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Christchurch Tram & Gondola opening hours

Christchurch Tram & Gondola rides timings

AttractionSeasonFirst departure/OpeningLast departure/ClosingFrequency

Christchurch Tram

Summer (Sep-Mar)

9am

6pm

Every 10–20 min

Christchurch Tram

Winter (Apr–Aug)

10am

5pm

Every 10–20 min

Christchurch Gondola

Year-round

10am

5pm

Continuous

Punting on the Avon (if option selected)

Summer

9am

5pm

By reservation

Punting on the Avon (if option selected)

Winter

10am

4pm

By reservation

Timing notes & visitor warnings

  • Arrive early for lighter crowds and ensure optimal visibility at the gondola summit.
  • Weather can change quickly; bring a light jacket for breezy conditions at Mount Cavendish.
  • Peak weekends may see 10–30 minute waits at the tram boarding or gondola base.
  • Allow extra time to coordinate between tram departures and gondola shuttle access.
  • Punting rides require reservations; last-minute availability may be limited.

Best time to go on Christchurch Tram & Gondola rides

Gondola ride over Port Hills with view of Christchurch landscape and water.
  • Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm with long daylight hours. Crowds are high. Best for full tram loops, gondola rides, and punting. Book early for preferred timings and clear views.
  • Autumn (Mar-May): Mild with comfortable weather. Moderate crowds. Great for tram and gondola rides with added autumn colors. Ideal for relaxed sightseeing and photos.
  • Winter (Jun-Aug): Cooler with shorter days. Low crowds. Good for tram and gondola visits without queues. Dress warmly; punting may be limited.
  • Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and slightly breezy. Moderate crowds. Gardens in bloom with tram, gondola, and punting available. Best enjoyed on quieter weekdays.
Women boarding a vintage tram in Christchurch.
  • Weekdays (Tue–Thu): Fewer crowds, shorter queues, ideal for tram, gondola, and punting.
  • Weekends: Busier, especially midday; services run frequently, but expect more visitors.
Punting ride on Avon River, Christchurch with guide and passengers amidst lush greenery.
  • Morning: Best for punting and gondola rides with clear light and fewer crowds.
  • Late morning - early afternoon: Gondola summit visits; combine with tram stops.
  • Afternoon: Complete tram loop; flexible hop-on hop-off access across 18 stops.
  • Golden hour/Sunset: Ideal for scenic photos from Mount Cavendish summit.

How long should you spend on your Tram & Gondola tours

2 hours

Ideal for a quick visit; either complete one full tram loop through the city or take a round-trip gondola ride with a short stop at the summit.

3–4 hours

A balanced experience combining the hop-on hop-off tram with a gondola ride. Allows time to explore a couple of tram stops, visit the summit, and enjoy a café break.

Full day

Best for a relaxed, in-depth visit. Includes tram rides, gondola ascent, and Avon River punting (with an all-inclusive pass), plus time for photos, short walks, and meals.

Frequently asked questions about Tram & Gondola tour timings

Yes, both operate daily throughout the year, with slight seasonal changes to timings and frequency.