Wellington Cable Car
Wellington Cable Car
4.5
7:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
7:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
7:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
7:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
7:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
7:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
About
The highlight to any visit to Wellington is a trip on Wellington Cable Car. In just 5 minutes you will reach the top of the Botanic Garden where panoramic views of the city and harbour are the reward. You can also visit the Space Place Observatory here. Before you head back down make sure to visit the Cable Car Museum (free entry), which provides a history of the city's symbolic mode of transport and see the original cars and winding machinery on display. There are walking tracks that start at the top of the Cable Car if you're keen on a stroll back to the city. The Cable Cars leave every 10 minutes and evry 15 minutes before 8pm.
Duration: < 1 hour
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See what travelers are saying
- MikeFoBrighton, United Kingdom1,097 contributionsGreat for a view or shuttle to ZealandiaCable car running up about 190m, has 2 stops en route, $6 single or $11 return, all very quaint. Good view from the top. You can also catch a free shuttle to Zealandia from here.Kia ora and thank you for your comment. We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed your experience on the Cable Car and the views at the end of the journey. Take care - Letetia :)Written January 2, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 10, 2023
- mdh969Canberra, Australia1,039 contributionsWellington Cable CarWe took the cable car whilst in Wellington today. For $11 per person, it will take you to the top of the botanical gardens. You can also catch a free bus to Zealandia. This is well worth a visit if it is not raining. Well worth a visit if in Wellington.Kia ora and thank you for your comment. We are so pleased to hear that you enjoyed your experience on the Cable Car and found the convenience of the free shuttle to Zealandia. Take care - Letetia :)Written January 2, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited November 2023Traveled with friendsWritten November 7, 2023
- AlanBerkhamsted, United Kingdom67 contributionsA must-see in Wellington.Visited the cable car & museum on a flying visit to Wellington and decided it was one of two things one must do in the N.Z. capital. The ride is charming and views from the top of the city are spectacular. Cafe at the summit is good value and there’s a nature walk, observatory and museum to see as well. All in all good value.Kia ora and thank you for your lovely comment. We are so pleased to hear that you enjoyed your experience on the Cable Car and found great joy in all the attractions at the top of the hill. Take care - Letetia :)Written January 2, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 10, 2023
- Paul PhillipsAlloa, United Kingdom125 contributionsExcellent views for a cheap ride upThis is a great way to get to the Botanical Gardens if you don’t like, or can’t, walk uphill. It costs NZD6 for a single fare and NZD11 for a return. If you wander through the gardens then you are already most of the way down so I’d recommend a single in most cases. The views are spectacular and you can get off at several different places to see other sights. Well worth the 10 minute wait between each car.Kia ora and thank you for your lovely comment. We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed your experience on the Cable Car and the walk through the gardens. Take care - Letetia :)Written January 2, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited December 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 14, 2023
- Joel KVancouver, Canada3,735 contributionsA fun start to a super day. Take the Wellington Cable Car - you will love it.We got free tickets from our hotel for the Cable Car. The ride was efficient and fun with great views. Getting to the top was great. We went to the Cable Car museum and watched several movie clips about public and private cable cars. We then walked down thru the Wellington Public Gardens and the Cemetery and arrived at our hotel. what a great day.Kia ora and thank you for your lovely comment. We are pleased to hear that you found the entire experience with ease and pleasure from the Hotel, to the end of the Cable Car journey, through the gardens and back. Take care - Letetia :)Written January 2, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited May 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 15, 2023
- Connie AWest Fargo, North Dakota102 contributionsGreat views, beautiful walk thru Botanical Gardens, nice history of cable car at topThis was a highlight of our Wellington trip. The cable car was a fun way to get to the top of the hill. There is a nice mini-museum of the cable car history at the top. We then walked through the LOVELY Botanical Gardens and rode the car back down. We went on the cable car as soon as it opened for the day and were glad we did as there was a long line mid-day when we came back down.Visited January 2024Traveled with familyWritten January 10, 2024
