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Christchurch Gondola

Viewpoints ·Christchurch ·Closed
4.56.7K
#2Viewpoints in New ZealandTravelers' Choice 2026
  • Visit: 10–60 min
  • from NZD 42
  • Step-free access
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About

Christchurch Gondola is a cable car up Mt Cavendish from Heathcote Valley, with views over Christchurch and Lyttelton Harbour.

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Christchurch Gondola

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Why go

  • Panoramic views from the summit over the city, Lyttelton Harbour and the Pacific Ocean
  • The Heritage Time Tunnel exhibit at the summit, and the Discovery Ride that covers the area's history
  • The outdoor nature walk and the walking tracks at the summit, on Mt Cavendish

Opening hours

Today10:00 – 16:00Show all
Monday10:00 – 16:00
Tuesday10:00 – 16:00
Wednesday10:00 – 16:00
Thursday10:00 – 16:00
Friday10:00 – 16:00
Saturday10:00 – 16:00
Sunday10:00 – 16:00

What you see

  • The plains, seen from the summit below the mountain
  • The Southern Alps
  • Lyttelton Harbour
  • Banks Peninsula

Know before you go

  • Open every day of the week, 10:00 to 16:00.
  • The ride takes about 10 minutes; allow about an hour for the whole visit.
  • Each cabin seats up to four people.

Shorts

Interesting facts5

1/5
  1. 445 metres

    The summit lies 445 metres above sea level.

    Christchurch Gondola - Wikipedia
  2. 19 cabins

    The gondola has 19 cabins and a capacity of 812 travellers per hour.

    Christchurch Gondola - Wikipedia
  3. 16,000 native

    The land around the gondola was landscaped with 16,000 native tussock after construction.

    Christchurch Gondola - Wikipedia

  4. Christchurch Attractions, which also runs the tram system, operates the gondola.

    Christchurch Gondola - Wikipedia

  5. The base station sits in Heathcote Valley, and the cable car crosses the slopes of Mount Cavendish.

    Christchurch Gondola - Wikipedia

History

The gondola opened in October 1992 under the name Mount Cavendish Gondola. The 2011 earthquake closed it.

  1. 1992Opens in October as Mount Cavendish Gondola, after a long planning process and NZ$11.5 million of construction.
  2. 2011Closes after the earthquake.
  3. 2013Reopens in March, opened by former Prime Minister John Key.

How to get there

  • 15 minCarDrive about 15 minutes from central Christchurch to the base station at 10 Bridle Path Road. Parking there is free.
  • BusBus number 8 runs year-round and stops right outside the base station. It can be taken from the Bus Interchange.
  • BusBus #28 runs southeast toward the gondola.
  • BusTake a Purple bus, then change to bus #535 at Ferrymead.
  • BusA daily shuttle leaves Cathedral Square, beside Tram Stop 2. An hourly shuttle is marked Gondola.
  • BusShuttle tickets can be bought in advance at Tram Stop 1 in Cathedral Junction. They have no date, so they can be used any time. Tickets can also be bought from the driver or at Tram Stop 2.
  • BikeA bike rack stands just left of the base station entrance.

Accessibility

  • Manual wheelchairs in the cabins Cabins take manual wheelchairs up to 600mm wide.
  • Help to board and leave The ride can be stopped briefly so guests with manual wheelchairs can board and leave the cabins.
  • Shuttle bus wheelchair access The shuttle bus is not wheelchair accessible.
  • Parking Free parking at the base station, for cars and coaches.

Sources: Christchurch Gondola - Wikipedia · Christchurch - Wikivoyage (do) · Christchurch Gondola – Official Tickets & Visit… · checked 26 Oct 2026

Where
10 Bridle Path Rd, Christchurch

Plan from here: A day out →

Questions and answers

How long does a visit to Christchurch Gondola take?

The ride to the summit takes about 10 minutes. Plan about an hour in total to include the summit exhibit, the café and a walk on the nature trail.

What are the opening hours of Christchurch Gondola?

Christchurch Gondola is open every day of the week, from 10:00 to 16:00.

How do I get to Christchurch Gondola from the city centre?

Bus number 8 stops right outside the base station at 10 Bridle Path Road, and a daily shuttle leaves Cathedral Square. By car, the drive from central Christchurch takes about 15 minutes.

Is parking free at Christchurch Gondola?

Yes. Parking at the base station is free, and it has room for cars and coaches.

Can wheelchair users ride Christchurch Gondola?

Yes. The cabins take manual wheelchairs up to 600mm wide, and the ride can stop briefly to help guests board and leave. The shuttle bus is not wheelchair accessible.

Is Christchurch Gondola suitable for families with children?

Yes, it suits families. Each cabin seats up to four people, and the ride to the summit takes about 10 minutes.

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