From alpine lifts to urban links: Doppelmayr cable cars

Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is a place where new ideas gain traction. With its strong local team and spirit of innovation, Doppelmayr is helping show what’s possible, and why Auckland is a great place to do business.

As Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest city and economic engine, Auckland relies on fast, efficient public transport to be productive, connected and sustainable. But expanding urban networks isn’t easy. Conventional road and rail projects face rising costs, limited space, long lead times and increasing disruption – all while needing to meet urgent carbon reduction targets.

Aerial cable cars are proving to be a smart addition to traditional transport. Leading the way is Austrian company Doppelmayr, known for major projects such as Mi Teleférico in La Paz, Metrocable in Medellín, and the new Cable C1 line nearing completion in Paris. Doppelmayr New Zealand strongly believes this kind of system could benefit Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and other cities across Aotearoa.

From mountain lifts to urban mobility

Doppelmayr has a long history in New Zealand, starting with ski lifts – it installed its first chairlift at Roundhill ski field near Lake Tekapo in 1975. Today, the company builds and services ropeways all over the country. Doppelmayr has also installed several tourism cable cars, such as Queenstown’s Skyline Gondola and the Christchurch Gondola, making it easier for both locals and visitors to enjoy our mountainous landscapes.

More recently, Doppelmayr has been focusing attention on the use of its technology in urban applications, off precedents in cities as diverse as La Paz, London, Mexico City and Paris. In New Zealand, Doppelmayr commissioned a national study by local consultancy Abley that assessed the viability of aerial cable car systems for public transport around Aotearoa New Zealand. That study, released in November 2023, identified 20 locations around the country where there is a case for an urban cable car, many in Auckland.

Doppelmayr presented its cable car concept to Auckland Council’s Transport and Infrastructure Committee in May 2024. The presented route was a high-priority connection from Auckland Airport to Botany via Puhinui rail station – a corridor already being looked at for transport upgrades. Auckland Transport is now assessing the feasibility of a cable car along this route as part of its wider planning.

Practical benefits for a growing city

Garreth Hayman, Chief Executive Officer of Doppelmayr New Zealand, says cable car systems offer real advantages.

Cost is a big factor. Gondola systems are generally 30-40 per cent of the cost of light rail or busways, with similar capacity. Compared with undergrounding projects, they’re around one tenth of the cost.

Other benefits include faster build times, reduced ground footprint, and minimum disruption to existing homes and businesses. The systems run on electricity, with a significantly smaller carbon footprint in construction and no carbon emissions in operation, helping support New Zealand’s goal of getting to net zero.

Auckland’s Climate Plan, Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri, envisions a city that’s more connected, accessible and compact, which makes ideas such as aerial cableways a potential fit for getting around in a more efficient and sustainable way.

“If we’re serious about cutting emissions, we need to rethink how we do things,” says Hayman. “Using cable cars for public transport is a great example. They give people better travel options without putting extra pressure on the environment.

“They’re also quiet, smooth and accessible. And because they don’t rely on road networks, they avoid intersections and congestion. Travel times are more predictable.”

A place for partnerships

A cable car route from Auckland Airport to Botany in south-east Auckland is estimated to cost around NZ$800 million – a big drop from the NZ$2.1 billion price tag for a busway. Doppelmayr is investing in initial solution design, sharing research and proposals. With the current government more open to public–private partnerships, Hayman says there’s potential for a consortium model, combining funding, delivery and long-term operation.

“Aucklanders and New Zealanders in general are naturally innovative and open to new ideas,” says Hayman. “That’s why we’re committed to working with stakeholders at all levels to help them understand the potential of this technology to deliver better urban transport solutions and help unlock the productivity of our cities.”

Backed by local skills

Doppelmayr’s New Zealand team is 35 strong. Most are Kiwi tradespeople – fitters, electricians, technicians – and many contribute to international projects in the off-season.

While research and development is based in Europe, New Zealand has contributed to co-developed innovations such as bike carriers and elements of the Christchurch Adventure Park.

For global companies, New Zealand also offers a rare combination: skilled talent and a practical, solutions-focused mindset.

Kiwis have a global reputation for their ability to roll their sleeves up and get things done. It’s one of the many reasons we’ve continued to invest here.

A great place to do business

“New Zealand’s a great place to do business, with a relatively simple and straightforward regulatory environment,” says Hayman. “It was one of our first export markets and it continues to be a very important part of the Doppelmayr Group.

“We’re also really excited about the opportunity to transform Auckland’s transport landscape. While we’re a global business, we have a long and established presence in New Zealand, driven by the opportunity to contribute to the country’s transport and tourism growth strategy. We recognise Auckland’s culture of openness, collaboration and ambition as an opportunity for us to help shape a smarter, more sustainable city for residents.”