The Wellington Tramway Museum is a heritage tram museum in Queen Elizabeth Park at Paekakariki on the Kāpiti Coast, about 45 kilometres north of Wellington city. The museum runs restored vintage trams on a track through the park, preserving Wellington’s tramway history in a scenic coastal setting. It is one of New Zealand’s most distinctive heritage transport attractions.
Practical Information
| Address | Queen Elizabeth Park, MacKay’s Crossing, Paekakariki, Kāpiti Coast |
|---|---|
| Hours | Saturdays and Sundays 11am–4:30pm (last tram 4pm); public holidays except Christmas Day; daily from Boxing Day to Wellington Anniversary Day (late January); some school holiday periods — check website |
| Admission | Adults $12; children $6; family (2 adults + 3 children) $30; under 5 free |
| Tram-only fare | Adults $6 (one way); children $3 (one way) |
| Getting There | Paekakariki is on the Metlink Kāpiti line from Wellington Station (approx. 50 min); the museum is within Queen Elizabeth Park near MacKay’s Crossing |
About the Museum
Wellington’s tram network operated for decades before the last trams ran in 1964. The Wellington Tramway Museum was established to preserve the vehicles, infrastructure, and history of that system. The collection includes a range of restored trams from different eras of the Wellington network, displayed in a purpose-built museum building and running on the track through Queen Elizabeth Park.
Visitors can ride the trams along the route through the park — a genuine working heritage experience rather than a static display. Volunteer staff operate and maintain the fleet, and on busier days several different trams may be running. The setting in Queen Elizabeth Park, with views toward the Kāpiti Coast and the Tasman Sea, adds to the experience.
Queen Elizabeth Park
The museum sits within Queen Elizabeth Park — a large regional park on the coast at Paekakariki, managed by Greater Wellington Regional Council. The park has beaches, walking tracks, a horse trek operation, and the Paekakariki Station Museum (a separate attraction dedicated to the park’s WWII history as a US Marine base). The tram museum and the station museum together make a full day out from Wellington.
Where to Learn More
Wellington Tramway Museum — Wikipedia — history of the museum and the Wellington tram network.
FAQ
Where is the Wellington Tramway Museum?
In Queen Elizabeth Park near MacKay’s Crossing, Paekakariki — on the Kāpiti Coast, about 45 kilometres north of Wellington city.
How much does it cost?
Adults $12, children $6, family (2 adults + 3 children) $30, under 5 free. A tram-only one-way ride is $6 for adults and $3 for children.
When is it open?
Saturdays and Sundays 11am–4:30pm (last tram 4pm), public holidays except Christmas Day, and daily from Boxing Day to Wellington Anniversary Day. Some school holiday periods also apply — check the website for current dates.
How do I get there by train?
Take the Metlink Kāpiti line from Wellington Station to Paekakariki — about 50 minutes. Queen Elizabeth Park and the tram museum are accessible from the Paekakariki area, though a short walk or drive is needed from the station.
Can I just ride the trams without paying full admission?
Yes — a one-way tram-only ride is available for $6 (adults) or $3 (children) without full museum admission.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes — children enjoy the tram rides in particular. The setting in Queen Elizabeth Park also has room to explore.
Also on the Kāpiti Coast: Historical and Cultural Sites in Wellington covers more of the region’s heritage attractions. For Wellington city’s museums, explore Wellington Museum on the waterfront.