Cruise Passenger Guide
A fantastic way to take in Wellington's breathtaking views is with a quick 5-minute ride on the Wellington Cable Car.
Departing from the city centre, the Cable Car transports you to Kelburn, where you can explore the Botanic Gardens, the fascinating Cable Car Museum, and Space Place. Plus, Zealandia is easily accessible via a brief complimentary shuttle ride.
Discover all the essential details, from ticket prices and schedules to invaluable tips, to ensure your experience is nothing short of spectacular!
Information
Our location
You will find us at 280 Lambton Quay at the end of Cable Car Lane Landmarks to find us are the Woolworths Supermarket and the Cable Car model sign.
Timetable
The Cable Car operates continuously during busier cruise periods, with cars departing every 5-10 minutes. Once onboard, you will take a 5-minute journey up the hill to reach the summit.
To skip the queue, purchase your tickets online here. We recommend pre-downloading on a mobile device before arrival (there is free WIFI in our Lambton Quay Terminal and Cable Car Lane). Your ticket will have a unique QR code to be scanned flat down on the entry gate scanners. Each QR code is for one person only. Please note that ticket sales on the day will likely be taken down due to demand.
Tickets
One-way ticket
Catch the Cable Car up to Kelburn, and take an approximately 40-minute walk down through the Botanic Gardens. Check out the Gardens map here and finish just around the corner from the shuttle pick-up point.
Return ticket
Catch the Cable Car up to Kelburn, admire the view and visit attractions such as the Cable Car Museum and Space Place, then in your own time, return on the Cable Car back to Lambton Quay.
For journeys not travelling through Lambton Quay, please pay the driver (cash only) or present your tickets.
Tickets are available to purchase on the day from the ticket box at our Lambton Quay Terminal, end of Cable Car Lane. Queues can be up to 40 minutes long to purchase a ticket.
Learn more
We accept Eftpos, debit and credit (Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, Alipay and WeChat). These facilities are available at our Lambton Quay Terminal only.
Cash payments are also accepted. New Zealand currency only.
Concession fares are for valid NZ Student, valid NZ Community Services Card and on-peak NZ SuperGold Card travel only.
New Zealand SuperGold card holders are free during off-peak travel periods, all-day weekends and public holidays. Skip the queue and scan your SuperGold card's barcode directly at the gates.
See the full range here: Cable Car timetable & fares.
From the top of the Cable Car, explore:
- The Cable Car Museum, Cable Top Eatery, Victorian Perfumery,
- The Botanic Gardens, which are located directly outside the Kelburn Terminal
- Space Place is a 1-minute walk just past the entrance of the Botanic Gardens.
- Zealandia has a free shuttle departing from the top of the Cable Car. See the timetable here: Zealandia Shuttle Timetable
In the city, you may find from the cruise shuttle stop:
- Te Papa Tongarewa (National Museum of New Zealand) Tākina, and located inside Tākina is the Wellington iSite, a 20-minute walk along the waterfront
- Wellington Museum, a 10-minute walk along the waterfront
- Beehive & Parliament Buildings are directly across the street
Cable Top Eatery offers a wide range of delicious food and drink. You can find the eatery at the top of the hill just outside the Kelburn Terminal.
Kelburn Village is just a short 10-minute walk to cafes, coffee shops and the local Kelburn Village Pub.
Wellington is known for its excellent coffee. Check out a few of our favourite spots here: Wellington Coffee Spots
If you need a quick light refreshment, there is a drinks vending machine in the Kelburn Terminal.
Wellington Cable Car souvenirs can be purchased from the Lambton Quay ticket box at the bottom or from the trolley in our Kelburn Terminal.
A wide range of Cable Car and Wellington keepsakes can also be purchased from the Cable Car museum.
The Wellington Cable Car is a fully accessible experience. Find more information about accessibility here: Cable Car Accessibility
Restrooms are situated at the top of the Cable Car. If you're at Lambton Quay, you can find public toilets opposite Cable Car Lane, along Grey Street near the bank. Find a map here: Public Toilet Map
Wellington City Ambassadors are your local guides to assist with queries and guidance.
They can be found at the port, Cable Car Lane, Cable Car Lookout, and other tourist destinations round Wellington.
- In the case of an emergency, call 111
- Wellington Cable Car: 04 472 2199
- CentrePort: 04 495 3800
- iSite: 04 802 4806
The shuttle stop is based on the eastern side of Lower Lambton Quay, outside the Old Government Buildings.
Shuttle options vary between cruise lines. Check directly with your cruise line as to what they offer.