Viewing from afar

Putting distance between myself and the city has been my long-time destination choice. As far away as possible. Preferably where mountains rise above inland lakes and native forests.  Circumstances frequently dictate distancing myself has to be a tad more modest. In Christchurch we are lucky. In a short time, even cycling or walking, we can have a vast view of Canterbury simply by ascending the nearby Port Hills.

Popular with locals and visitors is the ride up in Christchurch Gondola, actually a cable car, from the Heathcote Valley. In a handful of minutes one is whisked to almost 500 metres astride Mount Cavendish. The cabins travel a 1000 metre-cable to the Top Station.

Views are outstanding. To the west are the Southern Alps foothills and to the north the view is over the sweep of Pegasus Bay to the Kaikoura mountains. On a suitable day paragliders use the gondola summit as a convenient launching point. In another direction the view overlooks Lyttelton Harbour and its busy seaport appearing like an animated miniature train set from this vantage point.

 A not-to-be-missed thing to do is to enjoy an hour or so with coffee and add-ons in the Red rock Café.

For a rundown on the café let me introduce you to café manager Vanessa Murphy.   

She may surprise, shock even, with her announcement, ``lolly cake is a café speciality.

``And it’s not just the children who eat it,’’ laughs Vanessa.

More to my liking would be a savoury muffin. If tempted by the plush food cabinet a Panini or croissant would do the trick. Vanessa then announces ``the works’’ scone?

That’s a date scone with jam and cream.

She has been Red rock Café manager for 18 months.

Her husband, Dominque, is the chef working a floor or so down.

``In the dungeon,’’ laughs Vanessa.

Everything at Red rock Café is made on site.

 A blackboard menu is available from 10 am to 4 pm. It chalks up burgers, fish ‘n chips and other yummy options.

Cabinet food is made fresh to keep pace with demand.

Healthy options include fresh fruit salad and special children’s offerings.

Vanessa and Dominique work together on food selections. Bottom line is, ``what customers want.

``The café is going very well,’’ says Vanessa. We meet a lot of wonderful people. Some arrive having walked the Bridle Path and Crater Rim Walkway.’’

As a working environment, it could not be better.

``The 360 deg. view changes every day. We can be in sunshine when the city is under cloud. Or we can have snow when Christchurch doesn’t.

``This time of year (July and August) we see glorious sunsets by the time the last Gondola descends at 5.30 pm.’’

I ask if she fields any unusual questions.

``We are frequently asked `how do we get to work?’’’ she laughs.

This is my choice of time of the year to visit. It’s when snow generously plasters the mountains.

A two-way cable car ride costs $28 for an adult. A better choice is to purchase an Annual Pass for $65, or $139 for a family.

An annual pass entitles unlimited rides and also includes the same on the Christchurch Tramway. It also offers discounts in the well-stocked gondola shop at the summit and other company attractions.

I’m on my way.