Christchurch Gondola

Overview

Arguably one of the best tourist attractions in Christchurch, the scenic gondola allows visitors a chance to experience the city in a truly unique and unforgettable way. As you glide from the gondola base in Heathcote Valley, over the rolling hills below, take in the stunning views of Lyttelton Harbour and further out to the heads. The trip takes roughly ten minutes both ways, which gives you plenty of time to bask in the beauty of the Canterbury Plains.

Once at the top, check out some of the walking tracks, like the Crater Rim walkway which will see you skirt around one of the two volcanic craters that make Banks Peninsula so geographically special. You can also look down on Sumner beach from the ridge and all the way down to the teal waters of the port on the other side.

Should hunger strike, the Red Rock Cafe situated on the summit is open daily from 10am–5pm and fully licensed for those in need of a post-gondola tipple. For an added bit of fun, grab a seat on the Time Tunnel, a six-minute electric cart ride which takes you back in time through the region's history. Finally, exit through the gift shop and pick out a few New Zealand souvenirs from the Shop at the Top.