Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
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 the crater rim of Christchurch's famous extinct volcano.
Please note the Christchurch Gondola is a 15 minute drive from the city centre and a ten minute drive from the port of Lyttelton.
To see even more of Christchurch, go Punting on the Avon River. If the combo package is purchased. Please book your Punting timeslot prior to arrival by contacting the supplier directly.
• Please note our attractions do get very busy sometimes, especially if a cruise ship is in port and there may be a wait time at the Gondola due to increased demand
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The Gondola cabins can accommodate wheelchairs up to 600cm wide
If the Punting combo upgrade is selected, you will need to contact the supplier directly to prebook a Punting timeslot.
Please note our attractions do get very busy sometimes, especially if a cruise ship is in port and there may be a wait time at the Gondola entry due to increased demand
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
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 Lyttelton Harbour. From up here it’s easy to see how the harbor was formed by a collapsed volcanic crater. At the summit, ride the Discovery ride to see a video of Christchurch, its history, people and volatile geology. Enjoy a snack or meal at the Red Rock Cafe (not included), and browse the Shop at the Top retail experience. Add a Punt ride on the Avon River and glide along in a flat bottomed boat. Relax as a Punter, traditionally dressed in straw hat and blazer, propels you past a romantic setting of boat sheds, trees and riverside paths. See the wildlife float by, and be prepared for all weather with blankets and umbrellas provided.
What‘s Included
Return Gondola ride
30-minute Avon River punt ride (if option selected at time of booking)
Transport to/from the attractions
Food and drinks
Options
Gondola Ride & Avon River
Round-trip Gondola ride ticket plus 30-minute Avon River punt ride. The Gondola operates 10am to 5pm. Punting operates 10am to 4pm May to September or 9am to 6pm October to April
Gondola Ride
Round-trip Gondola ticket. The Gondola operates from 10am to 5pm
Reviews
297 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
View from the top was...
Steve S,,Feb 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00View from the top was beautiful! E could see the entire area on both sides of the mountain. There was a great gift shop at the top and nice cafe as well
A must-do in Christchurch
michael b 2,,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The actual gondola ride (i.e. cable car) was OK but quite short nothing special really. But once at the top there are wonderful views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. The cafe was clean and comfortable, with a good range of food and drink items. When we got back down we just happened to notice a sign for the "Christchurch Discovery ride". It looked like it was closed but it wasn't and you just have to ask a member of staff to go on it. It was really good! You sit in a little carriage on rails, which moves around showing you information and displays about New Zealand and the Canterbury area. It was really good, and it's including in the price of the ticket, so be sure not to miss it!
go early as it gets very busy
Patty H,,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00nice experience and got some good pics at the top. only 4 to a car so it’s a bit of a wait. we got there at 10 and up probably about 1030
Fandabbydozey views
Vincent S,,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Do it. Very worth while experience, if your a walker there's a fantastic well worn mountain side path back down which I would have used if I'd been aware
Glad we went
Gina W,,Feb 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very enjoyable — nice facility, great views at the top. The ride was smooth, we even saw sheep, bonus!
Gondola
Sharon F,,Feb 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Worth the trip to the top for the view. Lovely service by all staff and a nice café to relax. Suggest to sit facing the top if you are a little nervous!
Spectacular 360 degree views, worth the wait
Angela C,,Feb 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wow, the views were stunning on the way up and down the gondola. The views from the gondola top station were amazing! As we walked around the top we were presented with spectacular panoramic views of Lyttelton harbour, the Christchurch cityscape, across the plains to the southern alps and very long beaches. 360 degree views! Follow the map provided and do the discovery ride at the bottom of the top station! It was a highlight of our experience. It was a busy day when we visited and worth the wait.
Ride high with the gondola
H694GDlouisek,,Feb 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great ride with optimal views. The cafe is good as well. We experienced a lot of wind so safety was their top priority. I think this is a must when in Christ Church.
Enjoyed both experiences. Certainly worth doing
OnAir728230,,Feb 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful day. Great gondola ride. Enjoyed view and gift shop at top. The punting boat ride was very relaxing. Ongoing commentary was informative
A fun, gentle experience with a 360 view of Christchurch and mountains.
Liselott O,,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00It was a lovely day after all the rain. The views very amazing. It was fairly quiet w hardly any queuing ( probably the time the year -winter ).
From NZ$42.00
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Operated by Christchurch Attractions