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 Red Rock Café, and browse what is on offer at the Shop at the Top.

What you need to know

Duration

Allow 50-60 minutes to visit

Open hours

Daily from 10am – 5pm (last ride up)
Closed Christmas Day

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Minimum Age

There is no minimum age but for safety reasons children must be accompanied by an adult

What's at the top

Shop at the Top
Red Rock Café
Time Tunnel Experience
Free Wi-Fi
Spectacular 360 view.

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Customer reviews

March 9, 2019

Soak in the incredibly mountain views of the beautiful city of Christchurch from the Gondolas. This is a must see attraction anyone visiting Christchurch.

bestlifematt - Melbourne, Australia

March 7, 2019

Located a short drive from Christchurch the Gondola is well worth a visit. A short gondola ride to the top, a few flights of stairs and you have spectacular views over Christchurch and Littleton There's a café and gift shop. The Time Tunnel ride gives a brief history of the area. Be aware that buying your ticket in advance doesn't allow you to skip the line - you line up with people buying tickets. We went in the morning - it wasn't very busy.

Jocelyn C - Canberra, Australia

March 5, 2019

Visited with several girlfriends and had a great time. Took an Uber there and the city bus back. It was currently and forecasted windy but we took our chances anyway. Gondola did a little swinging but nothing we couldn't handle. Propped a cell phone up on the seat and did a fun time lapse video of the ride which was a great momento. Views from the top were great. Snacks offered at the cafe were yummy. Hiking trails could have been labeled better but we enjoyed none the less. The little museum/ride thing was a little cheesy but informative.

Gonediving99 - Ketchikan, Alaska

March 5, 2019

If you enjoy majestic views of land and sea then once you have taken Christchurch’s gondola to the top of the Port Hills you will be happiness filled! Not only will the view enable you to see Christchurch and the surrounds you can sit, sip, eat and soak up the atmosphere. Good food, walks and an entertaining ride that explains the formation of the area. It’s a place you can visit, relax or get active. The choice is yours. Once you’ve been you may be tempted to do it again many times like me.

Julie G - Christchurch, New Zealand

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 approximately 10 minutes, we can stop the ride for guests requiring assistance, including wheelchairs (up to a maximum of 600mm in width). The cableway spans 862 horizontal metres and our Gondola cabins are very stable and comfortable, offering spectacular 360° views.

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Highlights

RED ROCK CAFE

For customers wishing to enjoy a private lunch with a view, our Gondola Restaurant is available for group bookings during our Gondola opening hours (please note a minimum of 20 people applies. Evening bookings are unavailable). Please contact us for further details.

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.

Shop at The Top

You can buy souvenirs, gifts, greeting cards and much more for a reasonable price at our Gondola Shop. We also have everyday bargain sales where you can buy quality products for a cheaper price.

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.

Time Tunnel Experience

At the summit, experience the Time Tunnel ride, a dramatic reconstruction of the history of the region.

Christchurch Gondola

The 360° Views Are Unique

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