Christchurch Gondola
Christchurch Gondola: Hours, Address, Christchurch Gondola Reviews: 4.5/5
Christchurch Gondola
Christchurch Gondola
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
For a “top” experience in Christchurch (15 minute drive from central city), enjoy a relaxing ride to the summit of the Port Hills. Spectacular 360 degree views of the city, Lyttelton Harbour, the majestic Southern Alps and Canterbury Plains. Plenty to see and do - experience the Time Tunnel Ride, go shopping, relax and enjoy a snack or beverage at the Red Rock Cafe.
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Top ways to experience Christchurch Gondola and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
115 within 5 kms

Christchurch Gondola
82
74 m$$ - $$$ • Cafe • International

Valley Inn Tavern
76
0.8 km$$ - $$$ • Bar • Pub • New Zealand

Red Rock Cafe
10
1 km$$ - $$$

Spice Hub
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Upshot Coffee
21
1.4 km$ • Cafe

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227
2.3 km$$ - $$$ • Seafood • New Zealand • Vegetarian Friendly

Shroom Room Cafe
134
2.3 km$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • Cafe • New Zealand

Castle Rock Cafe
49
2.3 km$$ - $$$ • Contemporary • New Zealand • Vegetarian Friendly

Lyttelton Coffee Company
223
2.4 km$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • Cafe • New Zealand

