The Wellington Cable Car climbs from Cable Car Lane off Lambton Quay to the Kelburn terminal, a ride of about five minutes that has become a symbol of the city. At the top, a lookout outside the terminal gives wide views across the central city and the harbour, and the Cable Car Museum next door tells the story of the line, which opened in 1902. From the same point you can walk down through the Wellington Botanic Garden, passing the rose garden and the historic Bolton Street Cemetery on the way back to the city. The cars run every ten minutes, more often when demand is high, so there is rarely a long wait. It is cheap, quick and easy to fit in, which makes it one of the best-value things to do in Wellington.
What to do
Ride up, spend a few minutes at the Kelburn lookout, look into the Cable Car Museum, then walk down through the Botanic Garden. If the weather is poor you can still see the city from inside the terminal. Many visitors buy a return ticket and ride back down, while others buy a one-way fare and use the garden as the route back to Lambton Quay. The ride is also the departure point for the free shuttle to Zealandia, so it works as a gateway to the wildlife sanctuary too.
Planning
The Cable Car runs every day except Christmas Day. Hours are longer on Fridays and Saturdays, and shorter on Sundays and public holidays, with a festive schedule posted before the New Zealand summer holidays, so check the timetable for your day. Fares are modest, with one-way, return and family tickets, and visitor tickets are valid for six months. Concession fares need a New Zealand card, so most visitors pay the standard rates. For live operating status, contact the operator before you go.
Fitting it in
Allow 45 minutes to an hour for the ride, the lookout and the museum, and about 45 minutes more if you walk down through the garden. It is an ideal first outing on a clear day because the view helps you understand how the city sits between hills and harbour. Late afternoon is lovely for the light, and it is a good family activity because children enjoy the ride. The terminus is a short walk from the InterContinental and many central hotels.
What to expect
The experience
A short funicular ride with a lookout, a small museum at the top and an easy walk down through the Botanic Garden.
Best time
Choose a clear morning or late afternoon for the best views of the harbour and city.
How long
The ride takes about five minutes, and the visit takes 45 minutes to two hours with the garden walk.
Tips
Check the timetable for your day, buy a return ticket if you want to ride back, and bring a jacket for the wind at the top.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-time visitors who want a view of the whole city in a short, inexpensive outing.
- Families
- Children enjoy the ride, and the playground in the Botanic Garden is nearby.
- Couples
- A scenic ride and a garden stroll, especially lovely in late afternoon light.
- Pair with
- Pair it with the Botanic Garden, Zealandia or Te Papa.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes to two hours.
Good questions
How often does the Cable Car run?+
Cars run every ten minutes, and more often when demand is higher. The ride takes about five minutes.
When is it closed?+
It is open every day except Christmas Day. Hours change slightly across the festive season, so check the schedule for your date.
Where does it start and finish?+
It starts at Cable Car Lane off Lambton Quay and finishes at the Kelburn terminal at the top. The Botanic Garden is right beside the top station.
Is there anything to see at the top?+
Yes, there is a lookout with wide views and a Cable Car Museum. You can also walk down through the Botanic Garden.
Can I buy a one-way ticket?+
Yes, one-way and return tickets are sold, along with family tickets. Many people ride up and walk down through the garden.