- Susie813252 contributionsFantastic value added visitOur visit coincided with cruise passengers visit day so it was crowded. There is a little cable car museum free to the public at the Hill Top. The lookout views reached far beyond the city, including the cruise ship. There is a nice restaurant that offers coffee and meals. My family loved the Botanic garden walk, it has well laid out walking paths. We also visited the nearby Space place and bought a family ticket to watch the Observary show. Overall, it was a nice break from the central shopping district.Visited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten January 14, 2024
- Sarah CAshtead, United Kingdom1,323 contributionsHistoric and iconic rideA trip to Wellington isn't complete without a cable car ride. We opted for the up journey only (entrance hidden between shops) and then walked back down from the top at our leisure. It's such a cute an iconic mode of transportVisited February 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten January 31, 2024
- ND FVancouver, Canada818 contributionsSpend time at the top, there’s a lot to see and do.Much easier to ride up in the cable car versus walking. Buy tickets online to avoid the line up at the ticket kiosk; bypass that line direct to entrance. Spectacular view of Wellington and the harbour. Two trams running so any wait is minimal. A number of other ‘touristy’ activities once at the top.Visited January 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten January 31, 2024
- JudyWhangamata, New Zealand9 contributionsCable car accessible tripMy friend was in a wheelchair. We found the staff excellent and very helpful on a very busy day. Easy access on the cable car with someone in a wheelchair. The museum at the top was well worth a visit. Free to use the cable car with your gold card.Visited February 2024Traveled with friendsWritten February 11, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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6,687 reviews
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96
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41
Liz H
Lichfield, UK912 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
One of the things that a visitor to Wellington wants to do, but it’s quite a short ride, and you don’t get a particularly good view from the cable car. However, The views from the top over the city and the bay are excellent.
We rode up before 0900 and the museum wasn’t open, but we walked back to the city through the Botanic Garden, which I would highly recommend.
We rode up before 0900 and the museum wasn’t open, but we walked back to the city through the Botanic Garden, which I would highly recommend.
Written April 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora, thank you for your visit. Wellington Cable Car is well-known for its quick historic journey between the city centre and the Suburb of Kelburn. Locals use the Cable Car as a transport, as it runs every 10 minutes and every 15 minutes after 8pm.
The main view is at the top of the Cable Car, Kelburn Lookout. Cable Car travels through three historic tunnels, the view will appear after the Salamanca Station if you are travelling to the top.
Hope we will see you again soon!
Written April 29, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dee ce
Oamaru, New Zealand209 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Cable car goes through tunnels, not a scenic trip up as we Expected. Cafe, museum and observatory all closed by 5.30 pm, although cable car runs until 10.00 pm. Botanic Gardens are not actually in evidence at the top, need a bit of a walk to see them. Some views of city, but again, not quite what I was expecting. Dissmapointed really.
Written January 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Apologies for your unpleasant experience. Wellington Cable Car operated since 1902, being one of the only funicular railways that are still running in New Zealand, it is no longer just a local transport but also an historic attraction.
The best place for view is the Kelburn Lookout. It is unlikely to have scenic views before the Salamanca Station. The Cable Car starts its journey from the middle of the CBD (many buildings and highways), Lambton Quay and moves slowly towards the Kelburn Suburb. Therefore, light shows were added to two of the tunnels to enhance the experience.
Written February 2, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Melissa
Buckingham, UK80 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Suits it’s purpose, nice simple ride with a lovely view. Only issue was the attitude of the man who greeted us. We’d bought a city pass at the information centre for three attractions, one being the cable car. The older gentlemen behind the kiosk didn’t recognise this voucher, was really sarcastic and unhelpful, said we’d have to wait for someone else to deal with us and ushered us aside so he could deal with the next customer. We told him where we’d got them from and all he said was ‘that doesn’t mean we’re going to accept them’ and then walked away from us??? Then he kept the vouchers behind the desk to the side so we had to ask for them back. Then a nice young lady came and immediately checked off the vouchers and gave us our tickets. As simple and friendly as it should have been.
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Great picture! Thank you for visiting and apologies for any unpleasant experience. We are glad you were assisted by one of our staff at the end. This is definitely not our usual standard of service and please contact us at info@wellingtoncablecar.co.nz for further assistance.
