Passengers were trapped for about two hours in the Christchurch Gondola this afternoon.

The gondola broke down about 1 o'clock.

Several children were among those stuck in the carriages.

St John say 30 to 40 people were trapped.

Two ambulances were at the scene assessing people getting off the cars but there were no injuries.

A staff member at the gondola company said there would be no comment at this stage.

Some reports say passengers claim their calls for help were unanswered, and when they called the gondola main office they were put on hold.