For those who like a more relaxed experiences but still with just a tiny touch of adrenaline, Christchurch offers the Gondola Ride.
Located in the Heathcote Valley, only 15 minutes from the Christchurch city center, it is a very enjoyable and exciting experience. You park your car at the base station (public transport is also available) and go up in the gondola to the summit station, enjoying the beautiful views as you smoothly gain altitude. At the summit complex you have a gift shop (which is too expensive in my opinion) and a 360 degree view deck with informative signs. I especially liked the panoramic signs which explain you exactly what you see when you look above them. You can also go for a walk from the top. There are several Nature Walkways that start from the summit and either make a small circle or go all the way down to the base station. In addition there is a Pinnacle & Summit Cafe for those who like to add food to their enjoyment.
Additional and a relatively new attraction that exists at the summit Gondola station is the Time Tunnel. To tell you the truth I was a little disappointed in it but I think it would be great for kids. You just sit in a purpose-built four person vehicle and for WHOLE SIX MINUTES (!) you experience an interactive journey showing you the geological evolution and history of Canterbury and Christchurch. Basically you gently slide in the “car” from room to room watching on big screens interesting movies and pictures while a nice little girl telling you interesting facts.

View from the Summit Station - Lyttelton Harbour

Nature Walkways at the Christchurch Gondola summit station

Port Hills Walk
A moderate 2.5 hours walk along the Crater Rim Walkway, admiring the great views of the Christchurch city, Lyttelton Harbour and Southern Alps.

Pioneer Women’s Memorial walk
A 50 minutes return walk . The Pioneer Women’s Memorial is built at the intersection of the Summit Road and Bridle Path commemorating the early pioneer families. There are also two memorial plaques. I won’t describe them - come and see for yourself.

Bridle Path
This is a one-hour walk from the Gondola Summit station to the Base Station. It is a steep (but easy) track. It was built back in 1850 in order to assist the early European settlers travelling from Lyttelton to Christchurch.

Cavendish Bluff Lookout
This is a short (30 minutes return) walk from Gondola Summit Station to the lookout. But it is well worth the effort (which is not hard at all). The lookout offers very beautiful view of the Lyttelton Harbor, and it is also a great picnic place.

View from the Summit Station - Christchurch