Wellington Cable Car Return Ticket

The Wellington Cable Car, a ride through history

The Wellington Cable Car opened in 1902 to link the city centre with the new hillside suburb of Kelburn, and for more than a century it has been part of daily life in New Zealand's capital. The original cars were pulled by a steam-driven cable; in 1979 the line was rebuilt as the modern electric funicular you ride today, with two counterbalanced red cars passing each other halfway up the hill.

The track is about 600 metres long and climbs roughly 120 metres from Lambton Quay to Kelburn. It is one of the few working funicular railways in New Zealand and still used by students and commuters as well as visitors. Wellington Cable Car tickets are the easiest way to reach the hilltop attractions without a steep climb.

The ride: tunnels, bridges and stations

The journey begins in Cable Car Lane, a narrow lane off Lambton Quay, the city's main shopping street, where you exchange your voucher at the ticket counter before boarding. As the car pulls away, it enters the first of three historic tunnels, then crosses three bridges with glimpses over gardens and wooden villas to the harbour.

On the way up the car stops at three intermediate stations: Clifton, Talavera and Salamanca. Salamanca is the stop for Victoria University of Wellington and the Kelburn Park fountain. The ride to the top takes about five minutes and cars depart roughly every 10 minutes, so there is rarely a long wait. Sit on the downhill side for the best views on the way back.

Kelburn lookout and the Cable Car Museum

At the top station, the lookout platform gives one of the best views in Wellington: the compact high-rise centre, the curve of the waterfront, the wide harbour and the green hills that ring it. On clear days you can see across to the Hutt Valley and beyond. It is a perfect spot for photos at any time, and the late afternoon light is especially beautiful.

Next to the lookout, the Cable Car Museum is housed in the original winding house and tells the story of the line, with two of the historic cars on display and the old winding machinery that once hauled them up the hill. A visit takes about 20 to 30 minutes and is a highlight for children and anyone interested in transport history.

Wellington Botanic Garden and the walk back

The top station opens straight onto the Wellington Botanic Garden, about 25 hectares of native forest, exotic trees, seasonal flower beds and a much-loved rose garden. Paths wind down the hillside past lawns, ponds and lookouts, and many visitors spend an hour or two here before heading back.

With a return ticket you can simply ride back down, but if you feel like walking, a beautiful 40-minute stroll leads through the garden and the historic Bolton Street Cemetery to the Beehive and the city centre. The best time to visit is spring, when the tulips and blossoms are out, but the cable car and garden are lovely all year round. Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to walk down, as some paths are fairly steep after rain.