We offer plenty of options for Christmas functions at our attractions. Between our Christchurch Gondola, Christchurch Tram, Punting on the Avon, the Tramway Restaurant, and Hanmer Springs Attractions locations, we have activities to suit a wide range of event types and budgets.
Memorable experiences for your Christmas function!
Christmas at the Christchurch Gondola
Book your Christmas event at the Christchurch Gondola! The versatile venue space on a private level of the top station can host buffet lunches, morning or afternoon teas, seated dinners, drinks and canape functions, and more. We can cater to a range of guest numbers and budgets with the various event options we have available. Treat your guests to stunning views of Christchurch, Lyttelton, and surrounds, for a Christmas function to remember.
Entertain your Christmas party guests with dramatic views
If you’re looking for a unique venue for your Christmas work party, Christchurch Gondola’s mountain-top function rooms are the ideal choice, offering unparalleled views across Christchurch and the Southern Alps.
Treat your guests to a scenic trip by Gondola to the summit of Mt Cavendish, where a warm reception awaits. The Pinnacle and Crater Rim rooms offer flexibility with the option of two separate meeting rooms or one combined event space.
With truly unique views to give your event a point of difference, the Gondola venue will ensure your next function or occasion is a memorable one.
The Base Station of the Gondola is nestled in Heathcote Valley where you will find plenty of parking for cars and coaches. The Summit Station – including our venue space – is at the top of Mt Cavendish.
The Gondola is just a 15-minute drive from central Christchurch, and a large carpark is available at the Gondola Base Station for customers to use free of charge.
Each cabin seats four people and the ride to the top takes approximately 10 minutes, with up to 440 people able to travel from the Base Station to the top in one hour.
A Gondola ride fee applies for functions held during our operating hours, and a venue hire fee of $3000 + GST applies for events held after hours.
Morning Teas & Lunches
Enjoy a group morning tea or buffet lunch with stunning views at the Christchurch Gondola. The private venue space offers exclusivity away from other daytime visitors as well as easy access to the outdoors. Our morning teas and buffet lunch options are perfect for social groups, tour groups, or corporate functions, with our team providing delicious food options and attentive service.
Gala Dinners
Our venue space offers a truly unique outlook to make your gala dinner an event to remember. With a range of catering options available to suit your preferences, our Gondola venue can also offer a separate space for pre-dining cocktails. Perfect for various occasions including corporate functions, social clubs, birthday or anniversary celebrations, and more.
Other Options
Options abound in our versatile venue space:
- cocktail functions
- private room hire
- wedding receptions
Contact us to learn more about these options.
Tramway Restaurant
Perfect for small groups, the Tramway Restaurant offers a curated dining experience for you to spoil your team. The four-course menu package includes a welcome drink, canape starter, entrée, main, dessert, and tea or coffee (a wine pairing package is also available). With 36 seats over two sections, there are options to privately hire one of the two sections or to hire the whole tram.
Christmas Party Dining with a Difference: Group Options on our Iconic Tramway Restaurant
From dinners and lunches to high tea the Tramway Restaurant offers a variety of services ideal for Christmas functions while seeing the sights of central Christchurch.
Our immaculately restored 1920s tramcar is New Zealand’s only dining tram and travels through the city centre while guests are treated to premium local cuisine and attentive service. This unique experience will add a special touch to any event, making it one to remember.
Enquire with us today about options for your next corporate event, social outing, or other group function.
Dinner Service
Four-course menu package including a welcome drink and tea or coffee. A wine pairing option is also available. Choose from the private hire of the whole tram seating up to 36 people, or private hire of one of the two seating sections seating 12 or 24 people.
Duration 2-2.5 hours | Departs 7:30pm daily (excluding public holidays)
Early Dinner Service
Three-course menu package including a welcome drink and tea or coffee.
Minimum of 30 people | Duration 1.5 hours | Departs 5pm on selected dates or on request
Lunch Service
Three-course menu package including a welcome drink and tea or coffee.
