Once considered a visionary solution for Auckland’s transport and urban renewal, the cable car project now sits in the archives of forgotten ideas. Once considered a visionary solution for Auckland’s transport and urban renewal, the cable car project now sits in the archives of forgotten ideas.
Auckland’s cable car was originally projected to take just two years to build, offering a fast and efficient solution to ease congestion on the Harbour Bridge. Yet, since its proposal in 2023, two years have passed with no alternative in sight. With the second harbour crossing not set to begin construction until 2029, Auckland faces years of worsening traffic. Reconsidering the cable car now could provide immediate relief, giving commuters and tourists a reliable, scenic, and congestion-free transport option long before larger infrastructure projects take shape. But what if we brought it back? What if this wasn’t the end of the story—but a pause before transformation?
Instead of shelving the project, Auckland’s leaders should reconsider it, tapping into its potential to drive economic growth, spark entrepreneurship, and reshape urban spaces.
A Transport Revolution That Could Power Education & Innovation
The cable car is more than just about getting from point A to B—it was about making the journey matter. Imagine stations serving as business incubators and learning hubs, where students:
✅ Gain practical experience running market stalls
✅ Develop business, finance, and marketing skills
✅ Test ideas and refine products in a real-world setting
This isn’t just theory—it’s how successful businesses start. Bondi Markets in Australia helped launch brands like Lover, now internationally recognized. Auckland’s cable car stops could do the same—creating hubs where education meets innovation.
Beyond everyday business, cable car stations could host quarterly themed markets, keeping them dynamic, exciting, and relevant year-round:6
- Matariki Markets – A celebration of renewal, Māori heritage, and creative entrepreneurship, featuring indigenous art, storytelling, and celestial-themed exhibitions.
- Christmas Pop-Ups – Festive markets with student-led brands selling handcrafted gifts, seasonal food, and holiday experiences, boosting local makers and cultural tourism.
Imagine stepping off the cable car into a thriving creative market, where emerging businesses and artists present work backed by New Zealand icons like Karen Walker, Neil Finn, and Taika Waititi.
Cities that embrace innovation and urban renewal thrive. Sydney, Melbourne, and Wellington all have dynamic spaces that merge transport, commerce, and creativity. Auckland should not fall behind—it should lead.
The cable car could:
✅ Activate underused spaces, making them must-visit destinations.
✅ Fuel the local economy, helping young entrepreneurs launch real businesses.
✅ Bring Auckland to the world, attracting visitors, investors, and cultural collaborations.6
Reviving the Cable Car: A Call to Action
Auckland has a rare chance to rethink this project, learning from global success stories and applying them locally. Instead of seeing this as an idea that never happened, let’s treat it as an idea whose time is now.
City planners—Auckland needs you to reconsider. The cable car could be more than just transport; it could be a launchpad for the next generation of entrepreneurs, a cultural beacon, and a global attraction.
Aucklanders, what do you think? Should we fight for this revival? 🚠✨