Written February 9, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LoveToTravel
Los Angeles399 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
This is a MUST-DO activity when in Wellington, NZ. But, at only $5NZ (US$3) you can go up to the top for the best photos in the city! I'd recommend the 20 minute easy walk down back to town.
On a clear day, you can see forever! This is highly recommended tourist activity for a great price.
On a clear day, you can see forever! This is highly recommended tourist activity for a great price.
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your amazing review too!
Written February 27, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bea T
Wellington, New Zealand393 contributions
Jan 2020
When we have friends over we take them on a scenic Wellington tour and the cable car is where we start. It is a quick ride up, but I think it is nice and I like the lights in the tunnels. On the top, the cable car museum is worth a visit and of course you need to take the photo with the cable car and the view. Walk down via the botanical garden, the rose garden and the cemetery. Great fun and you only pay for the cable car. ( using the snapper it is only 3 dollar pp )
Written January 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your little tours and include the Cable Car! Starting the journey from Cable Car is definitely a great way to discover the city. Yes, Snapper cards and multi-trip cards are great value for regular users.
Written January 27, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Perwf
London, UK48 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
This is an easy place to visit on the main Street, and is a cheap $5 trip to an excellent view over the city. You can also go on to Zealandia eco park, or walk down through the botanical gardens. Nice half day out.
Written February 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erlend A
Sunningdale, UK102 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
A quirky mode of transport but like the disco lights in the tunnels and the view from the top was lovely. We bought a one-way ticket and walked back down through the Botanical gardens which were stunning. The museum is worth a visit and has a restored original streetcar on display
Written January 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LCL-travels
Chicago, IL554 contributions
Dec 2019
The Wellington Cable Car is land-based, not an aerial gondola. When you arrive at the top in the suburb of Kelburn, there are beautiful views of Wellington. There, you may visit the free cable car museum and/or the free botanic garden.
The cable car museum is rather small. Features include a film about the cable car's history and a gift shop.
The botanic garden is lovely and signage provides the estimated walking time to different sections. However, the area is very hilly, making the walks challenging.
The cable car museum is rather small. Features include a film about the cable car's history and a gift shop.
The botanic garden is lovely and signage provides the estimated walking time to different sections. However, the area is very hilly, making the walks challenging.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. Wellington Cable Car is one of the only funicular railways that are still operating in New Zealand. If you are planning to go one way and walk down through the Botanic Gardens, we recommend everyone to wear comfortable shoes.
Written January 8, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Joanne R
Cape May, NJ173 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
We had a great day riding around Christchurch. Each driver did a very good job driving and tell all the passengers about different areas we were passing. And one of the drivers told us about a wonderful restaurant Casa Publica which had very delicious food and great waiter and they gave us a discount since the driver told us to show them the ticket we had from the tram car.
Written March 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora, thank you for the review. I am afraid this is the Wellington Cable Car, you are probably looking for the Christchurch Tram.
Enjoy the rest of your week!
Written March 16, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Familie M
Germany117 contributions
Dec 2019
The starting point of the cable car is hidden in a ugly shopping center like area and you find it easy when you follow the queue.
The way upwards with the light effects is a nice start.
Arriving at the top in the botanic gardens you will be welcome from multiple city volunteers to give you guidance what to see and handout maps you can take for free.
The way upwards with the light effects is a nice start.
Arriving at the top in the botanic gardens you will be welcome from multiple city volunteers to give you guidance what to see and handout maps you can take for free.
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback. The Cable Car Lane is hidden in the busy streets of Lambton Quay, the shopping centre.
Written February 4, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We are coming to Wellington on a very busy weekend and we are worried about parking, what are the best options?
Also what days and times is the observatory open?
Written January 13, 2019
There is street parking in the city - note this has a 2 hour time limit and charges in the weekend. There are longer term carparks at Te Papa and also under the Westpac stadium (providing there isn’t a game in that day). The Observatory is open till late -11pm
Written January 15, 2019
We are coming to Wellington on a very busy weekend and we are worried about parking, what are the best options?
Also what days and times is the observatory open?
