Wellington Cable Car Museum - What's On Display

On 10 May 1973, a worker on the motorway extension at Shell Gully stepped in front of a descending cable car and suffered serious injuries. This accident was a turning point for the old cable car system, prompting a Ministry of Works' review into its safety.

The review concluded that the system required numerous changes to meet modern safety standards, a finding echoed by Wellington's City Transport Engineer. The fact that the trailer carriages operated without brakes was deemed particularly unsatisfactory. In June 1974, the Ministry of Works issued instructions to retire the trailers within one month. Despite City Council protests citing recent improvements to the system's safety, the trailers were duly removed on 29 July 1974. Carrying capacity was almost halved overnight.
Over the next two years, the cable car operation was extensively upgraded and many components replaced, modified or overhauled. Nevertheless in 1978, despite a heated battle from Wellingtonians determined to retain the old cars, the decision was made to replace them with a new and fully automated system.

A fond farewell
   The original cable cars' 76 years of service came to an end on 22 September 1978. Throughout the day, a wave of nostalgia swept the capital as thousands of people rode on the quaint old cars for the last time, snapping photos and exchanging reminiscences.
   The historic final run commenced just after 11 pm, when car No. 2, loaded with late night commuters and invited guests, set off from Lambton Quay. At the Talavera stop, a group of singers broke into Auld Lang Syne; at Salamanca Road, university students marked the occasion by throwing eggs and water bombs.
   Hundreds of waiting people surrounded the car as it reached the upper terminal and a pipe band played a last tribute. Speeches paying homage to Kelburn's long serving "red rattlers" were followed by a chicken and champagne function in the winding house.


Old cars preparing to leave home, 1978 - Wellington Cable Car Heritage Collection

The new system
   Having decided to retire the old system, the hunt for a replacement began in earnest. After considering various alternatives, consulting engineers informed the Wellington City Council that a standing funicular was still the most practical and economic option. A similar but modern version of the original system remained the best solution.
   Designed by a leading Swiss cable car firm, the new system (which is still in use today) has two cars with a driven balance rope running on a single track. A passing loop is situated midway up the incline. There is an electric drive and control system as well as numerous safety features, including overload prevention and earthquake protection.
   The new cars began running on 22 October 1979. Fears that "modern Swiss tin cans" would replace the picturesque wooden trams proved unfounded. The cable cars preserve much of their predecessors' old-world atmosphere, having red exteriors trimmed with gold and interiors furnished in varnished hardwood.