Christchurch Gondola top terminal building - new lease

Christchurch Gondola is applying for a new lease for its top terminal building in Mt Cavendish Reserve on the Port Hills. The existing lease is due to expire, and a change in legislation means public consultation is required to confirm a new lease.

Project status: Closed for feedback
Open for feedback: 21 February 2022 to 27 April 2022
Gondola view

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Update June 2022

Submissions [PDF, 26 KB]

Consultation summary [PDF, 65 KB]

Plan for Council approval 


Christchurch Gondola is applying for a new lease for its top terminal building in Mt Cavendish Reserve on the Port Hills. The existing lease is due to expire, and a change in legislation means public consultation is required to confirm a new lease.

No changes are proposed to the building or its footprint. The new ground lease is on equivalent terms to the existing lease and will allow Christchurch Gondola to continue their occupation and use of the approximately 1177 square metre site.

The proposed term of the lease is 30 years, (including all rights of renewal). This replaces the original automatic option for right of renewal. The change in legislation has triggered the need to consult.

Owned by Christchurch Attractions and established in the 1990s, Christchurch Gondola is a key local and visitor attraction. The top terminal building includes a café/restaurant for public use and private events. It also hosts radio and data gear for a range of national and local emergency, weather and electronic signaling suppliers and businesses.

The lease application doesn’t affect the gondola towers on Scotts Valley Reserve or the lower Gondola building which is on private land and to be confirmed under a separate lease agreement that does not require consultation. Crown-owned Mount Cavendish Scenic Reserve is administered by Christchurch City Council on behalf of the Department of Conservation.

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Who to contact

Philippa Upton,
Engagement Advisor

How the decision is made

  • Closed for feedback

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