Christchurch Gondola
Posted on May 24, 2008 under South Island |The Christchurch Gondola is the city’s number one tourist attraction attracting thousands of travellers to this destination every year. It’s located on the crater rim of an extinct volcano and is only about a 15 minute drive from Christchurch CBD, offering a 360 degree panorama view making it one of the most dramatic attractions in the world.
Visitors can enjoy unparalleled views over the Canterbury Plains to Mt. Hutt and beyond to the spectacular Southern Alps. The view north takes in the full sweep of Pegasus Bay and the Pacific Ocean to the distant Kaikoura Peninsula. To the east and south, the picturesque scenery of Lyttelton Harbour and bays unfold across to Lake Ellesmere.
The 945 metre gondola ride carries passengers in the comfort of a four person cabin to the summit of the Port Hills some 500 metres above sea level. Unique views of Christchurch, the Garden City unravel as you climb gently to the summit complex.
Montebellos Restaurant, situated at the top is open daily for lunch and dinner, and offers impressive menus featuring superb dishes from Canterbury and the South Island specialising in seafood.
The Gondola complex also features a walkthrough audio-visual “Time-Tunnel” depicting the history and geography of the region.
Location
10 Bridle Path Road, Heathcote, Tel: +64 3 384-0700, Fax: +64 3 384-0703
Getting there
Free Shuttle bus from Visitor Centre, or catch the Explorer Bus or No 28 Lyttelton bus.