Christchurch Tram, Avon River Punt and Gondola Combo Ticket

Punting on the Avon River

Punting on the Avon is one of the classic things to do in Christchurch. You sit back in a traditional wooden flat-bottomed boat while a punter dressed in Edwardian costume pushes it gently along the shallow, clear river with a long pole, telling stories about the city and its history as you go. The ride lasts 30 minutes and departs from Worcester Street Bridge in the city centre.

The Avon, known in Māori as Ōtākaro, winds between willow-lined banks, green lawns and historic bridges, and the slow pace of the punt makes it a peaceful break from sightseeing. Blankets and umbrellas are provided if needed. The punt is shared with other guests, and you must reserve your time slot before you arrive, which we help you arrange after booking.

Christchurch Gondola and the Port Hills

The Christchurch Gondola rises from Heathcote Valley up the side of Mount Cavendish, part of the Port Hills formed by the ancient Lyttelton volcano. From the glass-enclosed cabins you watch the city fall away below you, and at the summit you look out over the plains, the city, the mountains and the harbour all at once.

On a clear day you can see the snow-capped Southern Alps and the Kaikōura ranges to the north and west, while to the south-east Lyttelton Harbour fills a flooded crater ringed by steep hills. The Gondola is about 15 minutes from the city centre, and the easiest way to get there is public bus number 8 from the central bus interchange.

At the summit – Discovery ride, café and Crater Rim walks

Your ticket gives access to the Discovery ride, a dramatic journey through the history of the region, from the volcanic eruptions that created Banks Peninsula to the arrival of Māori and European settlers. There is also a café with large windows over the view and a gift shop, sometimes called the shop at the top.

For more active visitors, several walking trails begin at the summit, including the route to the volcanic Crater Rim. Even a short walk along the ridge gives superb views in both directions. Bring warm clothing and comfortable shoes, because the summit is exposed and often cooler and windier than the city. Allow about one and a half to two hours for the Gondola visit.

The heritage tram – a full day in the Garden City

Restored vintage trams run every 15 minutes around a loop through central Christchurch, and your all-day ticket lets you hop on and off as often as you like. A full circuit takes about 50 minutes, and the driver's live commentary covers the city's founding, its Garden City nickname and the rebuild after the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes.

Stops include Cathedral Junction near Cathedral Square, the Arts Centre, the Canterbury Museum on Rolleston Avenue, the vast green spaces of Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens, the boutique stores of New Regent Street and Riverside Market. Board at any stop by showing your reference number, and combine the tram with your punt ride, since the punt landing is right in the centre.

Planning your Christchurch day

The three attractions are in two areas: the tram and punt in the city centre, and the Gondola in Heathcote Valley. A good plan is to ride the Gondola in the morning, when the air is often clearest, then return by bus for your reserved punt time and spend the rest of the day on the tram. The attractions do not have to be used on the same day.

Trams run from 9:00 to 18:00 in summer and from 10:00 to 16:00 in winter. From November to March, especially on cruise ship days, expect queues at the tram and Gondola, so start early. The 10:00 time shown when booking is automatic and is not necessarily your punt time.