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Viewpoint · Christchurch, Canterbury
Christchurch Gondola (Mount Cavendish Gondola)
A gondola of about 1 km that rises from Heathcote Valley to the top of Port Hills, at 445 meters, with views over Lyttelton Harbour, the Banks Peninsula, the Canterbury plains and the Southern Alps.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Christchurch Gondola (Mount Cavendish Gondola)
Christchurch’s gondola opened in 1992 as the Mount Cavendish Gondola and climbs about 1 km from Heathcote Valley in the southern part of the city to the top of Port Hills at 445 meters altitude. It closed after the 2011 earthquake and reopened in 2013.
At the summit, the lookout shows both sides of the hills. To the south and east are Lyttelton Harbour, situated in the crater of an ancient volcano, and the Banks Peninsula hills. To the north and west are the city, the Canterbury plains and, on clear days, the Southern Alps, which have snow for much of the year.
The summit building has a restaurant and an exhibition about the area's history. Trails run from there along the Port Hills ridges, such as the Crater Rim Walkway, and some people take the gondola up and descend on foot or by mountain bike.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
1 to 2 hours, including the ascent and the lookout.
Best time
On clear days, to see the Southern Alps. Late afternoon usually provides good light over the harbour; check the time of the last descent.
How to get there
The lower station is in Heathcote Valley, about 10 km from central Christchurch, with a city bus and parking.
Tip
The gondola charges admission; check the current fares. On low‑cloud days the view is obscured, so check the sky before you go.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Christchurch Gondola (Mount Cavendish Gondola)
What can you see from the Christchurch cable car?
Lyttelton Harbour and the Banks Peninsula on one side, and the city, the Canterbury plains and the Southern Alps on the other, on clear days.
Where do you catch the Christchurch cable car?
In Heathcote Valley, about 10 km from the city center, with city bus access and parking.
Can you walk down from the cable car?
Yes. Trails start from the top of the Port Hills, and some people walk or mountain-bike down. Check the route beforehand.