Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Gondola Gallop

Christchurch, Canterbury

Submitted by Tony Sharpe

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 18

Gnarl Factor: 43

11.3km

535m

460m

496m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Urban fringe

Point to Point (one way)

Undulating, some big hills

Native bush

Plantation/exotic forest

Open farmlands

Open tussock/grasslands

Open ridges/tops

Volcanic

Run Makeup

5%
30%
55%
10%

Sealed Road

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +13.8%

Average Downhill Gradient: -12.4%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

1:45

Slow

1:30

Moderate

1:00

Fast

Start at Victoria Park playground or the Info Centre and head up the trails to reach the Summit Road at Thompsons Reserve. Cross the road and keep heading up to the trig at the summit of the Sugarloaf, a great view is your reward!

Descend Sugarloaf to the east on a faint trail to join the Crater Rim Track, which you then follow over the lumps and bumps of the Port Hills, including Mt Vernon, all the way to the final dash up the hill to the Gondola Top station.

Superb views on both sides of Lyttelton Harbour and the Christchurch/ North Canterbury region.

Have a feed and a drink at the Gondola and either grab yourself a ticket down the easy way, or else head down the Bridle Path to the Gondola base or Lyttleton where you can connect back to town with a bus or arranged pick up. Another fun option is to retrace your steps back to Victoria Park for a half marathon plus distance .

Enjoy the expansive views along the central section of the Crater Rim Walkway, simply majestic on a clear day.

Carparking available, buses also service Cashmere to the Sign of the Takahe and to the Bridle Path at bottom of Gondola.

8 km

19 minutes

Unknown

No

Moderate.

Track is pretty well marked, can be greasy after rain so have the right tread on your shoes in that event. Otherwise hard fast trails to put the hammer down on. Good exit options along the way down Huntsbury or Rapaki if the weather really goes dire.

Perfect throughout.

Thermal leggings, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone.

There is a fountain 1km from the start and also at the very beginning, otherwise carry all your water.

Can be exposed in the worst weather, take appropriate clothing for sudden changes, check weather forecasts.

Boy racers when crossing Summit Road!

Christchurch Gondola
Mt Cavendish
http://welcomeaboard.co.nz/gondola/
Great food, coffee, and superb location to finish a good gallop

Trail Legend

Tony Sharpe

Tony Sharpe

has completed Gondola Gallop once in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Loved it! Perfect trail for a group run after lock down! Awesome views and great tracks. We started from the Gondola and shuttled cars. Worked really well - still plenty of elevation if you do it this way round.

Stefanie Parks

September 11, 2021

Central Port Hills are always a stunner! Recommend the bus to get from A to B. I walked up the Bridle Path to get to the start, which added significantly to the grunt factor. ("You didn't take the gondola up here, did you?" asked one of the sight-seers.)

Matt Halverson

July 24, 2021

No new trails here but always stunning views. The 'downhill' version starting at the gondola still has 460m elevation gain and 630m descent over just 10km so its more of a workout than you might expect, especially when running into the teeth of a southerly!

Rebecca Sunderland

June 20, 2020

The views from here are stunning which just keeps you going. If you want more uphill start from Victoria Park and if you're not into as much uphill, start from the Gondola. This is a great trail to do with someone, like my husband and I do. Someone looks after the children at the Gondola while the other runs there, and then we swap. Kids have a fun day out too exploring the area and the Gondola.

Sharon Sharpe

June 19, 2018

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