Christchurch Gondola

This beautiful gondola ride offers the most incredible views of the city. Once you get to the top enjoy even more breathtaking views from the observation areas or take a hike around the mountain or you can even hike the 45 minutes down instead of riding back down. Nice cafe at the top and plenty of helpful and friendly staff to answer questions.

Despite quite a bit of cloud we decided to go up anyway. We had an uneventful trip up despite the wind and the views were good between the clouds. We couldn't see the Alps but were able to see the Plains and on the other side, Lyttelton harbour and the hills. It was very windy walking around the outside of the building but the coffee and cake in the red rock cafe were in a nice warm environment. The gift shop had some unusual and high quality souvenirs. We didn't have time for the time tunnel but instead decided to walk down to the memorial at the top of the Bridle path. This commemorates the pioneer settler women who walked this track up from Lyttelton where they arrived and down the other side to their plots of land in the new Christchurch, carrying everything they brought with them from UK. Once there, we chose to carry on walking down instead of going back up to the gondola only to come down again and it was getting late in the afternoon. The last ride down is 5.30.

Stunning trip up and down on the gondola. Would recommend for a wonderful view of Christchurch and the surrounding mountains. Once at the top the harbour views of Lyttelton spread out below you. Lots of great walks for those so inclined.

We were lucky to make the Gondola trip in brilliant morning sunshine. Breathtaking views of the whole region, particularly from the top terminal. Paragliders soared below us. Keen walkers and cyclists exalt in the open spaces. The top terminal has a gift shop, cafe and time tunnel display. Cable cars depart about every 30 seconds If we lived in Christchurch we would come here every clear day.