Wellington
Cable car and Botanic Garden
Take a ride on Wellington's iconic red cable car up to the tranquil Botanic Garden for superb views and beautiful walks.
About this place
The historic cable car has been operating for over a century, providing a short but steep journey from the central business district up to the suburb of Kelburn. It's a classic Wellington experience, offering great views of the city and harbour as you climb. At the top, you'll find the Cable Car Museum which details the history of this much-loved transport system.
From the top station, it's a short walk into the Wellington Botanic Garden, a 25-hectare protected native forest, conifer collections, and seasonal floral displays. Follow the winding paths downhill through the gardens, discovering areas like the Lady Norwood Rose Garden and the Begonia House. The walk back down to the city through the gardens is a peaceful way to spend an afternoon.
Time needed
2-3 hours
Best time
Beautiful year-round, with the Rose Garden at its best in summer.
Practical tips
- Wear comfortable walking shoes to explore the gardens properly.
- Consider buying a one-way ticket up and walking back down through the gardens into the city.
- The gardens have different areas that bloom at various times, so there's always something new to see.