Christchurch Gondola and Vintage Tram Combo Ticket

4.6 (865 reviews) from travellers who booked this experience

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Duration1 day (full tram loop about 50 minutes, plus your gondola visit)
Open onDaily
Meeting pointCollect your tickets at the attractions booking office in Cathedral Junction, 109 Worcester Street, then board the tram at any stop; or collect them at the Gondola Base Station, 10 Bridle Path Road, Heathcote Valley, from 10:00

Christchurch Gondola and Vintage Tram Combo Ticket

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Overview

This combo ticket pairs two of Christchurch's most popular attractions at one time. Ride the Christchurch Gondola up the slopes of Mount Cavendish in the Port Hills to a summit 445 metres above sea level, with 360-degree views across the Canterbury Plains, the Southern Alps, the city and Lyttelton Harbour. At the top you have access to the Discovery ride, the café and shop, and walking trails along the crater rim. Back in the city, a full-day hop-on hop-off ticket for the heritage tram takes you around an 18-stop loop with live commentary. It is a self-guided ticket: transport to the Gondola is not included, but public bus number 8 runs there from the city centre.

Highlights

Return ride on the Christchurch Gondola to the top of Mount Cavendish
360-degree views of the Southern Alps, Canterbury Plains and Lyttelton Harbour
Discovery ride telling the story of the region at the summit
Walking trails along the Port Hills crater rim
Full-day hop-on hop-off ride on restored heritage trams
18 tram stops including the Arts Centre, Botanic Gardens and Riverside Market
Live commentary from the tram driver
Attractions can be used at your own pace

Full Description

Christchurch Gondola – the ride up Mount Cavendish

The Christchurch Gondola climbs the side of Mount Cavendish in the Port Hills, the remains of the ancient Lyttelton volcano that rises south-east of the city. From the base station in Heathcote Valley, glass-sided cabins carry you smoothly up the steep, rocky slopes, and the view opens out with every metre: first the suburbs, then the whole city and the plains beyond.

The summit station sits about 445 metres above sea level, and the ride itself is part of the experience, so try to sit facing the city on the way up. The Gondola is one of the top things to do in Christchurch, and with this combo ticket your return ride is already included. Note that the cabins take wheelchairs up to 60 cm wide and 1 metre long.

The summit – views, Discovery ride and crater rim walks

At the top a viewing terrace looks in every direction. On one side lie Christchurch, the patchwork of the Canterbury Plains and, on a clear day, the snow-capped Southern Alps and Kaikōura ranges. On the other, the deep blue Lyttelton Harbour fills a flooded volcanic crater, with the port town of Lyttelton on its shore.

Your ticket includes the Discovery ride, a dramatic reconstruction of the history of the region from its volcanic origins to the arrival of Māori and European settlers. There is also a café and gift shop. Walking and cycling trails start right at the summit, including the Crater Rim Walkway, so wear good shoes and bring a warm layer, as it is often windy at the top.

The heritage tram loop through central Christchurch

The second half of your ticket is a full day on Christchurch's heritage trams. Beautifully restored vintage carriages run every 15 minutes around an 18-stop loop through the rebuilt city centre, and a full circuit takes about 50 minutes. The driver gives a live and entertaining commentary on the city's history, its Garden City nickname and its recovery after the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes.

You can hop on and off as often as you like. Popular stops include Cathedral Junction near Cathedral Square, the Gothic Revival Arts Centre, the Canterbury Museum and Botanic Gardens on Rolleston Avenue, the colourful New Regent Street and Riverside Market by the Avon River. It is the easiest way to see the city centre in one day.

Planning your day – how to get to the Gondola

The tram does not go to the Gondola, which is about 15 minutes from the city centre and a 10-minute drive from Lyttelton Port. The simplest way to get there is public bus number 8 towards Lyttelton from the central bus interchange, which stops at the Gondola base station; there is also free parking at the base. A gondola shuttle may run in summer.

Many visitors ride the Gondola in the morning, when the air is clearest for views of the Alps, and spend the afternoon on the tram in the city. Both attractions can be very busy from November to March, especially when a cruise ship is in port, so arriving early helps. The 10:00 time shown when booking is automatic: you can arrive any time during opening hours.

