Christchurch Gondola Ride: Scenic City View and Summit Exploration

Experience breathtaking views of Christchurch from above on a scenic gondola ride. Explore the summit and enjoy panoramic vistas of the city’s changing landscape. Combine with a punting experience for the ultimate Christchurch adventure!

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Christchurch Gondola - Take in views over the city of Christchurch, damaged but recovering from the 2011 earthquake, and see all the way to the snowcapped Southern Alps and Canterbury Plains. As you rise more than half a mile (almost a kilometer) to the crater summit, the suburbs of Christchurch recede below you and panoramic views take in…
What's Included
  • Return Gondola ride
  • 30-minute Avon River punt ride (if option selected at time of booking)
What's Not Included
  • Transport to/from the attractions
  • Food and drinks
Additional Information

See the city of Christchurch from above by taking a trip aboard the Christchurch Gondola. The cable car takes you on a scenic journey to the Port Hills crater rim and Mt Cavendish summit, giving you fabulous views of Christchurch’s dramatically changed cityscape. See Canterbury Plains and Lyttelton Harbour unfold as you rise to the summit complex, on…

Location
10 Bridle Path Road
Bridle Path Road
Public bus #8 towards Lyttleton from the Central City Bus Interchange brings you directly to the Christchurch Gondola which is a 20 minute drive from the city centre Please prebook your Punting timeslot prior to arrival by contacting the supplier directly
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.4
(241 Ratings)
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William_r
Sep 21, 2025
Great! - Hiked up the mountain, took the gondola down! Highly recommend this method for some great exercise and views
Review provided by Viator
Emilly_b
Sep 15, 2025
Stunning Views - Go Early - Great fun with absolutely incredible views! I’d recommend going early so you have plenty of time to walk around and explore the area. The café at the top was fairly average, but the scenery and walking trails more than make up for it. Overall, a memorable experience and definitely worth doing.
Review provided by Viator
Lesley_w
Sep 6, 2025
Family with young adult - Very much enjoyed the gondola trip, the views were amazing. Great to walk around the grass area at the top for the views. Also a great 360 viewing deck around the resturant at the top. Also recommended the gift shop at the top station, some great items at great prices.
Review provided by Viator
Tjo238
Aug 25, 2025
Misty mountain hop - Excellent view of the city etc. The cafe served a mean bacon and egg muffin with hollandaise. Well worth the 10 min drive out to the Port Hills from the CBD.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ejledwards
Aug 7, 2025
A Seamless Symphony of Experiences - A Day in Christchurch: Trams, Taste, and Sky-High Views From the moment you step onto the Christchurch Tramway, you’re swept into a rhythm that blends history, charm, and discovery. The vintage tram clinks along the tracks, winding through the heart of the city. Each stop — Riverside Market, New Regent Street, the Botanic Gardens — feels like a postcard come to life. The drivers? Legends. Their commentary is warm, witty, and full of local pride. Then comes the evening, and the magic deepens. The Restaurant Tram: Dining in Motion Imagine this: you’re seated in a beautifully restored colonial tram, candlelight flickering, wine glass in hand. Outside, the city glows as you glide past heritage buildings and twinkling streets. Inside, it’s a four-course feast — think tender lamb, silky pumpkin soup, and decadent desserts. Every dish is crafted with care, every sip of wine perfectly paired. The staff are attentive without being intrusive, and the whole experience feels like a moving celebration. It’s not just dinner. It’s a journey. Christchurch Gondola: Views That Steal Your Breath The next chapter? Elevation. The Gondola whisks you up to the Port Hills, and suddenly the whole Canterbury region unfolds beneath you. Lyttelton Harbour sparkles, the Southern Alps stretch into the horizon, and Christchurch looks like a miniature masterpiece. At the summit, you can wander, sip coffee, or just stand in awe. It’s peaceful, panoramic, and pure New Zealand. The Verdict: Together, the Tramway, Restaurant Tram, and Gondola create a day that’s elegant, exciting, and deeply memorable. It’s the kind of experience that makes you fall in love with a city — not just for its sights, but for its soul.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Suscou123
Jul 27, 2025
Glorious experience - This was an excellent experience. What wonderful views of the Canterbury Region. Highly recommended. Staff super friendly Great for lunch too!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Escape67678768748
Jun 22, 2025
A wonderful return to the Christchurch Gondola - I recently revisited the Christchurch Gondola after many years. my last trip was actually before the Christchurch earthquakes and this has been over 10 years now. I was very impressed with how beautifully the site has changed. Since the moment we arrived, the staff were friendly, warm, welcoming, and up for a few laughs on a cold day. The ride up the gondola was smooth and offered absolutely stunning panoramic views over Christchurch, southern alps and beyond. It brought back so many memories, and yet everything felt refreshingly new at the same time. We also went and had lunch at the café, the food was delicious with a view that’s hard to beat. It's a great place to sit back, relax, and soak in the spectacular scenery — especially a 360 from little harbour to snowy mountains and Kaikōura ranges. which added a magical touch to the whole experience. I am lucky to have grown up in a beautiful country that offers wonderful nature views. The Christchurch Gondola is definitely In my Top 10 things to see and do in Canterbury — it’s a timeless attraction, fun ride for family and kids. Also a good place to learn some history. Highly recommend this to anyone visiting Christchurch. Thanks for entertaining us, we will be back
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Patricia_n
Sep 26, 2025
Helpful staff, great view... - Helpful staff, great view from the top. The longest out of the three skylines in NZ. You need to experience it to find out.
Review provided by Viator
Cynthia_n
Jul 22, 2025
Great view in the gondola - Great view Good smiling staff Amazing experience Very accessible by public transport Affordable prices
Review provided by Viator
H3756coakshayk
Jun 1, 2025
N/a - It was amazing. But do not book it from tripadvisor because it is expensive. Batter to book it straight from Christchurch Gondola site. Thank you
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $24
up to 10 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).