Wellington Cable Car Tours and Activities

Photo provided by Positively Wellington
Photo provided by Positively Wellington
Wellington Cable Car featuring a coastal town and a house
Wellington Cable Car
Photo provided by Positively Wellington


Rise above it all in one of Wellington's iconic red cable cars for stunning views and easy access to some of the city's best attractions.

The Wellington Cable Car is one of the capital's oldest attractions, and has been ferrying passengers between Lambton Quay and the Botanic Garden for over a hundred years. Stretching for 610 metres, the journey takes about eight minutes and is a great alternative to get to some of the city's most popular tourist attractions.Originally built in 1902 to transport workers from Lambton Quay to the newly developing suburbs in the hills, the first cable cars were steam-powered. This system was decommissioned in 1978, when the new electrical system was introduced. Nowadays, there are two cable cars running in opposite directions, each with capacity for approximately 100 people.Starting at Lambton Quay, the cars climb 119 metres through three different tunnels. There are three possible stops along the way, and the views over Wellington's skyline and out across the harbour and Hutt Valley make even a straightforward round trip worth your while.Located at the top of the route you'll find the Cable Car Museum. This museum is free to enter and will teach you a lot about the entwined history of Wellington and the cable car. Also at the top is Kelburn lookout, offering even better views across the city and harbour, while just nearby are the Botanic Garden and the Carter Observatory. Alternatively, you could hop aboard the free shuttle which runs from here to the nearby conservation attraction, Zealandia.When you feel like heading back to the city, you can either jump back on the cable car, or wander at your leisure through the Botanic Garden – a walk of about 40 minutes will bring you back to the centre.Cars run every 10 minutes each day except Christmas Day. When there are cruise ships docked in Wellington Harbour, queues for the cable car tend to be longer, especially in the morning. On such days, the cars tend to run more regularly – every six to eight minutes.

Plan a trip to see Wellington Cable Car

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Ramada by Wyndham Wellington Taranaki Street
Naumi Hotel Wellington
Ohtel Wellington

Air, helicopter & balloon tours

See all 4 activitiesOpens in new tab

Reviews of Wellington Cable Car

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
317
" "5 - Excellent 54%
4 - Good
222
" "4 - Good 38%
3 - Okay
35
" "3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
7
" "2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
4
" "1 - Terrible 1%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Very short. Use cable car when you go up, then walk via Botanical garden to down.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

I used this to visit Zealandia and the Botanic Gardens. It's a fun and easy way to get to the ridge summit. The views are worth it, and the carriages are comfortable.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Go early to avoid the tourist groups

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

quick easy way to see the city, as well as go to the gardens.

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveller

Not avaiable.

2/5 - Disappointing

Marjorie

Not working when we were there so very disappointed.

Popular places to visit


Top Wellington Cable Car Hotel & Accommodation Deals

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
4.5 out of 5
147 The Terrace, Wellington
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
Copthorne Hotel Wellington, Oriental Bay
Copthorne Hotel Wellington, Oriental Bay
4 out of 5
100 Oriental Parade, Oriental Bay, Wellington
Copthorne Hotel Wellington, Oriental Bay
Rydges Wellington
Rydges Wellington
4.5 out of 5
75 Featherston St, Wellington
Rydges Wellington
DoubleTree by Hilton Wellington
DoubleTree by Hilton Wellington
4.5 out of 5
Corner of Lambton Quay and Grey Street, 28 Grey Street, Wellington, NZ
DoubleTree by Hilton Wellington
Oaks Wellington Hotel
Oaks Wellington Hotel
4.5 out of 5
89 Courtenay Place, Te Aro, Wellington, Wellington
Oaks Wellington Hotel
ibis Wellington
ibis Wellington
3.5 out of 5
153 Featherston St, Wellington
ibis Wellington
Gilmer Apartment Hotel
Gilmer Apartment Hotel
3.5 out of 5
10 Gilmer Terrace, Wellington
Gilmer Apartment Hotel
Travelodge Hotel Wellington
Travelodge Hotel Wellington
4 out of 5
2-6 Gilmer Terrace, Wellington
Travelodge Hotel Wellington
Novotel Wellington
Novotel Wellington
4.5 out of 5
133 The Terrace, Wellington
Novotel Wellington
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.