Here at One Network Wellington Live, we’ve got a cracking tale about a little tradition that’s pure Wellington. Picture this: you’re on the Cable Car, rattling up from Lambton Quay to Kelburn. The city’s buzzing below, wind whipping through, and those red cars are doing their thing. Then, out of nowhere, someone in the passing car waves at you. A quick hand flick, a grin, and it’s gone. You wave back—why not? Next thing you know, every car you pass has someone waving. Kids, grannies, even a bloke with a coffee in one hand. It’s not a rule you’ll find in any guidebook, but it’s real. Locals call it the Cable Car wave, and it’s been happening for yonks.

This isn’t some new fad. The Cable Car’s been chugging along since 1902, hauling folks up 120 metres to the Botanic Garden and beyond. Over a million people ride it every year. Somewhere along the line, the waving started. No one’s sure who kicked it off—maybe a cheeky kid or a friendly tram driver back in the day. But it stuck. Now, it’s like a secret handshake for anyone hopping on. You climb aboard, spot the other car coming down, and give a wave. They wave back. Simple as that. On a busy day, it’s a non-stop wave-a-thon, and it’s hard not to smile.

Here’s where it gets fun. Say a newbie jumps on, fresh to Wellington. They’re minding their own business, snapping pics of the harbour view. Then the first wave hits. They’re puzzled but wave back. By the third or fourth, they’re grinning like a kid at Christmas. They pull out their phone, film it, and chuck it online: “What’s with all the waving on this Cable Car?!” Likes pour in. Locals chime in—“That’s just us!”—and soon, others are posting their own wave videos. Before you know it, it’s a thing. People ride just to join in, turning a quiet tradition into a city-wide cheer fest.

The beauty’s in the basics. The Cable Car’s short—612 metres—but it’s a legend. It’s been modernised, sure, but the charm’s still there. Those red cars are as Wellington as a flat white. The waving fits the city’s vibe—small, tight-knit, and a bit quirky. It’s not loud or flashy like honking in a tunnel. It’s subtle, friendly, and feels right. Plus, it’s free to join—no ticket needed beyond the ride. Anyone can do it, and that’s why it could spread like wildfire online.

Think about the potential. A video of a toddler waving with both hands, getting a dozen waves back. Or a tourist who says, “I’ve been to 20 cities, and this is the friendliest.” It’s got legs—visual, shareable, and packed with heart. Wellington’s already got a rep for being cool and creative. This just adds to it. A headline like “Wellington’s Cable Car Waves Hello to the World” could hook readers. The facts are solid: over five million trips since the big upgrade in 1979, and countless waves along the way. It’s a slice of life that’s ready to shine.

So, next time you’re on the Cable Car, give it a go. Flick your hand as the other car passes. You’ll get a wave back—guaranteed. It’s a tiny thing, but it’s Wellington through and through. Who knows? Maybe you’ll start the next big buzz. From one ride to a million shares, this little tradition’s got the goods to go far. Cheers to the Cable Car wave—proof the smallest gestures can make the biggest splash!