The Wellington Cable Car is one of the most iconic images of the capital city! Aside from the incredible view, the ride will also take you to the beautiful Wellington Botanical Gardens. Here’s everything you need to know about this must-do activity in Wellington New Zealand.
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Wellington Cable Car Ride
Hours: Mon-Fri: 7:30am – 8pm / Sat-Sun: 8:30am – 7pm
Tickets: One Way $5 NZD / Round Trip $9 NZD
Once you get your tickets you’ll just have to wait for the Wellington Cable Car to appear from the long dark tunnel. If you’re visiting in peak summer try and avoid the afternoon as it tends to be packed with tourists.
Your lift starts from the main shopping street Lambton Quay, and ends at the Kelburn suburb atop the hill. For as old and classic as the Wellington Cable Car looks we were surprised at how smooth the ride is!
Relax as it glides elegantly to the peak through tunnel and residential houses. Some of the darker sections have been illuminated with multi-colored lights which thrilled the younger passengers in our car.
→ Book your Wellington Cable Car Ticket
Famous Wellington Cable Car Photo
Once you get to the top exit to the right and hurry over around the corner! This is where you’ll get the famous photo you’ve probably seen numerous times. As the red funicular heads back down the hill you’ll be able to snap the perfect picture.
Glancing up from our cameras, it was easy to see why this is the most famous view of the city. For an alternate view, you can check out article on hiking Mount Victoria in Wellington below!
→ Mount Victoria Lookout: How to Get the Best Views of Wellington
Wellington Botanical Gardens
You might find it hard to believe, but the Wellington Botanical Gardens were here even before the cable car! First opening in 1868, the beautiful Wellington gardens have always been the heartbeat of the city.
The main attraction here is the over 30,000 tulips which are in full bloom in the summer. There’s also glow worms, a rose garden, and the Carter Observatory to take in on your visit.
→ 10 Fun Things to do in Wellington On Your First Visit
Winding Walk Back to the City
It was a beautiful spring day during our trip so we decided to pay for just one way on the Wellington Cable Car. You will feel like you’re coasting down the winding pathways as you take in the beautiful plant life of the capital. If you head towards the city center you will find more gorgeous Wellington gardens to experience.
We couldn’t believe the colors before our eyes, as the unique flowers popped out with palm trees standing tall behind them. As much as we enjoyed riding the Wellington Cable Car up, the walk back was truly the perfect way to end our day!
Where To Stay In Wellington
Ultra Luxury – InterContinental Wellington – The InterContinental brand is known worldwide for its luxury, and Wellington is no different. Modern furnished rooms, indoor heated pool & spa, and located steps from the waterfront downtown.
Fun Vacation – Sofitel Wellington – Right in Wellington CBD with views of the famous botanical gardens. Great place for couples and solo travelers that want to be close to all the Wellington sightseeing attractions.
Budget Travel – U Boutique Hotel – Unique hotel right in the heart of Wellington. Gourmet breakfast is available, and walking distance to everywhere.
Hostel Life – The Marion Hostel – The perfect hostel to visit all the best breweries in Wellington from! Private rooms and dorms, large kitchen, and a helpful staff.
For more places to stay near all the best Wellington sightseeing you can explore the latest prices here!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
Where in the world are we? Follow our daily adventures on Instagram @nothingfamiliar!
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New Zealand Travel Planning
Jucy Van: The best way to explore New Zealand is with a Jucy camper! We spent over six weeks driving around the North and South Islands in a van and loved every moment.
Rental Car: If you’re not renting a van you’ll need a car to see this country. We use Discover Cars when traveling and enjoy having the freedom to get around.
Flights: It’s easy to find cheap flight deals using Skyscanner and Kayak. That’s how we got flights from Auckland to Queenstown for $40 USD, and New Zealand to Fiji for less than $150!
Accommodation: Compare multiple sites to get the best deal such as Booking.com and Agoda. Also, Hostelworld should be your go to if you’re traveling on a budget.
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide to find activities all over New Zealand! They have everything from tickets to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves to a Hobbiton movie set tour, and even a Northland hole in the rock dolphin cruise!
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without being covered. We’ve been using SafetyWing for insurance the last few years and they are always there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Find all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including our electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
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North Island New Zealand
Travel Tips & Guides: 10 Helpful NZ Travel Tips – North Island Itinerary – South Island Itinerary – 25 Beautiful Beaches – Wellington to Picton Ferry – 15 Freedom Camping Tips – 27 Delicious Food & Drinks
Auckland & Northland: Piha Beach & Kitekite Falls – Cape Reinga Lighthouse – Russell – Mangonui – Mount Eden – Devonport Day Trip – Waiheke Island Guide – 9 Best Waiheke Wineries
Lake Taupo: 17 Fun Things to Do – Mount Tauhara Hike – Best Street Art – Taranaki Falls – Huka Falls Walk – 14 Tongariro Crossing Tips
New Plymouth: 10 Fun Things to Do – Dawson Falls – Te Rewa Rewa Bridge – Paritutu Rock Hike – Egmont National Park
Bay of Plenty: Tairua – Hot Water Beach – Cathedral Cove Walk – 8 Maunganui Things Not to Miss – Mount Maunganui Hike – East Cape Road Trip – How to Find Tua Tua Clams
Rotorua & Raglan: Kerosene Creek – Redwoods Treewalk – 8 Raglan Things to Do – Bridal Veil Falls
→ Explore all our South Island New Zealand Travel Tips & Guides
