The Wellington Cable Car is the last historic funicular in New Zealand, and it has run up the hill from Lambton Quay since 1902, when it carried locals from Kelburn into the city. The ride covers 609 metres and climbs 119 metres in three to five minutes, with cars every ten minutes. The website says it runs every day except Christmas Day, and gives the timetable as 7:30am to 8:00pm Monday to Thursday, and 8:30am to 7:00pm on Sundays and public holidays. The Heritage Festival experience is an hour and a half, with a return ride, access to the winding room and a hot drink at Cable Top Eatery. It takes a maximum of ten people, and closed-toe footwear is required.
Stops along the line include Kelburn Terminal, which has the city and harbour views, and Salamanca Station, which has a playground and the Kelburn Park Fountain nearby. The website says the Wellington Botanic Garden, Space Place and Zealandia are easy to reach from the top. A public art trail of bee sculptures runs until 8 November. From 6 September to 18 October 2026, the website lists a Sunday offer of $3 one-way or $6 return, from 3pm until close, as at 2026.