Was this page helpful?
Last update: 12 Oct 2026
* We earn a commission from some links on this page.
Wellington Cable Car Summary
| Opening hours: |
|
||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public website: | www.wellingtoncablecar.co.nz |
New Zealand – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type I
Type I:
 Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
New Zealand Dollar (NZD) £1 ≈ NZ$2.34 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Cashless payments are widely accepted across New Zealand, and credit cards are commonly used, especially in urban areas and tourist spots.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not expected in New Zealand, though it is appreciated for exceptional service. 5-10% in restaurants and small tips for taxi and hotel staff are common. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is generally allowed in some designated areas but may be restricted in others. Consumption of alcohol in public places may require a permit. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is restricted in many public areas, especially indoor spaces and public transport. |
| Waitangi Day (6 February) |
A national holiday celebrating the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi |
|---|
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 111 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Uber, Ola |
| Other: | New Zealand is known for its stunning landscapes, from beaches and mountains to national parks and cultural experiences. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Wellington Cable Car, New Zealand
Runs every 10 minutes most of the day, closed Christmas Day and for occasional maintenance
Don't miss
- 🚠 Ride the historic funicular for iconic city and harbour views
- 🏛️ Explore the free Wellington Cable Car Museum at the top station
- 🌳 Walk down through the stunning Wellington Botanic Garden trails
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Wellington Cable Car is a timeless attraction that has connected Wellington’s city center to the hilly suburb of Kelburn since 1902. Covering a steep 610 meters and climbing 120 meters vertically, it offers passengers breathtaking views as they ascend in classic red cable cars with panoramic windows.
At the top, visitors can explore the tranquil Wellington Botanic Garden, famous for its diverse plant collections and relaxing atmosphere. The adjacent Cable Car Museum showcases the history and technology of this historic transport system, providing fascinating insight.
Though the ride itself takes only about five minutes, the experience is enriched by stops at several stations along the route, offering options to explore the charming neighborhoods and parks. The cable car operates frequently throughout the day, but queues can build during peak tourist seasons.
Passengers should consider mobility levels as some internal stairs and walking trails within the botanical garden may be challenging. Weather can be changeable, so appropriate clothing is advised. The cable car remains a beloved icon and a practical way to enjoy Wellington’s topography and natural beauty.
Why travel to Wellington Cable Car?
Knowledge before you go
- Historic funicular linking Lambton Quay to Kelburn with harbour views.
- Ride duration is about five minutes; best views during daylight hours.
- Buy tickets at the lower station; consider the Kelburn Botanic Garden walk after.
- Cable Car Museum at the summit offers free exhibits about the system and history.
How to travel to Wellington Cable Car
The Wellington Cable Car departs from Lambton Quay in downtown Wellington, easily reachable by foot or public transport from the city center. International visitors usually fly into Wellington International Airport with convenient shuttle or taxi service to the city. From the airport, the city center and Cable Car base station are roughly a 20-minute drive away.
Access summary
- From Wellington Airport: Airport bus or taxi to Lambton Quay terminal, ~20–30 min.
- From central Wellington: Short walk up Lambton Quay to Cable Car Lane entrance.
- From Auckland: Flight to Wellington (~1 hour), then airport bus/taxi into city.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay near Wellington Cable Car
Wellington offers a variety of accommodation options, from upscale hotels in the central business district to cozy boutique lodgings near the Kelburn suburb, providing convenient access to the Cable Car and Botanic Garden.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
Packing recommendations for Wellington Cable Car
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🕶️
Sunglasses
🧥
Windproof jacket
🔋
Power bank
🧥
Fleece mid-layer
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in the region are around 9% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to NZD) is 15% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is considerably cheaper compared to the past.
Safety information overview
General safety
The Wellington Cable Car offers a safe, well‑maintained experience with frequent service and professional staff. Incidents are rare; standard precautions – keeping valuables secure, staying on designated paths and following posted warnings – ensure a worry‑free ride for all visitors.
Accessibility
Wellington’s Cable Car offers wheelchair‑friendly access with a dedicated lift, smooth boarding and clear signage. The ride itself is short but steep, so balance may be challenging for some. Elevators at both stations are reliable, though the lower station can feel crowded during peak times.
Related articles & guides for Wellington Cable Car
Looking for inspiration?
Discover
Top historical destinations and historic sites
The most compelling history destinations are places where the past is still physically present and legible in the landscape, the architecture and the daily life of the people who…
Read more
Discover
Best historical destinations in Oceania
Oceania's history encompasses tens of thousands of years of indigenous settlement, navigation and cultural development before European arrival transformed the region irrevocably.…
Read more
Discover
Most beautiful beaches and coastal escapes
For a lot of people, a beach is the whole point of a holiday, but what makes a beach day perfect really depends on personal taste. Some travellers want isolation and the feeling…
Read more
Discover
Stunning national parks and wilderness areas
National parks exist because someone decided that certain landscapes were too important to lose. The best of them protect ecosystems, wildlife and natural processes that would…
Read more
Discover
Intimate escapes and romantic getaways
The most memorable trips for couples tend to have less to do with luxury and more to do with the quality of shared experience. A place that slows you down, removes the usual…
Read more
