Christchurch Gondola — Attraction in Linwood-Central-Heathcote Community

We had a choice on our last day of sightseeing in Christchurch, and lucky for us, we decided to go with the Christchurch Gondola. After an easy drive to the lift station, we were met with a good sized parking lot and a very short line. There are bathrooms next to the ticket window should you need to use one prior to the ride up. Although not listed, we asked if we could get one way tickets and then hike down. We were rewarded with a "yes" and a cheaper ticket! The ride up was as quick as it was beautiful. On the way up you enjoy views of Christchurch and Brighton, or, you can look at the hiking trail along the mountainside. Oh and there are sheep, lots of sheep.

Once on top, you are deposited into a gift store, which, if you are on the lookout for some Kiwi gifts, is welcome. The building hosts a couple of floors, 360 degree views, a small cafe with food and a small selection of beer, and a amusement ride.

The views were stunning, the photos speak from themselves. To be on top of the ridge of a volcano is a pretty neat thing, especially if it isn't erupting...

Side note, beer may not be taken out of the cafe, so if you plan to imbibe, plan to finish before taking in the views from outside the cafe.

The hike down was just as memorable. The entrance to the hiking path is adjacent to where the gondolas enter/exit the building. From there, you go through a gate, veer right, find a gap in the fence, cross the rode, and then make your way down. We were a bit slow and it took about 45 minutes, but could easily be finished in 30 or less if needed.

A must see destination, especially if you are met with clear skies or only...

The man taking the pictures at the bottom when you get inside the gondola was very rude, I said I didn't want my picture taken. He proceeded to call me a 5 year old and made fun of me in front of my family. I didn't think it was unreasonable to ask him to not take my picture. A simple "sure that's ok" would have been a good answer but instead he chose to mock me. As we got back to the bottom and we were getting out of the gondola, the same man taking taking the pictures thought it was ok to keep going and proceeded to tell my family I needed an ice cream then I may cheer up and he laughed and laughed. My family wasn't happy about this experience and neither was I. I'm not sure why he chose to target me but I'm definitely not comfortable enough to go back. It was a bit of a blow to my low self confidence. I was just trying to spend a nice morning with my family that I don't see often. Over all that ruined what would have been a really good morning. I couldn't enjoy myself on the way up, at the top, or on the...

Top of Gondola on Port Hills Summit Road with 360’ views of Charteris Bay diamond harbour Lyttelton, Christchurxh & Southern Alps (it is a simple 100m walk up path from summit road see photos), you can drive up from Sumner on summit road (sign of kiwi cashmere road closed in 2022) or get cable car from bottom...