Itinerary

Collect your ticketsAt the attractions booking office in Cathedral Junction, 109 Worcester Street, or at the Gondola Base Station from 10:00.
Travel to the GondolaTake public bus number 8 from the central bus interchange to the base station in Heathcote Valley, about 15 minutes.
Gondola ride and summitRide up Mount Cavendish, enjoy the views, the Discovery ride and a walk on the crater rim; allow one and a half to two hours.
Heritage tram loopBack in the city, ride the vintage tram around the 18-stop loop, about 50 minutes for a full circuit.
Hop off in the cityStop at the Arts Centre, Botanic Gardens, New Regent Street or Riverside Market and rejoin the tram whenever you like.

What's included

Full-day hop-on hop-off vintage tram ticket
Live commentary on the tram
Return ticket for the Christchurch Gondola
Access to the Discovery ride at the summit
Access to the gift shop and café at the summit

Not included

Transport between the city centre and the Gondola (public bus number 8)
Food and drinks
Hotel transfers

Is this right for you?

Great for

Travellers who want a proven choice — rated 4.6/5 by past travellers

Think twice if

You prefer short outings — this takes 1 days

Not suitable for

People afraid of heights

Meeting point

Collect your tickets at the attractions booking office in Cathedral Junction, 109 Worcester Street, in central Christchurch, and then board the tram at any stop. Alternatively, collect them at the Christchurch Gondola Base Station, 10 Bridle Path Road, Heathcote Valley, from 10:00. Transport between the city and the Gondola is not included: public bus number 8 runs from the central bus interchange to the base station.

Important information

Transport to the Gondola is not included; take public bus number 8 towards Lyttelton
Bring warm clothing, as the summit can be windy and cool
Trams run every 15 minutes with up to 5 trams in service, depending on the season
Only some trams are wheelchair accessible from Cathedral Junction; wheelchairs must be under 60 cm wide and 1 metre long for the Gondola
Very busy from November to March, especially on cruise ship days; arrive early
The 10:00 time is automatic; arrive any time during opening hours
Free parking is available at the Gondola base; city centre parking is paid
Not suitable for people afraid of heights

Good to know

Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.

Is this a guided tour or a ticket?

It is a self-guided combo ticket. You ride the Gondola and the heritage tram at your own pace, with live commentary on the tram.

How long do I need?

Plan a full day: about one and a half to two hours for the Gondola and summit, plus travel time, and as long as you like on the tram, whose full loop takes about 50 minutes.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Transport between the city centre and the Gondola is not included. Public bus number 8 runs from the central bus interchange to the base station.

What is included?

A full-day hop-on hop-off tram ticket with live commentary, a return Gondola ride, and access to the Discovery ride, gift shop and café at the summit.

Is the price per person or per group?

The ticket is priced per person, with a reduced rate for children aged 5 to 15. The booking panel on this page shows the current price.

Does the tram go to the Gondola?

No. The tram runs a loop in the city centre. The Gondola is about 15 minutes away by bus or car in Heathcote Valley.

What can I see from the top of the Christchurch Gondola?

The city, the Canterbury Plains, the Southern Alps and Kaikōura ranges on clear days, and Lyttelton Harbour inside its ancient volcanic crater.

Is it suitable for children or people with reduced mobility?

Children enjoy both rides. Wheelchairs up to 60 cm wide and 1 metre long fit the Gondola, and some trams have a wheelchair hoist at Cathedral Junction.

What should I bring?

Warm clothing, comfortable shoes for the summit trails, sunglasses and a camera.

When is the best time to ride the Gondola?

Clear mornings give the sharpest views of the Southern Alps. In summer, arrive early to avoid the busiest times.

Do I have to use both attractions on the same day?

The ticket is designed for one day of use. Arrive any time during each attraction's opening hours.

How do I book and confirm?

Choose your date in the booking panel. Our team confirms your booking on WhatsApp within minutes and sends you the ticket collection details.