Image of Cable Car
The Wellington Cable Car
Track length: 609 metres | Altitude: 119 metres | Speed: 4 metres per sec | Duration: 3-5 minutes
Originally built in 1902 as a transport option for locals to travel from the suburb of Kelburn into the city centre of Wellington, it has since evolved and attracted visitors from all over the world. It is the last historic funicular in Aotearoa New Zealand and one of three major public funicular railways in Oceania.
Ride like a local up the hill through the tunnel light displays, and the hillside terraced houses of Kelburn to the best views in Wellington. Enjoy easy access to the Wellington Botanic Garden, Cable Car Museum, Space Place and Zealandia.
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Schedule
The 3-5 minute ride up or down the hill goes every 10 minutes, on the 10. When demand is higher, our cars may operate more frequently than our usual 10-minute timetable.
The Wellington Cable Car is open every day except for Christmas Day. See our full timetable and fares here.
Travelling over the New Zealand festive season? We operate at slightly reduced hours. Check back here for our festive schedule closer to the time.
Opening hours
We are closed on Christmas Day, 25 December. Cars run every 10 minutes.
| Monday - Thursday | 7:30am - 8:00pm |
| Friday | 7:30am - 9:00pm |
| Saturday | 8:30am - 9:00pm |
| Sunday & Public Holidays | 8:30am - 7:00pm |
What's going on?
Bee in the City
Bee
Bee curious and explore Wellington’s public art trail, presented by Mills Albert.
Download the free map to collect 30 giant artist-transformed bee sculptures and 20 community bees.
Start the trail at our very own Kelburn Terminal. The trail runs from 14 September to 8 November.
The giant bee sculptures will be auctioned to raise vital funds for Life Flight.
Spring Sundays
Spring Sundays
Make the most of spring in Wellington with a scenic ride up the hill. From 6 September to 18 October, adults and children can ride the Cable Car for just $3 one-way or $6 return, every Sunday from 3pm until close.
Tickets are available online or from our ticket box from 3pm every Sunday. Offered valid until Sunday 18 October 2026.
Take a Red Rocket to Space
Red Rocket
Enjoy 20% off a return trip on the Cable Car and general admission to Space Place with our Red Rocket combo.
- Adult (ages 14+) $23.20
- Child (ages 4-14) $13.20
To plan your trip, check out Space Place for opening hours.
Tickets cannot be exchanged for cash and are non-transferable. Not in conjunction with any other offers. Valid 1 July – 30 October 2026.
Heritage Festival Cable Car tours
Heritage Festival
Journey through the past and present of the iconic Wellington Cable Car on this exclusive hour-and-a-half Heritage Festival experience.
The guided tour includes a return journey, exclusive access to the current winding room, the Cable Car Museum, a historic Cable Car badge and a hot drink at Cable Top Eatery.
Maximum 10 participants per booking. The winding room is located down steep stairs at the Kelburn Terminal. Closed-toe footwear required.
Stops
Kelburn Terminal disembark the Cable Car at Kelburn Terminal for easy access to nearby attractions at the Cable Car summit. Enjoy the panoramic views of Wellington city and harbour, grab a bite to eat and continue discovering.
Salamanca Station enjoy the cozy playground with the kids and watch the iconic Cable Car go backwards and forwards. Visit the spectacular Kelburn Park Fountain that was built in the 1940's. Take a short walk from the Salamanca Station to Victoria University to visit the Adam Art Gallery.
Talavera Station find your favourite spot on the over-bridge and watch both Cable Cars bypass each other on the passing loop.
Clifton Station catch a glimpse of the past and present with a stop at Clifton Station to view the Cable Car Transition Mural.
Lambton Quay Terminal situated in the heart of Wellington CBD. Lambton Quay Station provides easy access to Wellington’s main shopping precinct. Take in the Rainbow Mural by Gina Kiel while you wait for the Cable Car. The Cable Car Ticket Office is located at the end of the Cable Car Lane.
Cable Car in Kelburn Station
Talavera Station
Lambton Quay Terminal
Tailor your experience
The best view in Wellington (30-min)
Take a moment to soak in the views and grab a photo of that iconic shot.
Access this by the viewing platform outside the Kelburn Terminal, or if the weather is not suitable, keep yourself sheltered by viewing from inside the terminal.
Explore the top (1-2 hours)
Enjoy a bite to eat, discover your scent or go unlock Cable Car history and the stars at the top of the hill.
Looking to stretch the legs? Venture down through the Botanic Garden to find a children's playground, the rose garden and historic Bolton Cemetery.
Discover Kelburn (2-4 hours)
Take a 10-15-minute walk to Kelburn Village and explore the local eateries, bars, and boutiques.
Or just outside the Kelburn Terminal roundabout, hop on the free shuttle bus to Zealandia to experience Wellington's eco-sanctuary.