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

January 17, 2019

SAt the top of Mount Cavendish the views are amazing. Once at the top there's also the opportunity to go on several walks in the immediate area. You can also buy a whole host of souvenirs and there's also a spacious cafe. When you do go to the top make sure you carry a lightweight jacket / jersey as it can get very windy on the top. Be prepared to have your photograph taken before you leave the bottom ready for collection when you return.

hcheetham - Bath, United Kingdom

January 14, 2019

I had a friend visiting from Scotland and it was his last full day in town. We decided to go up the hill on the gondola to experience not only the views but the time tunnel ride and history of Banks Peninsula. Upon arrival we decided it was the best value to get a combo ticket and so in the end were able to experience both this and the Tram! Whilst there was a little low cloud up the top, the views on the way up were stunning and upon reaching the top most of the cloud had blown over anyway! The time tunnel is an informative and fun ride which takes you back through the history of the land!

JonoGraham - Christchurch, New Zealand

January 11, 2019

The Christchurch gondola is a must do to get a full appreciation of the city as well as the surrounding mountains and ocean. This a well run attraction with pleasant staff and a lovely resturant with good wholesome food at the top. You can use the handy scuttle bus or get yourself there to the base. Good value.

15gordonh - Edmonton, Canada

January 11, 2019

Go here! It’s so lovely - smaller outfit than at Rotorua or Queenstown and no luge - but absolutely breathtaking views - we were lucky with the weather without a cloud almost. You can see the Alps from here and obviously the whole Lyttelton Harbour and the ocean both from Christchurch and beyond Lyttelton. Fab!

CarolineHudsonSmith - Nottingham, United Kingdom

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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