of the cable car, our museum offers breathtaking views of Wellington city and its harbor, as well as easy access to the Botanic Garden. Please note that due to staff absence relating to COVID-19, we kindly ask you to check our Facebook page @wellingtonmuseum for information on any COVID-19-related closures.

For school groups, tour groups, and commercial operators, we require bookings in advance, and charges may apply. To support our conservation, acquisition, and educational programs, as well as the maintenance of our iconic buildings, we encourage you to make a donation to our museum. You can donate now or call 04 472 8904 to discuss donating an object.

Come and immerse yourself in the rich history of Wellington's cable car system at the Cable Car Museum. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing this unique and captivating experience with you.