Spooky Boogie
17
2.2 km$$ - $$$ • Cafe
Attractions
152 within 10 kms

Bridle Path
41
55 mBiking Trails

Coastal Pacific Train
334
1.1 kmScenic Railroads

Port Hills
277
1.8 kmNeighbourhoods • Historic Walking Areas

Godley Head
76
1.8 kmLookouts • Geologic Formations

Lyttelton
288
2.2 kmMarinas

Ferrymead Heritage Park
152
1.9 kmHistoric Sites • History Museums

Margaret Mahy Family Playground
1,046
Playgrounds

Christchurch Botanic Gardens
6,703
Parks • Gardens

Diamond Harbour
114
2.8 kmBodies of Water

Canterbury Museum
2,776
History Museums
Contribute
Popular mentions
4.5
2,197 reviews
Excellent
1,112
Very good
815
Average
217
Poor
36
Terrible
17
Scribo
Wellington, New Zealand196 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
We enjoyed our trip on the gondola. It stopped three times on the way up which was a bit disconcerting. Otherwise the view from the top is good.
Written 18 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kia ora and thanks for the review.
The gondola can stop often for customers who require assistance to get on the cabins including, wheelchair users, elderly guests, young families with babies and strollers etc. We also need to stop the cabins in order to load supplies for the retail shop and the cafe, as this is the only way to get the supplies to the summit.
Hopefully that explains why the gondola can stop often, we are glad you enjoyed the rest of your visit :-)
Written 1 May 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
yoyo
2 contributions
Mar 2022 • Family
The gondola is fine, but don't buy clothes from the shops above. I bought a hoodie from Gondola Shop, due to the COVID-19, I washed it when I got home . And after washed there were a damaged part. I'm not sure if it was already broken or if it was washed. Quality is not good. It's not worth it. I'm just unlucky. So think twice about buying stuffs from over there.
Written 7 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thanks for your feedback, we are glad you enjoyed the gondola ride and we are sorry to hear about the hoodie that was purchased. It is very rare for items to be in such condition, anything like this can be returned or swapped out, as per our company policies.
Feel free to contact us directly to discuss further on gondola@christchurchattractions.nz
We look forward to hearing from you.
Regards, Mark
Written 20 March 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Roberta B
16 contributions
Feb 2022
We have not been up the Gondola before. The ride up is very smooth and very high. Once up the view is amazing. As an added bonus you get to take the ride though New Zealand History which was very interesting. We did feel that the Gondola was a wee bit expensive, and no Super Gold Card Discount which was a bit disappointing
Written 21 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Sam
9 contributions
Jan 2022
There is a restaurant at the endpoint of Gondola which is very reasonable. You can have a good view and quality food at an affordable price. Public Transport is also available which will drop you at the starting point of Gondola.
Written 20 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Vacationer829144
9 contributions
Jan 2022 • Couples
The views are incredible shows just how spread out Christchurch is. Loved the little tunnel history ride and was pleasently surprised that it didn't cost extra. worth visiting.
Written 18 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Tim L
Auckland, New Zealand17 contributions
Dec 2021
Beautiful day to be whisked up to the top of the hill.
Really nice staff, happy to have travelers again, after the long lockdown.
The journey through time ride is cheesy as hell & quite dated but well worth doing for the value of it.
Fabulous views of the city & good value
Really nice staff, happy to have travelers again, after the long lockdown.
The journey through time ride is cheesy as hell & quite dated but well worth doing for the value of it.
Fabulous views of the city & good value
Written 14 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
lizardtg
Christchurch, New Zealand18 contributions
Dec 2021
beautiful weather, fantastic service throughout. One of our family is in a wheel chair and the staff were amazing, supportive, helpful and kind. The cafe had good food again great smiley staff willing to help. Fantastic views and the shop was very reasonably priced so we came home loaded with goodies
Written 29 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ryan J
Aspen, CO2 contributions
Nov 2021 • Family
Fantasy experience from beginning to end for a family with a toddler!
Seeing the sheep on the hillside below on the tide up and then the marvelous views at the top!
Other parts of the port hills have great views, but none are quite as impressive as from the top of the Gondola where you can see up the coast to the North, down into the Harbour, across the banks peninsula, and even lake ellesmere and the coast to the south! Simply breathtaking!
Well provisioned gift shop at the top, and the cafe did not disappoint with flat whites and fluffies!
It was also fun watching the paragliders launch
!
Would gladly return and even consider a pass!
Seeing the sheep on the hillside below on the tide up and then the marvelous views at the top!
Other parts of the port hills have great views, but none are quite as impressive as from the top of the Gondola where you can see up the coast to the North, down into the Harbour, across the banks peninsula, and even lake ellesmere and the coast to the south! Simply breathtaking!
Well provisioned gift shop at the top, and the cafe did not disappoint with flat whites and fluffies!
It was also fun watching the paragliders launch
!
Would gladly return and even consider a pass!
Written 13 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Antemo
Christchurch, New Zealand66 contributions
Nov 2021
Just stunning.
Booked online which was really easy. Welcoming staff. Cafe had good range of options which were family friendly. Clean bathrooms. The Christchurch history tour is a wee hidden gem.
Well worth it
Booked online which was really easy. Welcoming staff. Cafe had good range of options which were family friendly. Clean bathrooms. The Christchurch history tour is a wee hidden gem.
Well worth it
Written 19 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
taits1261
Nelson, New Zealand4 contributions
Aug 2021 • Friends
The fantastic views 👏 exciting trip up on the gondolas, yummy lunch, a wander around the gift shop for a couple of purchases, friendly staff. Thank you I will return again!!
Written 8 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Zmul
Lancashire, UK
we are family of 7 with a small 5 yr old,was wondering if we can go in 1 cabin
CHCHAttractions
Christchurch, New Zealand3 contributions
Unfortunately the cabins can take the equivalent of 4 adults at one time. :-)
Hi i Live in Hornby Christchurch and i want to go to visit the attraction of Gondola.. Can you help me with this on how to book the shuttle that can bring me to the site and send me back to christchurch.. Thank you
CHCHAttractions
Christchurch, New Zealand3 contributions
Thank you for your enquiry.
Unfortunately our Gondola Shuttle bus is not currently operating, but there are several options available for accessing the Christchurch Gondola.
