Wellington Cable Car as Part of a Private Wellington Tour
Wellington Cable Car Lambton Quay station
Wellington Cable Car is one of Wellington’s most recognisable attractions, connecting Lambton Quay in the city centre with Kelburn and offering scenic views across the city and harbour. Great North Tours can arrange private transport and local guidance for a Wellington Cable Car visit as part of a customised Wellington day tour or wider North Island itinerary.
The historic Wellington Cable Car has operated since 1902 and travels approximately 609 metres uphill to Kelburn. The journey takes around three to five minutes, making it an easy addition to a day exploring Wellington.
At the top, you can explore the Wellington Botanic Garden, visit the Cable Car Museum, discover Space Place or continue towards Zealandia. The Botanic Garden also provides a scenic downhill walking route back towards central Wellington.
Wellington Cable Car tickets can be purchased online or at the Lambton Quay ticket office. Services generally run every 10 minutes, although frequency can increase during busy periods. Current fares, opening hours and operating information can change, so checking the official timetable before travelling is recommended.
Great North Tours does not operate the Wellington Cable Car. Instead, we provide private transport and local guidance, helping you combine the Cable Car with Wellington attractions, waterfront sightseeing, museums, food experiences and other destinations around the city.
Whether you are visiting Wellington for a day, arriving by cruise ship or exploring the North Island on a private itinerary, we can build a flexible experience around your interests and preferred pace.
Where does the Wellington Cable Car go?
The Wellington Cable Car travels between Lambton Quay in central Wellington and Kelburn, providing an easy way to travel uphill towards the Wellington Botanic Garden and other Kelburn attractions.
How long does the Wellington Cable Car take?
The Wellington Cable Car journey takes approximately three to five minutes, covering about 609 metres between Lambton Quay and Kelburn.
How often does the Wellington Cable Car run?
The Wellington Cable Car generally runs every 10 minutes, with services becoming more frequent when demand is high.
What are the Wellington Cable Car opening hours?
Wellington Cable Car operating hours vary by day, with different schedules on weekdays, Fridays, weekends and public holidays. It operates every day except Christmas Day. Check the official timetable before travelling because operating information can change.
Where can I buy Wellington Cable Car tickets?
Wellington Cable Car tickets can be purchased online or at the Lambton Quay terminal. Online tickets can be useful during busy periods and allow visitors to prepare their journey before arriving.
How much does the Wellington Cable Car cost?
Wellington Cable Car fares vary depending on the ticket type and can change over time. Current one-way, return and child fares are available from the official Wellington Cable Car website.
What can you do at the top of the Wellington Cable Car?
At the Kelburn end, visitors can access the Wellington Botanic Garden, Cable Car Museum and Space Place. Zealandia is also accessible from the Kelburn area, making the Cable Car a useful part of a wider Wellington sightseeing itinerary.
Can you walk from the Wellington Cable Car to the Botanic Garden?
Yes. The Kelburn Cable Car terminal is next to the Wellington Botanic Garden, making it easy to combine the Cable Car with a visit to the gardens. Visitors can also walk downhill through the gardens towards central Wellington.
Are dogs allowed on the Wellington Cable Car?
Dogs are allowed on the Wellington Cable Car subject to the operator's conditions. Dogs travel on the lower landing and must be accompanied by a responsible handler. Service dogs have priority.
Is the Wellington Cable Car wheelchair and pram accessible?
The Lambton Quay and Kelburn terminals provide accessible facilities for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, prams and baby buggies. Visitors with specific accessibility requirements should check the current accessibility information before travelling.
Where is the Wellington Cable Car located?
The lower Wellington Cable Car terminal is at 280 Lambton Quay, at the end of Cable Car Lane. The upper Kelburn terminal is at 1 Upland Road, next to the Cable Car Museum.
Can Great North Tours arrange a private Wellington Cable Car tour?
Yes. Great North Tours can arrange private transport and local guidance for a Wellington Cable Car visit as part of a customised Wellington itinerary. The Cable Car itself is operated separately, while we can help combine it with other Wellington attractions and experiences.