Christchurch Gondola

No visit to Christchurch is complete without riding the gondola up the Port Hills to take in the spectacular 360 degree views. From here you will see Lyttleton Harbour, the Southern Alps and the ocean and sky stretching out in the distance. This promises to be a great day out for the family and the kids will really love riding the cable cars!

The Port Hills are a collapsed crater rim of an extinct volcano which exploded six million years ago that shelters Lyttelton’s sparkling harbour. To the west, the Southern Alps seem close in the clear pure air and to the east, the ocean and the sky stretch as far as the eye can see.   

Once at the top you can experience the Time Tunnel ride which is a dramatic reconstruction of the history of the Port Hills and Christchurch from an electric cart.  Here you will watch subterranean forces unleash molten magma to rip rocks apart and see life-size dioramas of the early voyagers, Polynesian and then European, making landfall after months of travel and danger in storms and tropical heat.  Imagine their relief and joy at the beauty of new shorelines rich with promise.  The Time Tunnel experience also honours local people who formed the region’s character.

To complete your time up the gondola there are outdoor viewing galleries for you to stop and take in further views along with many walking tracks to enjoy.  If you need a little refreshment whilst you visit the Red Rock Cafe will revive your spirits with plenty of snack and other food options.  Lastly don't forget to browse what is on offer in the gift shop before you hop back on the Gondola and enjoy the views again as you return to the base station.

Hours
10am - 5pm daily (closed Christmas Day)

Shuttle Bus Transfers
Operating all year round, a frequent shuttle bus provides return transport from the City centre to the Gondola Base Station. The bus departs from the outside the Canterbury Museum on Rolleston Avenue at 9.30am, 10.30am, 11.30am, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.
It returns to the city from the Gondola at 10am, 11am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 3.30pm and 4.30pm. You can purchase your ticket on the bus.

Annual Pass

If you're a Christchurch or Canterbury local resident buy our Tram and Gondola Annual Pass and save!  Your Annual Pass will give you unlimited rides on the Christchurch Tram and Gondola for a year enabling you to make great use of these local attractions.  For further information on our Annual Pass click here.

Half-day itinerary

Take the Gondola Shuttle to the Christchurch Gondola and experience the views, Time Tunnel and Red Rock Café.   Return to the city so you can go Punting on the Avon, take a Botanic Gardens Tour or jump on and off the Christchurch Tram to explore the city centre.   In the space of just a few hours there is an activity and adventure to suit everyone!  Use our combos to book these options, saving you money and time!

Full-day itinerary

Experience Christchurch with us! Board our luxury coach for an interactive and fun guided tour of Christchurch. Our driver will pick you up from your accommodation on request. Let us show you the best Christchurch has to offer; beautiful parks and gardens, quaint seaside suburbs and superb views of the city and surrounds. 

Your tour also includes Christchurch’s four premium attractions – Punting on the Avon, Christchurch Gondola, Botanic Gardens Tour and Christchurch Tram. It’s the very best way to enjoy Christchurch at the best price!

Two-day itinerary

On day one experience Christchurch with us! Board our luxury Grand Tour coach for an interactive and fun guided tour of Christchurch. Our driver will pick you up from your accommodation on request. Let us show you the best Christchurch has to offer; beautiful parks and gardens, quaint seaside suburbs and superb views of the city and surrounds. 

Your tour also includes Christchurch’s four premium attractions – Punting on the Avon, Christchurch Gondola, Botanic Gardens Tour and Christchurch Tram. It’s the very best way to enjoy Christchurch at the best price! 

The next day take the Hanmer Connection shuttle bus to Hanmer Springs. Your 90 minute journey passes through beautiful scenery and you can be delivered to the Hanmer Springs Attractions river base or directly to the town centre. 

Take our free shuttle bus from your Hanmer Springs accommodation to the Hanmer Springs Attractions base at the river, only 15 minutes from the town centre. You'll find adventure and entertainment for everybody! Jet Boat the entire length of the spectacular Waiau River Gorge. Enjoy our relaxed Rafting trip or Canoe trip, both suitable for families.

Bungy jump from the 135 year old Ferry Bridge. Challenge the terrain, with river crossings, dust, dirt and excitement on a Quad Bike. Challenge a friend to Paintball or go Claybird Shooting with a real shotgun. Then return to the town on our free shuttle and bask in the famous hot pools at the end of your day!

Return to Christchurch on the Hanmer Connection or stay longer and do more….