Christchurch Gondola

ChristchurchGondolaTicket

Christchurch Gondola

The Christchurch Gondola is one of the top attractions in Christchurch. Located just 15 minutes from Christchurch Central, these purpose-built cable cars soar to the summit of the Port Hills, offering spectacular views of the city, coastline, Lyttelton Harbour, and the Southern Alps.

Operating Hours

  • The Christchurch Gondola is open daily from 10 am – 5 pm
  • The Gondola is closed on Christmas Day (25 December)

Gondola Entry Prices

How much does riding up the Gondola in Christchurch cost? Here is a quick summary of the current entry prices.

  • $30 per Adult
  • $15 per Child (5-15 years)
  • $0 per Infants under 5 years
  • $75 for Families (2 adults and up to 3 children)

Book online for a discount when purchasing your tickets more than 48 hours in advance.

Combo Deals

If you are planning on doing more than one of Christchurch’s top attractions – the Gondola and the Tram, for example, it’s a good idea to grab a combo ticket, other combo options include Punting on the Avon and a Botanic Gardens Tour.

Getting There

The Gondola base is just 15 minutes drive from the central city and roughly 30 minutes from the Christchurch Airport. There is plenty of free parking available at the base building.

There is also a free shuttle departing on a regular basis from Cathedral Square. City departure times are 9.30am (September-May), 10.30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm and 4:00pm. Tickets cost $10 return per adult and $5 per child.

Other transport options include using public bus transport. Bus service Route number 28 provides public transport to the base of the Gondola.

What To Do At The Top

What can you do at the top of the Gondola? Aside from quietly enjoying the stunning views of course! Here are the 4 best things to do at the top of the Gondola.

  1. Visit The Souvenir Shop. Grab a unique gift or memento from the souvenir shop.
  2. Have A Coffee At The Café. The Red Rock Café serves a great selection of light meals and snacks.
  3. Ride The Time Tunnel. Learn about the history of the region in a fun way!
  4. Take A Walk. There are some really great walking tracks at the top of the Gondola. See below for more info.
What Are The Best Walking Tracks At The Top Of The Gondola?

The top-of-the-hills provides a wide range of outdoor activities including walking, tramping, running, and mountain biking. From the top of the Gondola, there are some great walking tracks – be sure to grab a map from the summit building upon arrival, but in the meantime, these are our top picks.

  • The Bridle Path. Starting at the top of the Gondola and heading down to Lyttelton, this half of the  Bridle Path offers some great views and follows in the footsteps of early settlers to the region.
  • The Crater Rim Walkway. This one takes you around the rim of the volcano and offers stunning views of Lyttelton Harbour and the remains of WWII gun emplacements. Combine this one with the Chalmers Hill Track to make a nice loop walk.
  • The Chalmers Hill Track. This one cuts across the side of the crater, connecting to the Major Hornbrook Track, then the Mt Cavendish Bluffs Track. Reconnecting with the Crater Rim Walkway to head back to back to the Gondola summit building.

It is also possible to make your own way along the Port Hills walking tracks, traveling only as far as you feel comfortable. It pays to check for track closures before setting out, and always familiarise yourself with current weather forecasts.

The Christchurch Gondola – What You Need To Know

Here are a few quick gondola facts, useful to know when planning your day.

  • The ride to the top of the Gondola lasts approximately 10 minutes.
  • Each cable car seats a maximum of 4 people.
  • Children less than 15 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Pack a warm jacket, even if it's warm down the bottom it can be chilly at the top.
  • There is an onsite café at the top of the Gondola offering light meals and refreshments.

When riding the gondola to the top of the Port Hills there is one thing you should never forget – your camera!

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Contact

If you have any questions or need help or advice about rental cars or your New Zealand travel plans we’re here to help you. Please contact us

New Zealand Free Phone: 0800 800 956

Australian Free Phone: 1800 771 302

Other international enquiries. Find your nearest New Zealand rental cars branch.

Contact

If you have any questions or need help or advice about rental cars or your New Zealand travel plans we’re here to help you. Please contact us

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New Zealand Free Phone: 0800 800 956

Australian Free Phone: 1800 771 302

Other international enquiries. Find your nearest New Zealand rental cars branch.