The Gondola (Christchurch)
📍 Canterbury , Christchurch City · Nearest city: Christchurch (9 km)
10 XC score / 100 · takeoff at 402 m · 📍 View on map
Coordinates and external links
-43.58870, 172.71800Forecast next days
Updated: 2026-04-21 02:55 UTC · Source: Open-Meteo · Thermal window 10:00–18:00 local time
Marginal conditions, cloud base ~633 m, wind 24 km/h.
base ~633m · wind 24 km/hNot recommended for flying, cloud base ~606 m, wind 21 km/h, precipitation 0.8 mm.
base ~606m · wind 21 km/h · precip 0.8mmMarginal conditions, cloud base ~804 m, wind 4 km/h.
base ~804m · wind 4 km/hComposite flyability score (CAPE + LI + wind + precip + low clouds). Cross-check with local pilots before flying.
🌬 Daily wind (next days)
Daily summary (10m wind). Full hour × altitude chart is being added progressively.
Takeoff orientations
Green = good orientation · Yellow = possible · Gray = not suitable
Why this site has thermal potential
| Factor | Value | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Hotspot density (5 km) | 0 | Low |
| Avg thermal probability | 0.00 | Based on thousands of aggregated IGC flights |
| Solar orientation | 0.35 | Slope faces north in southern hemisphere |
| Own flight history | 0.00 | Thermals detected in platform IGC tracks |
Takeoff description
About 100m to the North East of the gondola restaurant. There is a grassy spot on the dirt road that is cleared.
Rules and notes
Do not fly above 3500ft.
Pilot comments
The site is becoming sensitive. Ensure that you have a NZHGPA license before you fly. The gondola operators will ask you for your membership number.
Nearby sites
Britten Reserve (4) · Barnett Park (14) · Castle Rock (17) · Cass Bay (2) · Van Ash (8) · Taylors Mistake (12)