Wellington Cable Car, Wellington (2024) - Images, Timings

Wellington Cable Car, Wellington Overview

One of the town's top attractions, Wellington Cable Car, is a funicular railway running between the stations of Lambton Quay downtown to the famous Wellington Botanic Garden upwards. The distance covered is a thrilling upwards climb, and the car uses the cable traction for movement. Covering a distance of 612 m and rising a steep hill of the height of 120 m, the trip is a beautiful transition from the chaos in the heart of the city to the beautifully terraced steps on the mountain of the Botanic Gardens.

Besides providing gorgeous views of the surroundings and stunning panoramic vistas, the cable car is synonymous with the town's identity. It provides a charming escape away from the hustle-bustle of the city. Besides enchanting views of the city and harbour Te Whanganui-a-Tara, the car also has a telescope which you can use to enjoy the scenery. You can also grab a bite to eat at the top from the Cable Top Eatery or Picnic Eatery next to the Begonia House in Wellington Botanic Gardens.

What to Do

Purchase a ticket from the ticket booth at the lower end of Lambton Quay and enjoy a thrilling five minute ride up to the Kelburn Hill.

One Way Ride
Most people take a one way ticket upwards. After enjoying the gorgeous cityscape, the views of the harbour and the skyline, you are dropped off at the top. The top station is situated within the Wellington Botanic Gardens and you will get down to find yourself amidst enchanting surroundings. There are beautifully terraced hills and well maintained flower beds. On the way back, you can take a stroll downhill via Bolton Street Cemetery and the Beehive to Lambton Quay. There are maps all along to help you navigate better. You can also choose to take a return ticket and come down via the cable car itself.
Return Ticket
In case, you decide to get a return ticket, there will be no time restrictions. The cable car runs every 10 min (every 15 min after 8:00 PM) and you can hop in and out as per your wish. After enjoying the views on the way, you can relax at the Botanic Gardens, explore the surroundings and take a scenic ride back again.

Enjoy the views from the top. There is a separate indoor and outdoor platform created to allow you a peek of the gorgeous views of the harbour Whanganui-a-Tara and the city. There is also a telescope here which you can use to watch the view. Although it is chargeable so remember to carry spare coins for the same.
Cable Top Eatery situated at the top, offers a variety of finger food, snacks, even wine and the famous NZ beers. A little distance from the top is the Kelburn Village where you can find several other cafes, restaurants and food outlets etc. Another option is the Picnic Cafe that is situated next to the Begonia House in the Wellington Botanic Gardens.
Gift Shop at the Lambton Quay Terminal where you can purchase small souvenirs, gifts and knick-knacks to take back home for yourself and for your kith and kin.

Tickets and Prices

Return Tickets:
Adults - NZD 9.00
Child (5 - 15 years) - NZD 4.50
Student (with NZ Student ID) - NZD 5.00
Family (1 adult and upto 3 kids) - NZD 15.00
Family (2 adults and upto 4 kids) - NZD 20.00

One Way Tickets:
Adults - NZD 5.00
Child (5 - 15 years) - NZD 2.50
Student (with NZ Student ID) - NZD 3.00

Snapper One Way:
Adults - NZD 3.60
Child (5 - 15 years) - NZD 2.10
Student (with NZ Student ID) - NZD 2.20

10 Trips:
Adults - NZD 29.00
Child (5 - 15 years) - NZD 14.50
Student (with NZ Student ID) - NZD 15.00

25 Trips:
Adults - NZD 58.00
Child (5 - 15 years) - NZD 29.00
Student (with NZ Student ID) - NZD 30.00

NZ SuperGold Card:
Free travel at off-peak hours i.e. 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM and after 6:30 PM All day on weekends and Public Holidays

Timings

Monday to Friday: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday: 8:30 AM - 9:00 PM

Attractions near Wellington Cable Car

Wellington Botanic Gardens
Wellington Botanic Gardens are a pure green delight on the hillside sprawling over 25 acres of land, away from the chaos and cacophony of the city. You can take a walk amidst vibrant flower beds and well-maintained lawns. It also has a food cafe where you can satisfy your hunger pangs.
Cable Top Museum
Situated inside the Original Winding House, Cable Top Museum tells the story of the cable cars. It also houses two of the original cars and winding gear. One of the vehicles is red, which has a 1970s livery. And the other is green which was restored in 2005. This is one of the top attractions in the city.
Zealandia
Zealandia is a popular attraction which is a 5 min ride in a shuttle from the Botanic Garden station. Sprawling over 225 hectares, the spot is a flourishing eco-sanctuary and also has an exhibition centre.
Space Place
Space Place is an astronomical attraction which is at a distance of 2 min from the top station. It has various space displays, artefacts, multimedia exhibitions and also has a planetarium which holds regular space shows.

Tips

For convenience purposes, you can buy your tickets online and just scan them at the mobile device scanners outside the stations.
At the top station of the Cable, exit from the right hand side doors to enjoy the best views of the surroundings.
Dogs are not allowed at the stations except disability assist dogs.
The Cable Car is also wheelchair accessible and the doors are levelled with the floors for the same.
When purchasing a student ticket, you need to have a student ID with you.
Children below the age of 5 years can travel free.
Accessible concession is valid only on Snapper Cards.
There is no parking available near the Wellington Cable Car at either stations. The nearest parking are available at Queens Wharf, Terrace for Lambton Quay Terminal and Skyline at 1 Upland Road, Kelburn.