There is a large free carpark at the Base Station for guests who choose to drive their own vehicles to the complex.
For those wishing to take public transport to visit the Christchurch Gondola, the number 28 public bus stops immediately outside the Base Station building.
Please feel free to contact us directly if you have any further questions about our attraction.
Kind regards,
Emma
Dhawal11
Mumbai, India1 contribution
Is there a road takes you right to the top of gondola if incase some pax don’t want to go in cabin? Due to there own motion sickness in cabins at height?
CHCHAttractions
Christchurch, New Zealand3 contributions
Thank you for your enquiry.
There is no public road access to the top of Mount Cavendish where our Gondola summit station is located.
There is a walking track which leads up to the summit station from nearby our base station: this is called the Bridle Path, and there is a track up to the summit station from where the Bridle Path reaches the top of the Port Hills. The track is quite steep in places and it takes around 45-60 minutes to walk up to the Gondola. A reasonable level of fitness and walking shoes are required.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
Kind regards,
Emma
Christchurch Attractions
g m
Bristol, UK200 contributions
Is it possible to book a one way ticket?
If so, do you need to book this ticket at the Gondola station at the bottom?
We are interested in walking up the Bridle path and along the ridge and riding the Gondola back down.
Cheers in advance,
George
CHCHAttractions
Christchurch, New Zealand3 contributions
Thank you for your enquiry.
Yes, we do sell one-way tickets at the Gondola: these are not available to purchase online but can be purchased in person at the Gondola's base station or at the gift store at the top station.
Kind regards,
Emma
Christchurch Attractions
Sue Ganguly
Melbourne, Australia72 contributions
Hi, I am staying at Ibis Christchurch, how far are you guys from here? Can you please share your address. Also, can I just come over and book tickets? I want to do the punting and gondola tour. Thanks, Sue
CHCHAttractions
Christchurch, New Zealand3 contributions
Thank you for your enquiry.
The Christchurch Gondola is located at 10 Bridle Path Road in Heathcote (a 15-minute drive from the city centre). If you do not have your own vehicle we do operate a Gondola Shuttle which departs from outside the Canterbury Museum (tickets can be purchased from the driver).
Punt and Gondola tickets can be purchased on arrival at either attraction, but please note that we highly recommend reserving a time at Punting to avoid long waits. You can call Punting on on the Avon on 03 366 0337 to organise a time.
Please feel free to contact us directly if you have any further questions.
Kind regards,
Emma
Christchurch Attractions
Michellelee2368
13 contributions
Hi
We are only in Christchurch from early morning until we have to catch a flight to Wellington at 1pm so would need to be at the airport at 12. Is there enough time for us to experience the Gondola and get to the airport on time?
thanks
CHCHAttractions
Christchurch, New Zealand3 contributions
Thank you for your enquiry.
The Gondola opens at 10am daily, and you would likely need to leave just prior to 11:30am to arrive at the airport by 12pm.
1.5 hours would be plenty of time to spend at the Gondola: the trip each way takes around 5-10 minutes, and there is a cafe, gift store, walking tracks and Time Tunnel history ride at the top station.
Please feel free to contact us directly if you have any further questions.
Kind regards,
Emma
Christchurch Attractions
sweetybabe2604
Singapore, Singapore1 contribution
Is there anywalking activities as well? To see the beauty of that mountain?
CHCHAttractions
Christchurch, New Zealand3 contributions
Thank you for your enquiry.
Yes, there are walking tracks near our top station. There is a map at the bottom level of the top station illustrating the tracks, and you are also welcome to ask our staff who will be able to point these out to you.
Please feel free to contact us directly if you have any further questions.
Kind regards,
Emma
Christchurch Attractions
bernie403
Birmingham, UK
Is there space in the gondola for a folding wheelchair and are the paths at the top suitable for wheelchairs? My chair has all terrain tyres and hubby will be pushing me.
CHCHAttractions
Christchurch, New Zealand3 contributions
Thank you for your enquiry.
Yes, our Gondola cabins can accommodate folded wheelchairs. Once at the top station, our staff will be able to direct you to the lift so you can access the upper levels of the building.
There are a few walking tracks that can be accessed from the top station (including some short tracks immediately outside the complex which should be suitable for wheelchairs) - these are maintained by the Christchurch City Council, so they should have further information available about whether these tracks are suitable for wheelchairs.
Please feel free to contact us directly if you have any further questions.
Kind regards,
Emma
Welcome Aboard
heiyotravel
Hong Kong, China1 contribution
Is it still function in Winter?
CHCHAttractions
Christchurch, New Zealand3 contributions
Thank you for your enquiry.
Yes, the Gondola operates 364 days per year (we are closed on Christmas Day), so we are open daily in winter.
There may be occasions when we need to close due to the wind being outside of our operating limits, so we recommend checking with our reservations staff on particularly windy days as to whether the Gondola will be open.
Please feel free to contact us directly if you have any further questions.
Kind regards,
Emma
Welcome Aboard
Mike C
Preston, UK17 contributions
What is the weather like in September in Christchurch, with regards doing the Gondola ride?
CHCHAttractions
Christchurch, New Zealand3 contributions
Thank you for your enquiry.
The Gondola operates daily year round (with the exception of Christmas Day).
There are occasions when we need to close due to the wind being outside of our operating limits, but this is quite rare.
September is the beginning of spring in New Zealand, so the weather can be a bit changeable.
Please feel free to contact us directly if you have any further questions.
Kind regards,
Emma
Welcome Aboard
Frequently Asked Questions about Christchurch Gondola
- Christchurch Gondola is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- We recommend booking Christchurch Gondola tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 7 Christchurch Gondola tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Christchurch Gondola:
- Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket (From $34.62)
- AKAROA PRIVATE SHORE EXCURSION (Christchurch City & Banks Peninsula) (From $482.02)
- Christchurch Sightseeing Pass (From $89.05)
- Christchurch City Tour (From $295.82)
- Christchurch Highlights Tour with Gondola Ride by Car (From $298.11)
- Hotels near Christchurch Gondola:
- (6.65 km) Designer Cottage
- (7.65 km) Eco Villa
- (9.00 km) Sudima Christchurch City
- (8.84 km) Focus Motel & Executive Suites
- (12.93 km) Otahuna Lodge
- Restaurants near Christchurch Gondola:
- (0.07 km) Christchurch Gondola
- (0.79 km) Valley Inn Tavern
- (8.09 km) Dosa Kitchen Riverside Market
- (0.96 km) Red Rock Cafe
- (7.79 km) Soul Quarter