Skyline Gondola, Queenstown Overview

The Skyline Gondola in Queenstown, located at Brecon Street, transports visitors to Bob’s Peak for panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables, and the surrounding alpine scenery. Known as the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere, it offers access to activities such as luge rides, mountain biking, and stargazing. Opened in 1967, the gondola is a key attraction for adventure and scenic experiences in Queenstown.

Once riders reach the top of Bob’s Peak, they can enjoy an even more spectacular view of the city and the mountains, especially Coronet Peak, Cecil Peak and Walter Peak. Along with the panoramic view, Bob’s Peak has some facilities visitors can enjoy.
The Gondola can carry four people at a time and lifts them to an altitude of 450 metres above the town, from where one can get a stunning view of the surroundings. Additionally, they are wheelchair-friendly (electric wheelchairs cannot be accommodated) and have safety provisions. Hence, it is a good activity for families to bond with each other as they explore Queenstown.

Things to Do

Skyline is basically an attraction where one can find a mix of recreational and adventurous activities. It, therefore, attracts nature lovers and thrill seekers belonging to almost all age groups. In the right season, they throng to the attraction in a considerable number every year.
After the Gondola Ride, when people reach the peak, they enter the Skyline Complex where they can find some restaurants, cafés, bars etc.
People also take Gondola Rides to reach the Skyline Complex on the peak for a stunning guided Southern Night Sky Stargazing experience.
Other than that, there are Luge Rides which go along curved pathways down the hillslope.
The panoramic view around the attraction also draws photographers in quite a number to capture its scenic beauty in frames.

Skyline Gondola Facilities

Skyline Gondolas operate every day at a set time. People can just reach the pickup point and purchase a ticket to ride the Gondola. Each ticket includes a return ride and advance bookings are not required.
Each Gondola is large enough to accommodate four people at a time. If required, a chair can also be made available especially for the elderlies.
They also have provisions to assist differently abled riders. They can accommodate a non-electric wheelchair, arrange for a wheelchair and have someone to assist people to get in and out of the Gondolas.
Their safety precautions are quite impressive too; can stop Gondolas in case of emergency and safely retrieve stuck passengers.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to go for a Skyline Gondola Ride in Queenstown, New Zealand is during the summer season. It is the driest time of the year that begins in December and goes on till February. The temperature remains between 25ᵒC and 32ᵒC and the sun shines until approximately 10:00 PM NZST.

Autumn (March to May) and Springtime (September to November) can also be a good time for a Gondola Ride if one does not mind unexpected rainfalls and a little drop in the temperature.

Tickets and Timings

Children between 5 to 15 years of age – NZD 26/- per child
Children below 5 years of age – Free Rides
Adult – NZD 44/- per person
Family Package (2 adults and 2 children) – NZD 126/-
Family Package (2 adults and 3 children) – NZD 149/-

How To Reach Skyline Gondola

The attraction is located about 600 metres from the centre of the town of Queenstown in New Zealand. One can actually walk through Stanley Street/ SH 6A – Ballarat Street – Camp Street – Man Street – Brecon Street to reach the attraction.
For tourists flying in to Queenstown, the airport is about 7.9 kilometres away from the attraction. The route to Skyline Gondola goes through Sir Henry Wigley Drive – Airport Road – SH 6/ Kawarau Road – Frankton Road – Stanley Street – Memorial Street – Man Street – Brecon Street.
To commute within Queenstown, there are a number of options to choose from. There are local buses, taxis, airport shuttles, water taxis, track shuttles and ski-field shuttles. Other than the public buses, every other mode of public transportation in Queenstown requires advance booking and advance payment.