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 – 5.00pm (last ride up)
Closed Christmas Day
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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THE CHRISTCHURCH PASS
PUNTING, BOTANIC GARDENS TOUR & GONDOLA TRIPLE PASS
MOST POPULAR TRIPLE PASS: TRAM, PUNTING & GONDOLA
TRAM, BOTANIC GARDENS TOUR & GONDOLA TRIPLE PASS
#1 SELLING COMBO: TRAM & GONDOLA
GONDOLA & GARDENS COMBO
TOP SELLING COMBO: PUNT & GONDOLA
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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.
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.
Awards and Achievements
