Visiting Carter Observatory
Click here for our opening hours and entry prices.
To find out more about the Carter Observatory experience, click here.
The Carter Observatory is located in Wellington's beautiful Botanic Gardens at the top of the Cable Car. It is 2 minutes from the top of the Cable Car, 5 minutes walk from the Botanic Garden's Playground, 8 minutes for the Treehouse Visitor Centre and an easy walk along Upland Road, Kelburn.
Bus routes 17, 22 & 23 take you to Upland Road.
Two hour parking is now available for visitors to the Botanic Garden and Carter Observatory. The carpark is located at the top of the Cable Car next to the Skyline on Upland Road.
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.
The easiest way to reach Carter is via Wellington's iconic Cable Car.
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Cable Car Hours and Prices
The Cable Car runs every ten 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 one-way, $5 return
Child 5 – 15 years of age: $1 one-way, $2 return
Child under 5: free
Cable Car Concessions:
Family of 2 adults and up to 4 children: $14 return
Student: $1 one-way, $2 return
SuperGold card holders: $1.60 one-way, $3 return
The Cable Car also offers multi-trip cards.
Please see their website for details: http://www.wellingtoncablecar.co.nz/