Minimum of 30 people | Duration 1.5 hours | Departs on request
Hanmer Springs Attractions
We have the perfect adventures for Christmas events outside of Christchurch. Jet boating, quad biking & buggy treks, rafting, bungy jumping, paintball and laser clay shooting are all great group options, and catered lunch or morning tea is also available for a full day of fun. Our activities operate from one central hub by the scenic Waiau River, meaning your group can enjoy several attractions in the same day. With other fun activities including hot pools and wine tasting nearby, Hanmer Springs is a fantastic option for your team’s Christmas getaway.
Christchurch Tram
Options abound with the Christchurch Tram. Opt for a private tram ride to show your guests around the central city, or privately hire trams to transport your group between popular venues and hospitality spots along the tram route. Private drinks and canape functions are also available for unique pre-dining functions to add a special touch to your event.
Tram Functions and Events
Christchurch’s iconic heritage tramcars are a fantastic addition to any Christmas work party. Whether you’re looking to transfer guests around the central city, provide a unique hospitality event for your guests, our tram fleet can accommodate from 20 to 280 people at one time on board our immaculately restored vehicles.
Private Tram Hire
Make your Christmas party a tour of the city.
With options to move up to 280 people at one time over four trams, this product suits events of all sizes and allows easy access to popular event and dining destinations along the tram route including Te Pae Christchurch, the Arts Centre’s Great Hall, The Terrace and Riverside Market, Botanic Gardens and the Christchurch Art Gallery.
Drinks and Canapés Function
Treat your guests to a private one-hour tram ride while enjoying drinks, canapés, and seeing central Christchurch. Our function trams can each carry up to 40 guests, and our premium catering partners offer quality menu options and local beverages. Our various boarding and disembarkation points mean we can transfer your guests along the circuit to your next inner-city venue.
This is the perfect option for pre-dinner socialising in a unique way and is ideal for conferences, corporate functions, special occasions, hen nights and more.
Punting on the Avon
If you’re after a relaxing option for your Christmas event, a scenic punt ride along the tranquil Avon River is the perfect activity. This is a great option for a group outing to unwind after a busy time, and an ideal activity pre- or post-lunch. Chat to us about group bookings or about gift vouchers for your team.
Punting Event Options
Punting on the scenic Avon River is a relaxing experience perfect a relaxing Christmas party or corporate event. Several options are available for groups. From corporate outings to spoiling your hard-working team, a punt ride is a great way to unwind.
Private Charter from Antigua Boat Sheds
The Antigua Boat Sheds is one of Christchurch’s oldest and most recognizable buildings, and private hire of punts is available from this site in addition to our standard 30-minute shared rides. Private charters run for 30 minutes and are available for groups as well as for couples looking for a romantic outing. Glide along the river through the tranquil Botanic Gardens and relax, taking in the flora and wildlife. These charters are subject to availability.
For groups looking for catering options, these are available from the neighboring Boat Shed Cafe.
Private Charter from Worcester Bridge
Situated on the City Promenade, our Worcester Bridge departure point is just a few steps from Te Pae Christchurch. Punts are currently available only for private hire from this location, and this is a wonderful activity to see the city and enjoy the fresh air and time out from a conference or other event. Enjoy punting down the river through Victoria Square and past the Town Hall through to Margaret Mahy Playground. Tours then return to disembark opposite the Christchurch Town Hall.
Botanic Gardens Tour
Relax and explore the Botanic Gardens on a guided Botanic Gardens Tour. Sit back on our electric shuttle and enjoy the ever-changing scenery whilst enjoying the live commentary. Each shuttle can seat up to 19 guests, and multiple shuttles are available for groups.
A Special Gift to Reward Your Team or Clients
With a range of gift vouchers available to suit all interests and budgets, Christchurch Attractions gift vouchers make ideal gifts for valued employees and clients. Purchase physical vouchers from the team, or purchase e-gift cards online through the Christchurch Attractions website.
With a vast variety of function and event offerings, talk to us today about making your next Christmas event one to remember.
