Welcome Aboard: Christchurch Gondola
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.
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.
What you need to know
For safety reasons, children must be accompanied by a paying adult. The summit station sits on a rocky hillside. Welcome Aboard staff are always there during operating hours, but parents must watch over their children. Dress warmly on the day you visit and bring a windproof jacket so you can fully enjoy the outdoor viewing galleries.
Most of the walking tracks near the Gondola are now open, as are most of the mountain bike tracks. Check out the Council’s website for Port Hills track information.
The Gondola is now transporting mountain bikes to the Summit Station. Prices are $30 for a customer and mountain bike, and $15 for an Annual Pass holder and mountain bike. A five-ride concession card is also available for $120. Please note that there are no child prices for mountain bike transport, however parents can take children at their own discretion. The Mountain Bike Adventure Company is also operating for any customers who wish to hire mountain bikes. Prices are $70 for bike hire and Gondola ride.
Devonshire Teas are available on request at the Red Rock Cafe. Please email functions@gondola.co.nz or call 03 384 0310 for bookings and details.
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 new Red Rock Cafe, and browse what is on offer in the shop.
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 Red Rock Café – are at the top of Mt Cavendish.
The Gondola trip up to the summit takes 10 minutes one way at normal speed. We stop each cable car at the summit and base to allow you to get on or off. The cableway spans 862 horizontal metres and our Gondola cabins are very stable and comfortable, offering spectacular 360° views.
The gondola operates 7 days a week from 10.00am through till 5.00pm
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. The Shuttle leaves on the half hour, and returns to the city every hour. 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 platform B at the City Exchange. The City Bus Exchange is located between Lichfield and Tuam Streets behind Ballantynes and the Re-Start Mall.