Paekakariki Station Museum — Attraction in Wellington

The Paekakariki Station Museum was advertised as being opened on Saturdays and Sundays. Unfortunately, it was closed on the Saturday when we visited. It appears to be closed as it's still undergoing earthquake strengthening. However, the 1915 South End Signal Box was open. Though the Signal Box is now a gallery.

The Paekakariki Station had two signal boxes - one at the south end and one at the north end. The signal box system was discontinued in 1985 which was replaced by a remote control system. Fortunately, the signal box was restored by the community and is now registered a Category I by New Zealand Historic...

Over the years, like most of you probably, I've driven past here many times, and not thought to call in, or had the time...well today we did and what a great idea that was. Also combined with an open day at the steam engine shed, bloody fantastic combo!!! The US Marines history with Wellington is a unique occasion that hopefully won't ever need to occur again, but thanks to their sacrifice it did. Check out the story of the bell that went to war, honestly, a movie should be made of that it's that incredible. As for the engine sheds, what a fascinating collection, and a remarkable trip back...

This was so much bigger and better than I was expecting. There is a railway part to it but there is also a section on the US marines, Captain Anderson (the founder of Forest and Bird) and a section on the Maori history of the area. It is well laid out and presented, not crammed full of stuff like so many small-town museums. Right next door is a second-hand (and new?) bookshop with a really good selection. It keeps more or less the same hours as the...