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What is there to do?

The journey doesn’t end after you ride on the Cable Car; it's just getting started. 

Stepping off at Kelburn Terminal opens the door to some of Wellington’s most loved attractions, all within easy walking distance or transport options offering a relaxed mix of nature, culture and local life just beyond the CBD.

Explore the top of the Cable Car

Cable Car Kelburn Terminal

The Kelburn Terminal is the ideal starting point for exploring Kelburn. Rebuilt and remodelled in 2014, the terminal was designed to be both visually striking and fully covered, offering visitors a comfortable place to arrive, pause and plan. The timber pillars on the exterior take inspiration from the wooden sleepers of the Cable Car track, subtly reflecting the journey below.

Around 90% of the glass panels are fitted with Feather Friendly® bird dots, a Canadian-designed technology that acts as a preventative barrier to help reduce bird strikes and is the first building in New Zealand to have the technology applied. 

Inside the terminal, a large area map helps visitors orient themselves and plan their onward journey.

This is the perfect spot to grab a photo of the iconic shot if you wish to be sheltered by the weather.

 

In this space up in the viewing platform of the Terminal, you can grab a photo in the Cable Car photo stand or check out original costumes from the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, including a Third Age Elf and a Guard of Rohan.

 

This is also the perfect venue if you are looking to perform an instrument, host an event or explore media options. For more details, click here.

During the summer season, our friends from Cable Top Eatery have a pop-up ice cream stand to cool you down on the hot days. This stand is located at the front of the Terminal.

 

Thirsty? Grab a drink from our vending machine by the exit doors.

Top of the Cable Car

Outside the Kelburn Terminal, explore a range of nearby food spots, attractions and activities, all within easy walking distance. 

Just outside is one of Wellington’s most photographed locations, the Cable Car viewing platform, where you can watch the cars descend with the city skyline as a backdrop. 

It’s an ideal place to pause, enjoy a break or a picnic on the grass, take photos, and admire native birdlife such as kākā, kererū and tūī that are often seen in the surrounding trees.

There are heaps to explore, whether you have heaps of time or are on a schedule.

 

Freely roam around and find the viewing platform, the iconic Bucket Tree and Krupp Gunn.

 

Check out the vintage cars at the Cable Car Museum, create your own perfume at the Fragrifert Victorian Perfumery next to Cable Top Eatery or explore the stars at Space Place.

Cable Top Eatery is located next to our Kelburn Terminal, just outside our exit doors.

 

Stop here for a bite to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Check out their website for their opening hours and menu here.

Cable Car Museum model
Space Place tunnel
Cable Top Eatery

The Botanical Gardens

Enter by the viewing platform outside the Kelburn Terminal

The Wellington Botanic Garden offers visitors a scenic and rewarding way to explore Wellington on foot. From the top of the gardens, you can enjoy an easy downhill stroll through native bush, seasonal plantings and rolling lawns, including the iconic Begonia House, children’s playground and the Lady Norwood Rose Garden. 

The walk from top to bottom takes around 40 minutes, gradually leading you toward the city and opening out through the historic Bolton Street Cemetery, located near the Parliament buildings.

Space Place

A 2-3 minute walk from Kelburn Terminal

Space Place at Carter Observatory invites visitors to explore the wonders of the universe through engaging, hands-on experiences. Inside, you’ll find interactive galleries, multimedia exhibits, the historic Thomas Cooke telescope, and a digital full-dome planetarium showcasing stories of Aotearoa New Zealand’s skies. 

Whether you’re a keen stargazer or simply curious about space, this family-friendly attraction offers a fascinating and memorable addition to your Wellington visit.

Cable Car Museum

Access next to the Kelburn Terminal

Located in the original winding house for the Cable Car system, the Cable Car Museum offers a glimpse into over a century of Wellington’s transport history. Spread across two floors, the museum houses the original winding machinery used from 1902 to 1978, along with two historic grip cars, photographs and stories from the Cable Car’s past. 

Free entry makes it an easy and worthwhile stop before or after your ride.

Zealandia

Hop on the free electric shuttle bus outside the Kelburn Terminal

Zealandia offers visitors an unforgettable wildlife experience just minutes from central Wellington. This world-first, fully fenced urban eco-sanctuary is home to rare and native species such as tūī, kākā and tuatara, living in a restored natural environment. 

With well-maintained walking tracks and optional guided tours, Zealandia provides a meaningful opportunity to connect with New Zealand’s unique wildlife and conservation story.

Explore beyond

Kelburn Village

Only a 10-minute walk from the Cable Car Kelburn Terminal, Kelburn Village offers visitors a relaxed taste of everyday Wellington life just beyond the city centre. This hilltop village is a favourite with locals and features cosy cafés, casual eateries, boutique shops and handy local services. It’s an ideal spot to enjoy a coffee, grab a bite to eat, or wander around. 

For those keen to continue walking, Zealandia is a further 20-minute walk along Upland Road, or walk up Highbury Hill to the Brooklyn Wind Turnbine which is a 3-hour loop walk.

Within the village, explore local coffee, pastry and brunch hotspots.

If you're looking more for dinner and drinks options, you're spoilt for choice.

There is also a range of health, beauty and shopping to explore.

Kākāriki at Zealandia