The city of Christchurch is beautiful at any time of year, but seeing it from the ground does not do it justice. Just a 15-minute drive away from the city centre is where you will find the Gondola – a cable car that will show you an amazing panoramic view of the entire area.   There’s nothing like seeing Christchurch from this unique vantage point. The views are spectacular, so make sure your cameras are charged the night before. The views span the entire city, straight over the Canterbury Plains, Southern Alps and Banks Peninsula.

You will find ample parking at the base of the cable car where the Gondola will take you up over 800 horizontal metres to the Summit Station atop Mount Cavendish. Here, you can enjoy more incredible views from inside the Rock Café, where you’ll find a good selection of dishes for even the fussiest of kids. If you’re interested in learning more about the history of the area, make sure you visit the Time Tunnel ride, also situated at the top. There’s also a well stocked gift shop to browse for souvenirs of your experience.

The ride to the top is very stable and comfortable, so if you have a fear of heights there is nothing to worry about. The trip itself takes around 10 minutes, so sit back in your cabin and enjoy the views. You will get the best views and photos on a clear day, so check the weather report regularly to maximise your experience.