Wellington NZ Cable Car – Beautiful City Views and the Botanic Gardens

Wellington is the oh-so cute hilly capital of New Zealand that is sure to captivate you.

Yes, it can cold, damp and windy – but this laid back city will enchant with its cafe culture and stunning nature on all sides plus gorgeous harbour views.

As a tourist, the must-do attraction is undoubtedly the cable car ride up the hill for sparkling views and a nice walk down through the Botanic Gardens.

Triprovider gave it the thumbs up so sit back and read all you need to know before visiting.

We saved time and Pre-purchased our Cable Car Tickets HERE !

Where to find the Wellington Cable Car?

The ticket office and station for the cable car is situated on Lambton Quay and is an easy 10-15 minute walk north from the centre of Wellington CBD. See our map below.

The entrance is located in a laneway just off the street so look for the red Cable Car model, Woolworths supermarket and McDonalds and you are there!

Walk down the laneway to the small ticket window where prices are displayed and the turnstiles on your right to enter.

When does the Cable Car depart and how to buy Tickets?

Cable Car Times –  How often does the Wellington cable car depart?

The Wellington Cable Car timetable varies depending on season and holidays but you can use 8am-8pm as a guideline. It usually departs every 10 minutes and is closed Christmas Day but should be running every other day. You can expect a reduced service over periods like Christmas and Easter.

How much does a ticket for the Wellington Cable Car cost?

Obviously prices will change so check the official site for latest timetable and prices but as at 2024/2025 the one way adult ticket was $6.50 and return $12. Tickets valid for use 6 months after purchase.

How long does the Wellington cable car trip take?

The 620 metre journey takes about 5 minutes. You can also get off at the other 3 stops and get back on again if you like.

How to buy Wellington Cable Car Tickets?

You can pre-purchase using our link to save time or buy them at the window when you get there at either end of the ride.

Pre-purchase your tickets HERE and help keep our site alive! We appreciate it!

What’s the cable car ride like?

The “Cable Car” is really a funicular but they have kept the name from over 100 years ago when it was a cable car. The beautifully kept shiny red trams have wooden seats and panoramic windows so you can see the views on both sides.

The journey takes you through 3 tunnels and over 3 bridges. There are 5 stations which include the base station at LAMBTON QUAY, CLIFTON (see the cable car mural here), TALAVERA (favourite spot to watch trams come and go underneath you.), SALAMANCA (kids playground and the iconic Kelburn Park fountain) and the end at the summit at KELBURN.

You are free to get off and on again at any station once as part of your one way or return ticket.

We pass beautiful folage and greenery, look out onto expansive lawns and expertly manicured playing fields and marvel at the architecture of some of Wellington’s finest and most expensive homes along the route.

The tunnel before the Talavera station and loop is lit up with rows of vertical lights that change colour and provide an exciting experience.

A lot of university students also use the service to get to Victoria University.

At the Top of the Cable Car Hill, what is there to do and see?

At the top station at Kelburn most people will firstly marvel at the sweeping city views with the harbour as a backdrop.

In a separate building there is a cable car museum which is interesting for a look and of course the obligatory gift shop!

You can then choose to return via the cable car or come down through the Botanic Gardens which is such a relaxing way to spend a few hours and there are many paths and areas to explore.

Coming down via the Wellington Botanic Gardens

Beat the queues and Pre-purchase your Cable Car Tickets HERE

Probably no better way to unwind than to take the leisurely downhill stroll from the cable car through the expansive Wellington Botanic Gardens.

Study the map and you will see there are many paths to take so you could easily spend a morning or afternoon here back tracking and exploring.

The Space Place at Carter Observatory is a great place for the kids and space nerds alike! Maybe you’ll see a space flare through the telescope. Plan to arrive for the Planetarium show which is quite good.

The Botanic Garden Treehouse is a good place to learn about the different tree species and they have an excellent shop too for souvenirs.

And there are many tree species to admire as you meander down the hill. Many interesting sculptures are also dispersed throughout the park.

As you reach the bottom, the Lady Norwood Rose Garden awaits. A nice place to relax,  it is of course good to go when the roses are in bloom (summer). There is a cafe here for a coffee and toastie!

Book your Cable Car tickets, click HERE!

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What is it? – A totally enjoyable furnicular ride combined with exploration of the Botanic Gardens.

Where is it? – Just 15 minutes north of the city centre.

When is it? – Open most days but check the official website for funicular times as they vary depending on season and holidays.

Why do it? – The views alone are worth it, but the beuatiful Botanic Gardens are the perfect way to end off a memorable morning or afternoon.

How long do I need? – The tram ride itself is only 5 minutes but you could spend hours exploring the gardens at your own pace. Perfect morning or afternoon.

How much is it? – $NZ 6.50 one way and $NZ 12 return at time of writing.

Pre-purchase your Cable Car Tickets and skip the queue. click HERE!

Have a question regarding this trip? – email us at info@triprovider.com

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