Gondola in Christchurch New Zealand

We viewed Queenstown and Rotorua from a gondola…so why not Christchurch.

Hop on a city bus (number 28) near the Re-Start Mall and travel to the end of the line. Along the way catch a glimpse everyday life in communities that most tourists miss.

Here we are! Let’s take a gondola ride up the Port Hills.

 Hint: Click on any photo to enlarge it.

Are those sheep down there? We have seen a lot of sheep throughout New Zealand…but on steep hillsides like this?!

 Yes, those are sheep alright!

So I guess I should not be surprised to be greeted by this cute “lamb” in the shop at the top.

The outside terraces wrap all around the visitor centre so 360 degree views are possible.

Looking this way  (I think it is south east) is Lyttelton Harbour…

in a sunken volcanic crater.

Remember, you can click on the photo to enlarge it.

This harbour has a significant connection to Antarctic exploration.

Aside: Learn a lot more about Antarctica exploration at the International Antarctic Centre (near the airport).

Any guess what this is?

We almost missed taking this automated ride at the top of the gondola…thought it might be a bit tacky..but it turned out to be very well done. This is the Time Tunnel Experience.

The Welcome Aboard brochure about the Christchurch Gondola Ride describes it this way…

Journey back 12 million years…through the smouldering depths of a volcano, a forest, short voyage on board a ship and through the early settlements of Christchurch.

Now…are you ready to take a long walk or a short walk on one of the many tracks (that is what they call trails here in New Zealand) that begin up here by the gondola.

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