Welcome to KIWIreviews - product reviews
•  click here to return to the homepage  •
Welcome visitor.Join us or log in
  YOU ARE HERE : Home > Categories > Entertainment > Fixed Venues > Wellington Cable Car Museum
  ProdID: 1185 - Wellington Cable Car MuseumLocation:Wellington Product Score: 8.0 
Wellington Cable Car Museum

Price : free
Supplier :
Available : daily

At the Wellington Cable Car Museum, located within metres of the Kelburn stop of the Cable Car, you'll learn more about the colourful 100-year history of this "relentless red machine". Climb on board one of the old grip cars, marvel at the machinery of the historic winding room and catch up on early Wellington history.

Visit our shop with its great selection of Wellington and New Zealand souvenirs and gifts. We also stock a range of specialist transport books, videos and models.

Website: www.CableCarMuseum.co.nz
Uniqueness
Location
Price
Variety
cath_champ   Review #21784 - Dated: 2nd of October, 2020
  Author: cath_champ

Located at the top of the cable car you can either get there from Lambton Quay via the cable car, drive and park up the top from Kelburn, or take a nice stroll via the Botanical gardens. The views at the top look out over the city and are postcard quality so don't forget to take a few snaps up there whilst you are there.

The cable car museum takes you on a journey of the history of how and when it was built. Split over two levels (there is a lift), it is well designed, interactive and informative museum. Another plus is the gift shop which has a good range of quality NZ products and souvenirs (including those cable car view postcards should your phone camera battery died and you weren't able to take that selfie).

There are more photo ops with being able to sit on one of the cable cars on display and a dress up area of traditional ye-old European clothes such as hooped skirts, jackets and various hats and canes.

It is well worth a visit and not to be missed. Something to tick off whilst visiting Wellington (or even as a well-established Wellingtonian). Plus, it's free so you can't go too wrong.

Uniqueness
Location
Price
Variety
kiwiblondie   Review #12402 - Dated: 6th of September, 2014
  Author: kiwiblondie

When visiting Wellington a few years ago this was one place the ex hubby said we had to go and see, the kids loved the cable car ride and if it was up to them then that is about all we would have done that day. I do enjoy museums and love history but it is also good to be able to touch and play and see how things work.

I would go again as it was interesting and the kids loved it but I wouldn't go near Wellington unless it is summer (we went the beginning of August and it was wet, windy and horrible) as the walk around the Botanic Gardens was short due to not knowing it if was going to rain or not. The kids however thought it was great and they wanted to go again.

I did enjoy the chance to read about the history and how the cable car works and the kids bugged me to buy them some of the magnets and things so they would remember going to the cable car museum. I think I saw a sign for a coffee shop but never got to go and explore much as that sort of thing doesn't interest a child and to be honest I would rather be able to explore some of the great history.



Uniqueness
Location
Price
Variety
megang   Review #9757 - Dated: 20th of September, 2013
  Author: megang

This Museum is a unique piece of NZ history and for anyone who loves history and how our country was built this will be interesting. For me the best part is getting to the top of the track and the amazing views .

This is one of the oldest parts of Wellington and although the museum is not a hands on one it shows you lots. From down below with the massive pulleys and up top.

All this is helped by being next door to a lovely Restaurant /cafe. This is not an expensive outing and young and old will enjoy it alike. There is nothing like big toys to keep everyone occupied. From the dinging of the brass bells, the stopping mid track to pass the other cable car and seeing all the passengers faces. Amazing views and going back in time to a simpler time to how we were.

I recommend this to all.... I am biased though as my parents were married at the top.

Uniqueness
Location
Price
Variety
Tucker   Review #1603 - Dated: 14th of November, 2006
  Author: Tucker

As museums go, they tend to fall into few broad categories, those you get to stare at old things stuck behind glass, and those where you have the chance to dive in elbow-deep and see how it ticks. This place falls mainly into the first category, though in this case I fully understand why. After all, how would you 'play' with a cablecar?! Interaction rating is very low, because about the only thing you WERE allowed to interact with was the cablecar that greeted you as you walk in the front door, and that was only interactive in that you were allowed to climb up and sit on the side-seats. With the car normally on an angle, but displayed level... the seats are cocked at an awkward and somewhat uncomfortable angle.

But that's where the negatives end. The content of the museum is of great interest to anyone with a mental bent for history and/or engineering, especially down on the lower floor where you could see the huge cable winches in action. Also, the upper floor, where you gain entry, contains a small theatre area with comfy seating where you can watch some quite involved mini-docos.

Overall, a novel way to pass half an hour, and quite nice to warder around in, sheltering from the heat of the noon sun, before you continue your wanderings around the Botanical Gardens. Also keep in mind that is it right next to a nice little cafe, the Carter Observatory, and is surrounded by some stunning views. Aim for a sunny day, and enjoy!

User Comments
jade17
Neat little museum but of course the best part is the ride up to it in the working cable car. Spectacular views over Wellington and the harbour if you make it up there on a clear day.

 

Printed at 10:22:05pm on Thursday 28th March 2024