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Christchurch Gondola

Christchurch Gondola: Our most recommended tours and activities

Christchurch: Vintage Tram, Punt and Gondola Ride Combo

1. Christchurch: Vintage Tram, Punt and Gondola Ride Combo

Experience Christchurch from different perspectives with a combined city tour by vintage tram, punt along the Avon River, and cable car ride aboard the Christchurch Gondola. Climb aboard a classic, flat-bottomed boat for a delightful 30-minute punt along the Avon River. Before your tour, reserve a timeslot to venture through the city center propelled by a boatman dressed in Edwardian costume. See the beautiful alpine scenery surrounding Christchurch and its suburbs on board the Christchurch Gondola cable car. Explore the history of the region in the unique Time Tunnel experience, and pause for refreshments at the Red Rock Café. Marvel at the Southern Alps and Kaikoura Mountains, and get 360-degree views of the plains, mountains, city, and harbor from the glass-enclosed cabin. Once at the summit, browse the "Shop at the Top" or hike one of the many walking trails, such as the trek to volcanic-formed Crater Rim. Journey by vintage tram and see the “Garden City” at your own pace with a full-day hop-on and hop-off ticket. Explore the regenerated city center to see innovative architecture. Listen to a fascinating commentary from your driver as you take a full circuit in just 50 minutes, or jump on and off at leisure at 18 strategic stops. Discover the vast urban space of Hagley Park, explore the boutique stores of New Regent Street and much more!

Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo

2. Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo

Climb aboard the Christchurch Gondola cable car and enjoy spectacular 360-degree views across the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps as you glide across the slopes of Mount Cavendish in the Port Hills. See as far as the city and harbor as you ride up to the summit 445 meters above sea level. Make use of the facilities at the top, such as the Time Tunnel ride, a dramatic reconstruction of the history of the region. Revive your spirits at the Red Rock Café before or after going for a walk or bike ride along the many nature trails. Take a unique sightseeing tour of the inner city aboard an antique tram as the driver provides a live and entertaining commentary. A full circuit takes 50 minutes and includes 17 stops, where you can hop on and off as often as you wish. Visit the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Cathedral Junction, Canterbury Museum, and much more.  

Christchurch: Gondola Ride

3. Christchurch: Gondola Ride

Take a ride on the Christchurch Gondola to see the beautiful Alpine scenery surrounding Christchurch city and suburbs. The gondola ride is 10-minutes each way at normal speed and each cable car stops to allow you to board and disembark safely.  Marvel at the Southern Alps to the west, and the Kaikoura Mountains to the north. To the south lies the beautiful harbor of Christchurch, and to the east is the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy 360-degree views of the plains, mountains, city, and harbor from the glass-enclosed gondola. At the summit, you can browse the souvenir shop or visit the cafe. Experience authentic Kiwi flavors as you take in the spectacular views. If you are feeling more energetic, explore one of the many walking trails like the hike to the Crater Rim. Travel back in time at the Time Tunnel experience to learn about the development of the region. The automated ride is a definite highlight with children and adults alike!

Christchurch Gondola and Punt on the Avon River

4. Christchurch Gondola and Punt on the Avon River

See Christchurch from a different perspective with a combined Punt along the Avon River aboard a classic flat-bottomed boat, and a ticket for the Christchurch Gondola cable car.  Travel with a guide dressed in Edwardian costume, who will provide live commentary as they punt you along the river for a 30-minute ride. Blankets, umbrellas, and hot water bottles are provided on cold days, so don't let the weather put you off. Take a ride on the Christchurch Gondola cable car, and see the beautiful Alpine scenery surrounding Christchurch city center and its suburbs. Explore the history of the region in the unique Discovery ride, and pause for reflection at the Red Rock Café. Marvel at the Southern Alps to the west, and the Kaikoura Mountains to the north. To the south lies the beautiful harbor of Christchurch, and to the east is the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy 360-degree views of the plains, mountains, city, and harbor from the glass-enclosed cabin. Purchase souvenirs in the "Shop at the Top" once you reach the summit, or go to the Red Rock Café for some refreshments. If you are feeling more energetic, take one of the many walking trails, such as the hike to Crater Rim, formed by the volcanic activity that created Port Hills. Travel back in time at the unique Discovery Ride, and learn about the development of the region.

Other Sightseeing Options in Christchurch Gondola

Want to discover all there is to do in Christchurch Gondola? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Christchurch Gondola

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 241 reviews

We came on a cruise and had pre-booked this activity - and were so glad we did. We had a fabulous time in Christchurch. The trams are beautiful and take you around all the best bits of the city. We had to change the time of our punt but all the staff were so helpful and it was a really relaxing way to spend some time. We never made it to the Gondola, which was a shame. Maybe next time.

Tram was a brilliant way to get to know the town. Fantastic drivers who passed on great information. Easy to hop on and off, with a different tram coming along every few minutes. Gondola was a simple bus ride from the main bus hub. Fantastic views and coffee. Really two must do’s when in Christchurch.

loved every minute of it, gondola was great with amazing views, vintage trams great way to see the city, punt up the Avon no words can describe how we loved this activity.

Great experience especially with spectacular view on the top❤️we were lucky with the weather. Well organised. Will definitely recommend to others .

Experience was great. Would recommend to anyone who visits the Christchurch area.