Last Updated: 15th Nov 2024
Gondola Gallop
Submitted by Tony Sharpe
Last Updated: 15th Nov 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 18 ?
Gnarl Factor: 43 ?
11.3km
535m
460m
496m
Last Updated: 15th Nov 2024
Submitted by Tony Sharpe
Last Updated: 15th Nov 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 18 ?
Gnarl Factor: 43 ?
11.3km
535m
460m
496m
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
Sealed Road
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +13.8%
Average Downhill Gradient: -12.4%
Login as a VIP to see the trailhead information.
1:45
Slow
1:30
Moderate
1:00
Fast
Please note, this GPX file runs in the opposite direction to the following route description, but it can be completed in either direction.
Start at Victoria Park playground and head up the Latters Spur Track 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 .
This trail includes the peaks Mount Vernon, Sugarloaf and Te Moenga-o-Wheke / The Tors.
Enjoy the expansive views along the central section of the Crater Rim Walkway, simply majestic on a clear day.
If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.
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
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Gondola Gallop
As a VIP member you can record private notes for this trail, see all of your times and more.
Already have an account? Login now
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.
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.)
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!
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.
June 19, 2018
These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.
Send to your phone
Scan the below QR code to open this trail on your phone.
Tip: position the QR code in your phone camera screen.
