Christchurch Tram — Attraction in Christchurch

Had lots of high expectations of the tram based on all the positive reviews, but had the experience ruined on my birthday by a tram driver called Elliot. We purchased our tram + punting tickets online the day before, when we boarded the tram on the day itself we were advised by this nice lady staff to exchange our physical ticket for the punting at the main ticket office even though it states on the ticket we can redeem onboard. At stop number 1, she kindly guided us to the ticket office and as we were waiting for the physical tickets to be processed, the driver of the same tram started rushing us and the same lady staff, saying we are making them late for the next tram circuit, all we did was just following instructions of the lady staff? We did not request for the tram to wait for us, and we did not mind boarding the next tram. When we walked back to the same tram, to our astonishment, the tram driver Elliot scolded us and rushed us back on board, giving us dirty looks as we were guiding our elderly father up the stairs. This is totally unacceptable and not what you will expect from an established tourist attraction in Christchurch. This is not how tourists should be treated when all we did was being polite and listening to the instructions of the kind lady staff (we did not get her name). Thank you for ruining our experience Elliot, Christchurch is beautiful and the tram was beautiful, but we couldn't even listen to any of the commentary given by the same person who gave us a lashing as we were fuming by getting scolded for nothing we did wrong, this was also on my birthday itself. We alighted after a few stops and did not board again as we do not wish to be in the same tram as that rude driver again. Honestly was a real disappointment with the whole redemption method, treatment and i don't think it's worth even half the money we paid for. Sincerely hope the company can review the actions of the driver as it reflects really poorly for a tourist attraction, especially to other foreigners visiting this beautiful garden city. This took place 5th June 2024...

I have to at least give the tram a 3, as I love trams, I really love the way these trams have been lovingly restored, looked after, the sound as it moves, it would be at least a 5, if it were not for the cram. Sitting in our seats, finally after being pushed aside by demanding tourists (perhaps they are more practised at this?) Aside from this, the pleasure of sitting in these wonderful vehicles is enough to ignore that. What I find hard to ignore, is the chap opening the side gates where we we sitting and virtually just pushing people in, so the tram was completely full, to the point where someone's crutch was almost in your face, there is only so many armpits I can be bothered with. It was just plain awful. One could say well this is what happens when you ride a tram. But this is not a commuting tram, it is a tourist attraction. At $30 a pop, with an elderly couple in tow and a child, there was very little pleasure in trying to avoid someone's elbow in my face or the loud German fellow who decided to stand in front of me, not holding onto anything, with any sudden movement (yes, we are on a tram) could end up in my lap, no thanks. So long I have looked at these trams and thought, I should do that. Well, I have finally and most likely not to be repeated.(The trams though are outstanding I have to add, not...

I found the Conductors quite unfriendly,.if i may say...i rode those trams a few times a day. I had been roped into purchasing a Pass that was good for one year. But I was there for only one month...December, 2024. So I rode regularly in order to get to places along the Route. Why the conductors obviously didn't 'like' me was curious. I even told one of them, I'm a tourist, here for one month...but the attitude remained. At times, as I was sitting outside, with an IceCream, the Trams would lumber by. I'd look up, and it was wierd...dirty looks from the driver..i felt centered out for something that was no fault of my own. They all knew who I was, one wanted to see my Pass...and checked my name. I mean..i was just sitting there...One time, I boarded a tram with my pass and the driver asked..'Where are u going '? I mean..im not a threat, dude. Not on drugs, dressed properly too. An older, short haired woman, in CC for 1 month. Anyway...being so obviously disliked aside, there was a problem of access. A ramp would have been nice, for riders who needed it. And make the steps accessible. By the end of my first week, my back and arms ached horribly. Seats were uncomfortable too. One rider jokingly said we needed a 'whoopee cushion' ha ha. Anyway I didn't like the Trams. Won't be riding...