Wellington Tramway Museum, Paekakariki

A small band of volunteers salvaged a number of Wellington trams when the system closed and have worked ever since to establish this museum at McKay's Crossing, Queen Elizabeth Park, between Paekakariki and Paraparaumu on the Kapiti Coast. It has a small shop, large barn and display area, and a couple of miles of working tramway. Open at weekends and public holidays - but for visiting enthusiasts you can ask before you come for a chance to look at other times. The track runs down through rolling sandhills to a picnic and beach area - a far cry from the days when these trams ran through the crowded streets of Wellington. Train and tram enthusiasts can make a day of it - there is a station museum and a rail museum at Paekakariki as well. You need a car to reach the Tram Museum (or a taxi back from Paraparaumu railway station).