Kapiti Coast Electric Tramway

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Wellington Tramway System Timeline

1878 - Steam powered trams commenced operating in Wellington, the first in the Southern Hemisphere.
1882 - Horses replaced the steam powered trams owing to the noise and soot produced by the little steam engines.
1900 - The company operating the trams was purchased for a minimal price by the Wellington City Corporation.
1904 - The first electric tram service ran from a new depot at Newtown to the northern side of the Basin Reserve.
1907 - Lines were extended to Hataitai, Kilbirnie, Miramar and Seatoun.
1929 - The last new route to be built in the Wellington Tramway system was opened to Northland.
1964 - The last trams to run in Wellington ran from Thorndon to Newtown.
1965 - The Wellington Tramway Museum opened at Queen Elizabeth Park in Paekakariki.

The Kapiti Coast Electric Tramway

The Kapiti Coast Electric Tramway offers an interesting and rewarding experience for people of all ages. Using real old Wellington trams, you can take a return ride of nearly four kilometres through the Wellington Region’s premier coastal park, - through the coastal dunes and with views of Kapiti Island.

The trams date from the 1920’s and 1930’s and were used in Wellington city until closure of the last tram routes in the early and mid 1960’s. Now they are lovingly cared for and operated by volunteer members of the Wellington Tramway Museum – a not-for-profit incorporated society which built, owns, and maintains the tramway.

Travelling in our trams is an experience not to be missed – for those who can remember “the trams” it is a nostalgic experience, bringing back the sounds and feelings of yesteryear. And if you are younger, it is a piece of history – a learning experience that will help all people understand life in the city in the early and mid 20th century.

The Kapiti Coast Electric Tramway extends from the depot area just inside the Queen Elizabeth Park gates at MacKay's Crossing, to Whareroa Beach. A return ride takes about 20 minutes and the trams run normally every half hour – more frequently when busy.

Fares and museum entry are Adult $9.50, Child (school age) $4, under five no charge and Family concession $24.

An historical display is located in the tram barn and comprises an interesting selection of photographs and other memorabilia. An old Wellington cable-car and other trams may also be viewed. A 10 minute video detailing tram operations in Wellington in the 1950's plays continuously inside our Brisbane ‘Dreadnought’ tram used in the making of the movie 'King Kong'.

Souvenirs, snacks, ice creams, drinks and confectionery may be obtained from the Museum kiosk.

Normal museum opening and tram operating hours are Saturdays and Sundays, 11 am to 4.30 pm. We are also open on Public Holidays except for Christmas Day and are also open and operating daily from Boxing Day (Dec 26th) to Wellington Anniversary Day (late January)

The trams may not operate in very cold or wet weather.

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NEWS

Every last Sunday of the month we have a special themed event under the generic name of Sunday Funday. Click here for details.

KAPITI COAST ELECTRIC TRAMWAY VISITOR CENTRE DEVELOPMENT

Kapiti Coast Electric Tramway is undertaking a new building and development programme. A new visitor centre has been made possible by a generous charitable grant but further funds are needed for setting up the centre including the building fit-out. The visitor centre will include the Tramway Cafe and a coffee club is being launched as a means allowing the residents of Kapiti to contribute towards this worthwhile venture.

Coffee Club members receive a number of benefits in return for a $25 membership including a free family tram ride voucher. A sum of $50,000 is required and the museum is appealing for community support to turn its iconic heritage operation into a sustainable community facility and world class tourist attraction.

Membership cards for the coffee club will be available online HERE or from the Paraparaumu Information Centre in the Coastlands car park near the Post Office.

The tramway and museum, which will be open every day during the school holidays, will have real coffee, a selection of teas and membership cards on sale.