Wellington Cable Car
A five-minute funicular climb from the central city to the Botanic Garden, running continuously since 1902 and now one of Wellington's most recognisable rides.
Quick Facts
- Region
- Wellington, North Island
- Best time
- Year-round
- Entry fee
- From NZD $10 (one-way, adult)
- Duration
- 30–60 minutes
Overview
The Wellington Cable Car has run between Lambton Quay and Kelburn since 1902, originally built to open up the Kelburn hillside for housing. The current cars, introduced in 1979, climb through a short tunnel and past three intermediate stations before arriving at the top station overlooking the city and harbour.
At the top, the Cable Car Museum (free entry) displays two of the original 1902 cars, and the ride connects directly into the Wellington Botanic Garden, making it easy to combine the two as one outing — up by cable car, down again on foot through the gardens.
Things To Do
- Ride to the top — a five-minute climb with views opening up over the city as you ascend.
- Cable Car Museum — free entry, with original 1902 cable cars and the history of the line.
- Wellington Botanic Garden — 25 hectares of gardens right at the top station, easy walking back down.
- Carter Observatory — Wellington's public observatory and planetarium, within the Botanic Garden.
- Lookout views — the top station itself has a viewing platform over the harbour and city.
Getting There
The bottom station is on Lambton Quay in central Wellington, an easy walk from the railway station and CBD. The top station connects directly to Kelburn and the Botanic Garden.
| Address | 280 Lambton Quay, Wellington 6011 (bottom station) |
|---|---|
| Opening Hours | 7:00am – 10:00pm weekdays, shorter hours weekends |
| Entry Fee | From NZD $10 one-way (adult); return and family tickets available |
| Duration | 30–60 minutes, longer with the Botanic Garden |
| Accessibility | Cars and stations are wheelchair accessible |
Gallery
Nearby Attractions
Wellington Botanic Garden
25 hectares of gardens directly connected to the cable car's top station.
Te Papa Museum
New Zealand's national museum, a short walk away on the waterfront.
Mount Victoria Lookout
Wellington's best-known lookout, with 360° views over the city and harbour.