Welcome to the Wellington Cable Car Commentary!
Get ready to dive into the history and highlights that make this iconic ride so special. On this page, you'll find our full onboard commentary script alongside audio files. Whether you’re planning your journey or reliving your trip, this page lets you experience the character of Wellington Cable Car from wherever you are!
Enjoy the journey - happy listening!
HEADING UPHILL Part 1
Departing From Lambton Quay
- Kia ora koutou katoa. Nau mai haere mai ki Te Waka Taura o Pōneke.
- Welcome aboard the Wellington Cable Car.
- The Cable Car has been operating since 1902, carrying locals and visitors alike.
- If you look to your left as we exit the tunnel, you’ll see our Transition Mural, showing Cable Cars past and present.
- The original cars, known as the Red Rattlers, made their last run in 1978 with the current funicular system opening in 1979. Since then, the cars have completed over 1 million trips!
- The lights in the next two tunnels can be programmed with light shows marking festivals, charitable events and special occasions, such as Matariki and ANZAC Day.
HEADING UPHILL Part 2
In the middle tunnel after Clifton.
- We’re now approaching Talavera Station and the passing loop where the track divides.
- The cars have sets of double-flanged and flat wheels, always guiding Car 1 through the south part of the loop, to your left, and Car 2 through the north, to your right.
- To find out more about the Cable Car and how it works, and to see two of the vintage cars, visit the Cable Car Museum by the Kelburn Terminal.
HEADING UPHILL Part 3
After leaving Salamanca Station.
- You’ll soon be arriving at Kelburn Terminal, for great views across the city and harbour.
- Close by you’ll find the Cable Car Museum, Cable Top Eatery, Victorian Perfumery, entrance to the Botanic Gardens and Space Place
- The free shuttle to Zealandia leaves from the front of the terminal.
- Once the car has come to a stop, you will be exiting to the left.
- If you have return tickets, please board the car when you’re ready to go back downhill.
- The cars depart every 10 minutes.
- We hope you’ve enjoyed your journey on the Wellington Cable Car.
- If you would like to leave us some feedback, scan the QR codes located on the car or use the tablet in the terminal.
- Kia pai te Rā. Ka kite anō.
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HEADING DOWNHILL Part 1
Departing from Kelburn.
- Kia Ora koutou katoa. Nau mai hoki mai ki Te Waka Taura o Pōneke.
- Welcome aboard the Wellington Cable Car.
- We’ll now descend 119 metres along the 609-metre-long track into the heart of the city.
- The 13 tonne weight of this car helps to pull the other uphill, making the Cable Car one of the most energy efficient forms of transport. Since 2022 we’ve been certified as a net Carbon Zero business.
- The lights in the next two tunnels can be programmed with light shows marking festivals, charitable events and special occasions such as Matariki and ANZAC Day.
HEADING DOWNHILL Part 2
In the top tunnel after Salamanca.
- We’re now approaching Talavera Station and the passing loop where the track divides.
- The cars have sets of double-flanged and flat wheels, always guiding Car 1 through the south part of the loop, to your right, and Car 2 through the north, to your left
HEADING DOWNHILL Part 3
After passing Clifton Station.
- We’re now approaching Lambton Quay Terminal.
- When the car comes to a stop, you’ll be exiting to the right.
- Please have your ticket ready to scan on the exit gates.
- We hope you’ve enjoyed your journey on the Wellington Cable Car.
- If you’d like to purchase a souvenir, ask our staff in the ticket kiosk by the exit gates.
- If you’d like to leave us some feedback, scan the QR codes located on the car.
- Kia pai te Rā. Ka kite anō.
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Also don’t miss the video below: "The Perks of Being a Cable Car Driver."
Enjoy a behind-the-scenes glimpse of what makes this unique job so rewarding!