Christchurch Gondola Ride: Scenic City View and Summit Exploration

Experience breathtaking views of Christchurch from above on a scenic gondola ride. Explore the summit and enjoy panoramic vistas of the city’s changing landscape. Combine with a punting experience for the ultimate Christchurch adventure!

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Christchurch Gondola - Take in views over the city of Christchurch, damaged but recovering from the 2011 earthquake, and see all the way to the snowcapped Southern Alps and Canterbury Plains. As you rise more than half a mile (almost a kilometer) to the crater summit, the suburbs of Christchurch recede below you and panoramic views take in Lyttelton Harbour. From up here it’s easy to see how the harbor was formed by a collapsed volcanic crater.

At the summit, ride the Discovery ride to see a video of Christchurch, its history, people and volatile geology. Enjoy a snack or meal at the Red Rock Cafe (not included), and browse the Shop at the Top retail experience.

Add a Punt ride on the Avon River and glide along in a flat bottomed boat. Relax as a Punter, traditionally dressed in straw hat and blazer, propels you past a romantic setting of boat sheds, trees and riverside paths. See the wildlife float by, and be prepared for all weather with blankets and umbrellas provided.

What's Included
  • Return Gondola ride
  • 30-minute Avon River punt ride (if option selected at time of booking)
What's Not Included
  • Transport to/from the attractions
  • Food and drinks
Additional Information

See the city of Christchurch from above by taking a trip aboard the Christchurch Gondola. The cable car takes you on a scenic journey to the Port Hills crater rim and Mt Cavendish summit, giving you fabulous views of Christchurch’s dramatically changed cityscape. See Canterbury Plains and Lyttelton Harbour unfold as you rise to the summit complex, on the crater rim of Christchurch’s famous extinct volcano.

Please note the Christchurch Gondola is a 15 minute drive from the city centre and a ten minute drive from the port of Lyttelton.

To see even more of Christchurch, go Punting on the Avon River. If the combo package is purchased. Please book your Punting timeslot prior to arrival by contacting the supplier directly.

• Please note our attractions do get very busy sometimes, especially if a cruise ship is in port and there may be a wait time at the Gondola due to increased demand

  • Please dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes
  • Wheelchairs need to be smaller than 600cm wide to fit into the Gondola cabin
  • If the Punting combo upgrade is selected, you will need to contact the supplier directly to prebook a Punting timeslot.
  • • Please note our attractions do get very busy sometimes, especially if a cruise ship is in port and there may be a wait time at the Gondola entry due to increased demand
Location
10 Bridle Path Road
Bridle Path Road
Public bus #8 towards Lyttleton from the Central City Bus Interchange brings you directly to the Christchurch Gondola which is a 20 minute drive from the city centre Please prebook your Punting timeslot prior to arrival by contacting the supplier directly
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.4
(159 Ratings)
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Ilona_v
Jun 22, 2024
Gorgeous - Excellent service..ride was smother then expected. Gorgeous view.. Great shop.and coffee at the top.friendly staff
Review provided by Viator
Leon_d
Jun 11, 2024
Gondola ride in Christchurch - Great outing. We caught the bus no. 8 to and from the front door of the Gondola. Great views from the top. Great food from the restaurant. A great history amusement ride on the lower level. We should have come ready for a walk to the top of the hill - an easy incline. Fabulous experience. A must do for Christchurch.
Review provided by Viator
274sammyk
May 12, 2024
One not to miss if you want to see the beautiful Christchurch city from top - Fantastic views going up and down the gondolas. Nice cafe at top and loved the history train which is complimentary with gondola tickets. I would recommend to go at 10am to get the most out of the day. Staff was friendly too.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Matthewdy6480nw
Apr 30, 2024
Must do - Not a great fan of heights. But was definitely a must do. Everyone was very polite and helpful. Great Cafe at the top everything you could want. Luge was awsome and even with work being done for an expansion. We had no hold ups
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Darryl_s
Apr 21, 2024
Great - Truly fantastic. Great ride to great views. Friendly and helpful staff especially for elderly people. Thank you.
Review provided by Viator
Rita_s
Apr 8, 2024
Wonderful view and a great experience. - Wonderful view and a great experience. Definitely worth the admission ticket. Take the free bus from the cruise line from the dock into town and then pick up the local bus ($20 NZ for all day pass) to the gondola. Afterwards we took the bus into Christchurch and walked around. Took the bus back to town and then the free shuttle back to the ship. Great day, low stress.
Review provided by Viator
Gwen_b
Jul 16, 2024
A Jack and the beanstalk experience. - Although it was foggy when we reached the top, the ride was entertaining and a little nerve racking. It helps to travel with people who have an open mind to new experiences and don't mind laughing at your expense. We were warned beforehand about the poor visibility, but we wanted to experience the gondola ride. The gift shop had many cute and affordable souvenirs. We enjoyed a hot drink and a nibble. The history ride was interesting and informative. Our experience was a positive one and we would do it again.
Review provided by Viator
Valusui_m
Apr 25, 2024
School holiday 2024 - The beautiful view from the top is breathtaking. Highly Recommended this place to anyone who wants to visit Christchurch.
Review provided by Viator
Vinod_m
Apr 12, 2024
Worth the trip - The views at the top of the mountain were breathtaking , 360 degrees view of Christchurch and lyttelton harbour , the gift shop was good
Review provided by Viator
Aniko_j
Apr 11, 2024
It was nice way to see... - It was nice way to see the city. Unfortunately the mountains were overcast so I couldn't get a great view of them. Otherwise it's a great way to get an overview of the city. Would recommend it for anyone travelling to Christchurch.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 10 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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