Wellington Tramway Museum

Did Wellington’s trams ever transport US Marines? Here at the Wellington Tramway Museum, the answer might surprise you. The Wellington Tramway Museum isn’t just a collection of vintage trams. It’s a living piece of Wellington’s history, nestled in Queen Elizabeth Park. The museum opened in 1965. It boasts a collection of trams dating back to the 1920s and 30s, relics from Wellington’s extensive tramway system, which operated from 1878 to 1964. The museum’s tracks stretch nearly 2 km through the park. Visitors can ride these historic trams. They can explore exhibits and learn about Wellington’s transport past. The museum is home to a variety of trams, including double saloon trams and the “Fiducia” single saloon trams. Tram 260 holds a special distinction. It was the last tram built and put into service in a traditional street tramway system in New Zealand, entering service in December 1952. Now, about those Marines. During World War II, from 1942 to 1944, this very site housed US Marine camps, known as Camp Russell and Camp Mackay. The trams now preserved at the Wellington Tramway Museum likely witnessed these Marines. In a poignant tribute, a Memorial Day ceremony was held at the museum in 2012, honoring the connection between the trams and the Marines who once called this place home. The Wellington Tramway Museum is a unique blend of history and recreation, offering a glimpse into Wellington’s past and a fun day out.