Flights to Christchurch

Know Before You Go

• If you aren't going to hard to reach places like Taylor's Mistake - ditch the car. It's far easier to get around by walking to the city centre than having to deal with the daily roadworks.
• You can't sleep at the Christchurch Airport. If you're spotted pulling out blankets or a sleeping bag security will ask you to leave. If you do have an early morning or red eye flight, rather book a taxi to take to the airport on time and catch up on some sleep in comfort.
• Book your accommodation at least three days in advance. It can be difficult even in the winter months to find a place to stay on the day in Christchurch.
• If you are going to be in Christchurch for a while, you can save money by buying a Metrocard that will make bus fares cheaper by 25%.
• Don't leave glass bottles full of liquid in your rental car overnight. Temperatures can drop drastically, and you run the risk of the bottle exploding and the liquid turning into ice all over the vehicle.
• If you plan on buying alcohol at the supermarket, bring your passport as the cashiers will not accept your driver's licence as identification.

Getting Around Christchurch

Christchurch has a variety of public or private transport to get around the city for every kind of budget.

• With Christchurch being quite flat, it's easy to walk or cycle around the city. While bikes are available to rent, they are expensive, starting at NZD 30 for a full-day rental.
• The historic tram is running again after being closed for two years. Day tickets cost NZD 25 and allow you to get on and off the tram as often as you want, making it a unique way to explore the city.
• Public buses cover the whole city as well as other areas of interest just outside the city. Fares start at NZD 2.55 per ride but are cheaper with a Metrocard.
• Besides normal taxis, Christchurch also has a range of Green cabs. These environmental hybrids are popular in the city and are also found waiting outside the airport.

When is The Best Time to Visit Christchurch?

Christchurch has weather highlights in every season, making it a perfect destination to visit all year around.

December to February is the perfect time to visit if you are a beach bum. Temperatures reach a pleasant 22°C, and there are over 40 different beaches to choose from. It is also school holidays and high season, so expect large crowds of tourists and for prices to be slightly higher than usual.

Spring in Christchurch (September to November) means blossoms and festivals. The season that has given Christchurch its nickname "The Garden City" and transforms it into a medley of colours. As the tourists have yet to arrive, you'll find accommodation easier to secure and quieter roads.

Autumn (March to May) is one of the most beautiful times of year to visit Christchurch. The colourful autumn leaves line the streets and temperatures are a cool 18°C during the day. If you are happy with the cooler weather, you'll be able to save money with lower prices and fewer crowds at popular attractions.

From June to August, the area is a winter wonderland. There are 13 ski areas, alpine spa villages and natural thermal pools. While winter does attract skiers, it's still not as busy as summer and a fantastic time to see the city.

Airports in Christchurch

Christchurch International Airport

Located 12 km from the city centre, Christchurch International is the main airport in the area. Opening its runways to international destinations in 1950, it became New Zealand's first international airport and is now the second busiest in the country. Christchurch serves as a hub for Air Zealand, serves 12 different airlines and has 1,057 flights departing and arriving each week.

Getting to and from Christchurch International Airport

Located near the arrival terminals, passengers will find two taxi ranks. A ride should take you 15-20 minutes into the city and should cost you NZD 45-65 one way. Taxis will also charge NZD 5.50 to collect or drop you off at the airport.

If you are looking to save money, take the Airport Hopper. It is a free campus bus that runs between EconoPark and the international arrivals terminal every 15 minutes.

For travellers with too much luggage to haul around on public transport, you can hire a shuttle service. It's usually cheaper than a taxi, but you will share your ride with other passengers. You can find the shuttle rank located outside the International Arrivals Hall next to the taxi rank.

Regular Metro Red buses run from the airport to the city centre and other destinations around Christchurch. Tickets cost NZD 8.50 (NZD 2.55 with a metrocard) or NZD 15 for a return. The buses run at 30-minute intervals and depart from the northern end of the International Arrivals Hall.