Written January 13, 2019
Kia Ora! There is no public parking at the Cable Car. The nearest parking buildings are at:
Queens Wharf
The Terrace for Lambton Quay Terminal
The Skyline at 1 Upland Road, Kelburn (top of the Cable Car)
There are also paid public parkings around Lambton Quay.
The current opening hours for Space Place are:
Monday 10am–5:30pm
Tuesday 10am–11pm
Wednesday 10am–5:30pm
Thursday 10am–5:30pm
Friday 10am–11pm
Saturday 10am–11pm
Sunday 10am–5:30pm
See you soon and hope this is helpful. -April
Written January 13, 2019
Using Google Maps, the walking route seems rather long to get from top of the Cable Car to Space Place in the Botanic Garden. Is there a more direct route through the Botanic Garden?
Written September 3, 2018
Kia Ora, the route may seem long on the map but Space Place is only two minutes away from the Kelburn Terminal. Once you come out of the Cable Car at the Kelburn Terminal, walk towards Kelburn Lookout/Botanic Garden until you see a great round tree and follow the second pathway.
Please visit our website for maps and brochures of the surrounding attractions (more focused map).
Written September 3, 2018
Hi, you mentioned you walked down through the botanic garden after taking the cable car, then up again through the garden, is that because you can't get access to most of the garden on the route down (i.e. it is just one path down so you need to go up again so you could see more of it).
Thanks
Alison
Written March 18, 2018
Kia Ora Alison,
There are two ways to see the Botanic Garden. You can purchase a return ticket and return to the city centre at any time (suitable for people with time constraint). Or purchase one-way and walk down through the Botanic Garden which take about 30-40 minutes. If you're walking back to the city centre you'll also past by the Parliament Buildings. Please visit our website if you have further enquiries!
Thanks,
Written March 19, 2018
Just wondering if this is far from ,where the cruise ships dock in ? Is it walking distance?
Written January 3, 2018
Our ship, Holland's Noordam, docked at Atorea Quay near Westpac Arena, which is located in an industrial area and does not allow for pedestrian traffic. So we took the complimentary bus available, just as you depart the ship, from the industrial port into the city center. From there it is a short walk to the cable car station.
Written January 4, 2018
How long does it take to go to the top
And what is the cost in GB pounds
Thanks
Written August 17, 2017
Kia Ora, the quick historic trip takes about 5 minutes. The Cable Car runs every 10 minutes between Lambton Quay (city centre) and Kelburn (Top of Cable Car where other iconic attracions of Wellington are, such as: Kelburn Lookout, Cable Car Museum, Space Place, Botanic Garden and Zealandia).
The cost for an adult one way is about £2.27 ($4NZD) and return is about £ 4.26 ($7.50NZD).
Written August 22, 2017
Is its possible to by tickets in advance, How much it costs up and both sides? We are not NZ residents. Can We get Senior descount?
Written October 14, 2016
Hi Kushmanr, yes you can buy tickets online via our website: one way $NZ4 or return $NZ7.50 for an adult. Sorry, we do not currently have any senior discounts, standard fares apply.
Written October 17, 2016
I note from the reviews that a number of reviewers have elected to walk back down the hill rather than return via the cable car. Can you advise me of the walking distance?
Written May 10, 2016
Hi there, the walk back down through the Botanic Garden (following the Pohutukawa flower tiles) takes approximately 40 minutes and is mostly a downhill walk. You'll end up at the Reserve Bank which is opposite the Parliament Buildings, they also have free hourly tours too! There are maps at the Cable Car and entrance of the Garden as well.
Written May 11, 2016
How much does the cable car ride cost? Can you ride it back down or do you just walk down.
Written December 6, 2015
As a NZ resident I was able to use my seniors gold card. You can take the car back down or walk, or even catch a bus at the top back to the city. It's certainly very cheap and well worth the trip to the top.
Written December 14, 2015
Joanna W
South Coast, St. Thomas
Am visiting via cruise ship - when is the best time to avoid queues?
Written December 4, 2015
We had no queue travelling mid-morning on a week day. There was not cruise ship in town though, so perhaps this would change things.
Written December 6, 2015
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