The Gondola offers a unique Christchurch sightseeing experience that you'll never forget. Soar suspended above the valleys as the birds fly beneath your cable car. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Christchurch cityscape, over the Canterbury Plains out to the mighty Southern Alps and the dramatic hills of Banks Peninsula. Treat yourself and visit one of Christchurch's best attractions today!
You may know it as a cable car, others refer to it as a gondola. But whatever you call it, this trip is one of the must-do sightseeing attractions in Christchurch, and you will never forget your Gondola experience! At the summit, experience the Time Tunnel ride, a dramatic reconstruction of the history of the region. Revive your spirits with a snack at the new Red Rock Cafe, and browse what is on offer in the shop.
The Base station of the Gondola is nestled in Heathcote Valley where you will find plenty of parking for cars and coaches. The Summit Station – including the Time Tunnel, Shop and café – is at the top of Mt Cavendish. The Gondola trip up to the summit takes 10 minutes one way at normal speed. We stop each cable car at the summit and base to allow you to get on or off. The cableway spans 862 horizontal metres and our Gondola cabins are very stable and comfortable, offering spectacular 360° views.
Getting there
The Gondola is just a 15 minute drive from central Christchurch. The Gondola Shuttle operates daily and departs the central city from outside the Canterbury Museum on Rolleston Avenue at the following times: 9:30am, 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm and 4:00pm. The Shuttle departs the Gondola on the hour during the morning and on the half hour during the afternoon. Adult tickets cost $10 return, and child (5-15yrs inclusive) tickets cost $5 return.
Tickets can be purchased from the shuttle driver.
Transport to the Gondola is also available on public bus number 28, departing from the City Exchange on Lichfield Street behind The Crossing Complex. The City Bus Exchange is located between Lichfield and Tuam Streets behind Ballantynes and the Re-Start Mall.
Gondola Restaurant
For customers wishing to enjoy a private lunch with a view, our Gondola Restaurant is available for group bookings. Please contact us for further details.
Open hours
10am – 5pm (last ride up) daily – closed Christmas Day
Gondola Gallery
What you need to know
For safety reasons, children must be accompanied by a paying adult. The summit station sits on a rocky hillside. Christchurch Attractions staff are always there during operating hours, but parents must watch over their children. Dress warmly on the day you visit and bring a windproof jacket so you can fully enjoy the outdoor viewing galleries.
Our Red Rock Cafe is open daily and offers a variety of snacks, light meals as well as a kitchen menu.
Most of the walking tracks near the Gondola are now open, as are most of the mountain bike tracks. Check out the Council’s website for Port Hills track information.
The Mountain Bike Adventure Company is available for any customers who wish to hire mountain bikes. Prices are $70 for bike hire and Gondola ride.
Please note that children are classed as being from 5 – 15 years of age.
Daily Photos – download your photos by clicking the grey Daily Photos button on the right side of the webpage (or at the bottom of the page if using a mobile browser). Please note that you will require your unique photo codes included in your photo pack, and please feel free to contact us if you have any queries.
Functions at the Gondola
The stunning views of Christchurch city, the ocean, Southern Alps and Lyttelton Harbour make a wedding, dinner, conference or meeting at the top of Christchurch’s Mt Cavendish incomparable. View our unique Gondola function venue for more information.
Book your Gondola Ride today.
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