First built back in 1902, the cable car once ferried workers from Lambton Quay to the new hillside suburbs around the city. A century on, visitors can join the many passengers carried between the Quay to the Wellington Botanic Garden on a fun ride, complete with views.
Stretching over 600 metres, it takes about eight minutes to cross from one side to the other. Quickly carrying so many passengers day after day on its electrical system, the cable car has come a long way since the good old days of the steam-powered system that kept it running right up until the late 1970s.
Two cable cars run in opposite directions on the line, each taking as many as 100 passengers at a time. Board the car at Lambton Quay right in the city centre and find yourself whisked over 100 metres above ground through three tunnels, stopping off at three points on the way. Take time to gaze out of the window and enjoy the captivating views of the Wellington cityscape as well as the harbour and Hutt Valley further afield.
When you alight at the other end, visit the Cable Car Museum, which tells you all about the cable car and its history and is free to enter. From the lookout at Kelburn, you’ll be able to see the city in all its glory. The Carter Observatory and Planetarium and Botanic Garden are also well worth a visit, with both attractions being just a short walk from the terminus. You can also board a free shuttle bus that will take you to Zealandia in five minutes.
To get back to the city centre, either board the return cable car or take a walk through the Botanic Garden situated about 40 metres from the heart of Wellington.
The cable car operates every day except Christmas Day and cars depart every 10 minutes. Queues are typically longer when cruise ships are in port, and on these days, the cable cars run every six to eight minutes.
