The Wellington Cable Car, a historic cable car that has been operating in New Zealand’s capital city of Wellington for over 120 years, has become one of the city’s symbols and a major tourist attraction. Every year, thousands of people come to the waterfront to ride the red cable car.
The cable car runs from Lambton Quay to the suburb of Kelburn, climbing to a height of 120 meters. The total length of the funicular is more than 600 meters, and the tram car covers this distance in five minutes. During this time, passengers have a wonderful opportunity to see the panorama of Wellington, North Island, and Cook Strait.
Along the way, the cable car makes four stops where you can get off and see interesting art objects. The Lambton Quay terminal features a large painting entitled “Rainbow” by New Zealand artist Gina Keel. At the Talavera station, passengers can get off to admire the views of the flowering hills and the passing cars from the bridge. Clifton Station offers an insight into the history of the cable car’s construction. Salamanca Station has a children’s playground, and you can also get off here to stroll through Kelburn Park, walk to the fountain and the historic Victoria University building.
The upper platform houses the cable car museum, which displays archival photographs, vintage advertising posters, and the most important exhibit—a historic carriage from the first generation of New Zealand cable cars. They are open to visitors, and anyone can sit inside on the old wooden benches and take a photo in the conductor’s seat.
Location: Lambton Quay, Wellington, New Zealand.
- Adult tickets – $11 May 2024
- Children’s tickets – $5.5 May 2024
Opening hours
- Mon-Thu: 7:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
- Fri: 7:30 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
- Sat: 8:30 a.m.-9:00 p.m., Sun and holidays: 8:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
