How to Find Us

Carter Observatory is located in Wellington's beautiful Botanic Garden at the top of the Cable Car.

It is 2 minutes walk from the top of the Cable Car, 5 minutes walk from the Botanic Garden's Playground, 8 minutes from the Treehouse Visitor Centre and an easy walk along Upland Road, Kelburn.

Parking - *NEW INFORMATION (from 7 Feb '12) *

From Tuesday February 7th Tournament Parking will operate the Skyline car park. The carpark is located at the top of the Cable Car next to the Skyline on Upland Road. 

The length of time you may park has been extended from two to four hours but no longer. 

The rate for parking is $3/per hour.

You can pay for parking by either:

• pay and display at meter (coins, credit or text)

• smart phone app (www.nzparkmobile.com).

Car park charges, time limits and monitoring will apply 24 hours a day.  

Note: A disabled carpark is available outside the front door of Carter Observatory.  Access is via the road on the eastern side of the Met Service Office located at the top of Bolton Street or from Salamanca Road.

Go Wellington Buses 

Bus routes 17, 22 & 23 take you to Upland Road.

John's Hop On Hop Off City Tour

HOP ON and HOP OFF at 18 of Wellington’s best sights and attractions to see Wellington the way YOU want to! The two-hour scenic loops depart from the Wellington i-SITE Visitor Centre hourly and stops at the top of the Cable Car ~ it's another great way to get to Carter Observatory.

Adult - $39.00; Child (14 & under) - $20.00. Passes valid for 24 hours.

Please see their website for further details: www.hoponhopoff.co.nz.

Wellington Cable Car

The Cable Car runs every 10 minutes between the following times:

Monday to Friday: 7am – 10pm
Saturday: 8:30am – 10pm
Sunday and Public Holidays: 9am – 10pm
Christmas Day: Closed                        

Cable Car Fares:

Adult: $3.50 one-way, $6 return
Child 5 – 15 years of age: $1 one-way, $2 return
Child under 5: free
Family of 2 adults and up to 4 children: $15 return
Student: $1 one-way, $2 return

The Cable Car also offers multi-trip cards.

Please see their website for details: http://www.wellingtoncablecar.co.nz/