Cheap Flights to Christchurch

Why Travel to Christchurch? 

Christchurch is a city unlike any other, with its mix of rich gardening tradition, easy-going nature, and creative area. It is a top place to see in New Zealand! Its peaceful green areas, such as Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens, in full floral glory have become an attraction to visitors prompting the city to be referred to as the “Garden City”. It is good for travellers wanting to spend a relaxing and refreshing stay there. Visitors are also entertained by its exciting art scene of street art murals, heritage restoration at The Arts Centre, and galleries that add colour and character to the city. 

There is an expanding food-and-wine culture and easy outdoor activity such as mountain biking, river sports and even scenic gondola rides. Visitors can enjoy an unusual combination of the cosy urban comfort (cafes, museums and festivals) and direct access to nature. That is why so many travellers book flights to Christchurch when they want both culture and an easy way to access the natural outdoors of the South Island.

How to Find the Cheapest Flights to Christchurch   

When finding the cheapest flights to Christchurch, start by signing up to the Oceans Travel newsletter. So you can get the latest Christchurch flight deals or from anywhere! Furthermore, our flight search tool, which not only lets you book online, but you can also filter it to suit your own needs! Be flexible with travel dates, like mid-week departures (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Saturdays) and shoulder seasons (May or August) often reduce fares. Consider flying into a nearby hub and taking a domestic flight if it lowers the total cost! If you don’t mind a slightly longer journey, book a flight with one stop instead! You can save a lot of money on tickets longer instead of wanting a shorter travel time.

When it comes to booking time, our data indicates that the average fares are cheaper when you purchase about 40-90 days in advance for international flights to Christchurch. Domestic flights can be priced lower when they are purchased further in advance. To save money on flights to Christchurch, you could fly into one city and return from another. For example: London → Christchurch, then fly back Christchurch → Auckland → London. Sometimes this costs less than a standard return. Additionally, check nearby airports for better deals, or travel light with only hand luggage to get lower prices!

When to Visit Christchurch

The best time to visit Christchurch is the late spring to early autumn, about November to April. These are when the days are moderately warm, good for outdoor walking and sightseeing, gardens and looking for adventures. Summer (December-February) brings the warmest weather, and longer daylight, good for beach trips or wine-country escapes.

Late spring (November) and autumn (March-April) have fewer crowds, shoulder-season rates, fantastic flowers or fall colours, and temperate weather. The shoulder month, like March, is also an ideal time to find good fares on cheap flights to Christchurch and cheap hotel accommodation prices. Not only will you save some money, but also not have to sacrifice experience.

*New Zealand is located in the Southern Hemisphere, so its seasons are opposite those in the Northern Hemisphere. Including Europe, North America, and most of Asia. For example, when it is summer in Christchurch (Dec-Feb), it will be winter in the Northern Hemisphere. This is something you need to consider when planning your trip.*

Most Popular Routes and Airlines

When you are searching for flights to Christchurch, the most popular and frequently flown flight is Christchurch to Auckland. With about 140 weekly departures, which is therefore the busiest internal link. Most of these are operated by Air New Zealand, using both ATR-72 and A320 fleets, and also Jetstar operates the same route. Domestic routes from smaller cities such as Wellington, Queenstown, Dunedin and Nelson are also well-served, with lots of frequency within the South Island.

The most popular international gateways are Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Singapore and Nadi in Fiji. These are served by airlines like Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Fiji Airways and China Southern (seasonally). Additionally, United Airlines runs a seasonal nonstop out of San Francisco to provide a direct alternative out of North America. In total, the major airlines connecting travellers to and out of Christchurch are Air New Zealand, Jetstar, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Fiji Airways, China Southern, and United.

Top Things to See and Do in Christchurch

In Christchurch, there are many activities for you to do and see! Take a ride on the Christchurch Gondola, with its wide alpine and city views and small walks to the summit. Visit the International Antarctic Centre and take part in a simulated Antarctic storm and encounter little blue penguins. Take a ride in a traditional punt (type of boat) up the Avon River to experience a calm view of the city. Adding to this, if you have the time, ride the world famous TranzAlpine scenic train and enjoy the dramatic scenery of the mountains.

Visitors interested in wildlife can go to Orana Wildlife Park and see native and exotic animals up close. Or visit a wildlife reserve where there is evening kiwi-spotting and encounters with Maori culture. Culture seekers will appreciate rich displays at the Canterbury Museum. Along with, seasonal displays at the Botanic Gardens and vibrant food at the Riverside Market. All these activities together provide the visitor with a combination of hands-on wildlife, scenic rides, unique museums and food experiences. This makes Christchurch a must visit destination on the South Island.

Neighbourhoods and Surroundings

Christchurch covers a variety of areas and surrounding towns, which provide something different to visitors who want to see more than just one place. The CBD / Four Avenues is a small and convenient place to shop and eat! Merivale and Riccarton are more leafy suburbs ideal with cafes, boutique shops and places near universities (Riccarton also attracts university students).

In the city, inner suburbs such as Sydenham are known for their creative touch and historical buildings. Papanui serves as a hub at big road junctions in the northwest part of downtown. New Brighton and Sumner is a little coastal village with a pier and seaside walks. Ferrymead to the southeast is a mix of wetland reserves and a smaller community vibe.

A little further on, there are other smaller locations, such as Lyttelton which is a port town. Akaroa provides French flavoured villages in Banks Peninsula. Along with, rural towns such as Rolleston, Lincoln, Timaru, Rangiora, and Hanmer Springs that bring different nearby towns and landscapes together. When planning your flights to Christchurch, choose the neighbourhood that suits your needs. Whether it is the cafes and restaurants, convenient transport, beaches, or a town quieter.