The Wellington Cable Car is the last historic funicular in New Zealand, and it has carried people up the hill from Lambton Quay to Kelburn since 1902. The line is 609 metres long and climbs 119 metres in three to five minutes, with a car every ten minutes. The lower terminal and the Kelburn Terminal sit on Harrison Street, and the stations at Salamanca, Talavera and Clifton lie in between. The ride passes through tunnel light displays and the terraced houses of Kelburn, and the top gives views over the city and harbour. The Botanic Garden, the Cable Car Museum, Space Place and Zealandia are all within easy reach of the top. The service runs every day except Christmas Day, from 7.30am to 8pm on Monday to Thursday, and from 8.30am to 7pm on Sundays and public holidays.
The website lists a few things to do along the way: the Kelburn Park fountain, built in the 1940s, a playground at Salamanca, and the Adam Art Gallery at Victoria University. The Heritage Festival experience is a guided hour and a half with a return ride, access to the winding room, a visit to the museum and a hot drink at Cable Top Eatery, limited to ten people, and closed-toe shoes are needed. Recently, spring fares of $3 one way or $6 return ran every Sunday from 3pm until the offer ended on 18 October 2026.