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. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Christchurch cityscape, over the Canterbury Plains out to the mighty Southern Alps and the dramatic hills of Banks Peninsula.
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 café – is 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.
Getting There
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 at the following times: 9:30am, 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm and 4:00pm. The Shuttle departs the Gondola on the hour during the morning and on the half hour during the afternoon. 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.
