Fell Locomotive Museum
Discover the world's last Fell locomotive, a marvel of engineering on the historic Rimutaka Incline. Experience unique railway history brought to life...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Volunteers are most available
Fell Locomotive Museum
Best Time
Volunteers are most available
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the world's last Fell locomotive, a marvel of engineering on the historic Rimutaka Incline. Experience unique railway history brought to life by passionate volunteers.
"The staff is so friendly and amazing. The experience is worth more than the entrance fee!"
Chat with the Volunteers
They're incredibly knowledgeable and love sharing stories! Ask them anything. :speaking_head:
Allow ample time
You might get engrossed in the history and the documentary. Plan for at least 1-2 hours. :clock1:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Last Fell Locomotive
Main Exhibition Hall
See the sole surviving Fell locomotive, a testament to ingenious engineering for challenging terrains.
Rimutaka Incline Documentary
Screening Room
Watch a fascinating documentary detailing the history and operation of the Rimutaka Incline.
Interactive Model Layouts
Exhibition Area
Explore detailed model train layouts that bring the railway's past to life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Unique Fell Locomotives
Engaging Staff & Exhibits
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Chat with the Volunteers
They're incredibly knowledgeable and love sharing stories! Ask them anything. :speaking_head:
Allow ample time
You might get engrossed in the history and the documentary. Plan for at least 1-2 hours. :clock1:
"DRAWING THE WAIRARAPA in 31 DAYS" Day 30 The Fell Locomotive Museum, Featherston. Who can resist trains??!!
New Zealand Fell locomotives haul the Duke of Gloucester's train up the Rimutaka Incline, 4 January 1935.
Kid-friendly demonstrations
Staff often engage children with interactive displays. :child:
Adventurous drive
The road to the museum can be an adventure itself! Enjoy the journey. :oncoming_automobile:
Tips
from all over the internet
Chat with the Volunteers
They're incredibly knowledgeable and love sharing stories! Ask them anything. :speaking_head:
Allow ample time
You might get engrossed in the history and the documentary. Plan for at least 1-2 hours. :clock1:
Kid-friendly demonstrations
Staff often engage children with interactive displays. :child:
Adventurous drive
The road to the museum can be an adventure itself! Enjoy the journey. :oncoming_automobile:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Fell Locomotive Museum for its unique historical significance and the exceptional passion of its volunteers. While the museum is small, the engaging staff and the rare locomotive make it a highly recommended stop. Some may find the documentary a bit niche, but the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive and worth the modest entry fee.
"Way back more than 100 years ago. This place is superb, I really love it. Even though I don't really like history, this place and a lovely staff makes me love it. The museum is awesome. You get to see the real last fell Locomotive. Get to watch a documentary. It's very specific. They also get some fun stuff for kids😍 highly recommended. They have entrance fee but the experience is worth more than that, the staff is so friendly and amazing. They get clean toilet too. The road to the place is adventurous for me😁"
Elna Baguya
"Surprisingly interesting story of the trains that climbed from Featherston over the Rimutaka hill. The locos are unique and there's an interesting documentary to see with model train layouts of the trains and stations. Volunteers are available to provide more details and stories but be warned, they are unstoppable!"
Steve Warne
"Well worth the small charge of $7 an adult, $2 child over 5. Volunteer was extremely knowledgeable. There is so much history. The Fell Locomotive is the only one left out of the six used. This is a must visit for anyone ousting through. There is also the heritage museum next door but separate identity with another door charge. It's based alot on the military camp."
AJ Wilson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Featherston, New Zealand. Driving is the most common way to reach it, and the journey itself is often described as adventurous. Check local transport options if you are not driving.
Yes, there is parking available for visitors at the museum.
The road leading to the museum is described as adventurous, adding to the overall experience of visiting this unique location.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary, it's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information before your visit. Volunteers are often most available on weekends.
There is a small entrance fee, typically around $7 for adults and $2 for children over 5. Visitors find the experience well worth the cost.
Tickets are usually purchased upon arrival at the museum. It's advisable to confirm their ticketing policy if you have specific concerns.
While specific accessibility details should be confirmed directly with the museum, many historical sites strive to accommodate visitors. Inquire about ramp access or other facilities if needed.
🎫 🚂 Onsite Experience
The star attraction is the world's last remaining Fell locomotive, a unique piece of engineering history.
Besides the locomotive, you can watch an interesting documentary about the Rimutaka Incline, explore model train layouts, and interact with knowledgeable volunteers.
Yes, the museum often has fun elements for kids, with staff sometimes demonstrating how parts of the train work and involving them in learning.
Most visitors recommend allocating at least 1-2 hours to fully appreciate the exhibits, watch the documentary, and chat with the passionate volunteers.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions on display. Capturing the unique locomotive is a must! :camerawithflash:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself typically does not have extensive food services. It's recommended to bring your own snacks or plan to dine in Featherston town. :forkandknife:
Featherston offers several cafes and eateries. You can find local options for a meal or refreshments after your museum visit. :coffee:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider arriving on a weekend when volunteer presence is typically higher, increasing the chances for engaging demonstrations. The museum is a great stop for a short, impactful visit that can spark curiosity about engineering and history. The small entrance fee makes it an affordable outing, and the 'adventurous' drive there can be part of the fun for the whole family. :smiley_cat:
🚂 Train Enthusiasts
Take your time to absorb the details, ask the volunteers about operational specifics, and delve into the historical context. The documentary and model layouts offer further depth. This is a chance to connect with a very specific and fascinating chapter of locomotive history that you won't find anywhere else. :train2:
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel of the Fell Locomotive
Visitors are often captivated by the sheer ingenuity of the design. The horizontal wheels pressing down on the center rail are a key feature, and the museum's volunteers are excellent at explaining how this system worked. It’s a fascinating glimpse into how engineers tackled extreme terrain before modern technology became widespread. The Fell brake van is also a notable part of the exhibit, showcasing the specialized rolling stock developed for this unique railway line.
Understanding the context of the Rimutaka Incline is crucial to appreciating the Fell system. This steep, winding section of track required a robust and reliable method of ascent and descent. The Fell system, though complex, proved effective for decades, and its legacy is preserved at this dedicated museum. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in railway history or mechanical engineering.
Experiencing the Museum Through Volunteers
One visitor highlighted how a volunteer named Ben not only guided them through the museum but also explained the intricacies of the signaling system and let them try operating the token boxes. This level of engagement transforms a typical museum visit into a memorable, interactive experience. The volunteers' dedication ensures that even those with little prior interest in trains can become captivated by the stories and the technology.
It's this human element that truly elevates the Fell Locomotive Museum. The volunteers' passion is infectious, making the history of the Fell locomotives and the Rimutaka Incline come alive. Their willingness to share detailed anecdotes and insights provides a depth of understanding that guidebooks alone cannot offer.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit