Summit Road

Drive it or bike it or take a bus then walk it. The road (and the Crater Rim Walkway) traverses the crest of the Port Hills, which separate Christchurch from Lyttelton Harbour. Breathtaking views over Christchurch, the Southern Alps, Pegasus Bay, Lyttelton Harbour and Banks Peninsula – often all from the same vantage point. Lots of sheep on the walkways, some of which traverse working farms. It is not possible to drive along all of Summit Rd because part is closed due to earthquake damage. The route passes through countryside that was badly burned by the Port Hill fires in Feb 2017.

outdoors

Website: ccc.govt.nz (opens in a new tab)

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Listing from Wikivoyage: Christchurch, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Updated 28 Sept 2026. Something wrong? Tell us.

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Do
Christchurch Gondola
Ride in an enclosed gondola car up to the summit of the Port Hills then view the Heritage Time Tunnel exhibit, take an outdoor nature walk, visit the cafe and shop. The trip takes 10 min but it is recommended to allow an hour all up. An hourly shuttle bus with the sign "Gondola" runs from 9:30AM-4PM in summer from Cathedral Square (beside Tram Stop 2). The shuttle bus costs $6 one way, and you can buy tickets in advance at Tram Stop 1 in Cathedral Junction (no dates on the ticket thus can be used anytime) or from the bus driver directly. Alternatively, you can take #8 public bus from Bus Interchange.
summer 10AM-5PM, winter 10AM-4PM, 26 Dec–31 Jan 9AM–6PMAdult $42, child (5-15 years) $22, family (2 adults and up to 3 children) $117, passenger & own mountain bike $30, or with mountain bike hire $70. Discount of 10% when booking online 7 days in advance. $5 discount when buying together with Tram one day pass
See
Ferrymead Heritage Park
Ferrymead History Park
A recreated Edwardian township and museum with horse and carriage (daily), tram (weekends and school/public holidays) and train (first and third Sunday) rides. Not all attractions run at all times, due to the voluntary nature of the historical societies managing the park. Special events are often held and the park has been used to film the TV One reality show Colonial House. Admission price is based on whether trams/trains are operating or not, and include unlimited rides if available.
10AM–4:30PM dailyTrain & tram days, adult $30, student $25, child $15; tram, no train, days, adult $20, student $15, child $10
Eat
The Watershed Restaurant & Bar
Overlooking the waterfront in Ferrymead.
Main $25–37
Eat
@Tony's
Good Japanese teppanyaki with special all-you-can-eat deals Su-Th ($42).
Mon-Fri noon–2:30PM, Mon-Wed 5:30–10PM, Thu-Sat 5:30PM–1AM, Sun 5:30–9PMMains around $30, set menus $56