Flights from Sydney to Christchurch

Christchurch, a beautiful city in New Zealand, with its many attractions and beautiful nature, is definitely a fantastic place to spend a family vacation in!  

The city, also called Ōtautahi in Māori, is the third most populous city in New Zealand, and the largest city in the South Island. 

The seat of the Canterbury Region is an urban area on the east coast of the South Island, situated north of Banks Peninsula.

Through the centre of the city, surrounded by an urban park along the banks, flows the Avon River. It is only one of the lively details of this charming city.

Christchurch is a vibrant, delightful city that won’t let you down. The best thing is that you can visit this lovely destination on a budget – the cheapest airfares to Christchurch from Sydney are available on Webjet, so make sure to reserve your seat!

Things to do in Christchurch

Christchurch Hop-On Hop-Off Tram

The beautiful heritage trams are there to take you for a ride around the city! For one NZD 25 ticket, the Christchurch Tramway will take you for a lovely historical journey through the city. With 17 stops throughout the city and 50 minutes for the full circuit, you’ll be happy to find out that you can jump off and on the tram wherever you want – one ticket is valid for the whole day, so feel free to explore the area. 

Narrated the whole way by the knowledgeable drivers, starting at Cathedral Junction and going through the Cathedral Square, along the Avon River and next to all other major tourist spots, the tram definitely provides a unique, beautiful experience of the city you can’t get any other way.

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Experienced from the comfortable electric vehicles, the historical Christchurch Botanic Gardens are a true sight. The beautiful gardens are filled with lovely examples of exotic flora native to New Zealand, and the tour guides are ready to answer any questions you may have about the indigenous wilderness. 

Experience the smell of 150 varieties of the enchanting flower in the circular Rose Garden, and get mesmerized by the brilliant colour of the sub-Antarctic daisies at Christchurch Botanic Gardens.

Punting on The Avon

Experience 30 minutes of complete bliss in a gondola ride, called punting after the flat-bottomed boat fit for small rivers. A beautiful historical narrative by a punter dressed in traditional Edwardian attire is sure to make you lose track of time and historical period. 

Enjoy the slow ride on a traditional low, cushioned seat, under an umbrella or wrapped in a blanked, and share an otherworldly moment with your loved ones on the river Avon.

What is the best time to visit Christchurch?

The ideal visit time to Christchurch depends on what your wishes for the trip are.

If you’re looking to spend some time on the beach, plan your trip between December and February. The city is surrounded with more than 40 beaches which are idyllic in the pleasant December warmth. Make sure to book in advance if you’re travelling during these months, as the accommodation can get pretty crowded.

Christchurch is rightfully called The Garden City, and it’s in full bloom between September to November.

If you’re looking to make a budget-friendly trip Christchurch, catch the autumn colours from March to May, when most hotels follow the temperature and drop their prices.

Departing from Sydney

Travelling from Sydney, you’ll need to reach the Sydney Airport (SYD). Only 7 km away from the Central Business District, SYD is the busiest airport in Australia. On a daily basis it has a large number of cheap flights to Christchurch. 

Over 60 affordable flights to Christchurch from Sydney fly every day with many trustworthy airlines traveling to Christchurch, including Jetstar, Emirates Airline, Qantas, Virgin Australia, Air New Zealand and many more. The flights are quite short, too – you’ll be in Christchurch in approximately 6 hours!

Getting to Sydney Airport (SYD)

Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, or the SYD, is can be quickly reached from the city. The cheapest option to get from Sydney to the Sydney Airport is the Airport Link train. It departs at many stations in the city, only some of which are the Central Station, Wynyard, Bondi Beach, and Darling Harbour. 

The ticket price and the commute time vary depending on the station you board at. Taking the train at Bondi may mean a $20 ticket and a 45-minute ride, while boarding at CBD costs $19 and the ride lasts for 15 minutes. The tickets can be bought per ride, or with an Opal Card.

An Uber or taxi ride to the airport are also affordable and fast. A taxi will take approximately 20 minutes and it may cost up to $60 to get to SYD from CBD.

Parking at Sydney Airport

Blu Emu car park is the most affordable parking option near the Sydney Airport, regardless of the length of your stay.

While the parking is not very close to the International Terminal, getting there is convenient. To reach it, you can take a 24/7 free shuttle service from the parking to the Domestic Terminal, which will last around 15 minutes. The shuttles depart every 30 minutes or less. 

Once you’re at the Domestic Terminal, you can board a free train from 5 AM until midnight, or ride a Transfer Bus from 6 AM until 8:50 PM. Blu Emu can cost up to $30 for parking per day, but it’s possible to find a cheaper option booking in advance.

A parking space near the International Terminal is also available, but it’s not very budget-friendly. If your priority is reaching the International Terminal in as little time as possible, choosing the P7 car park is a great option. A 5-minute walk is enough to reach the terminal. 

Booking in advance, P7 costs around $55 per parking day. This is a good deal for those taking short flights from Sydney to Christchurch!

From which terminal will your Christchurch flight depart?

Most flights from Sydney to Christchurch will depart from the international T2 terminal.

Arriving in Christchurch

Only 12 km away from the Central Business District, the Christchurch International Airport (CHC) is very easy to commute to. This airport is the second busiest airport in New Zealand, and the one that handles most international air traffic. With two runways, a two-level terminal serves both domestic and international flights at CHC.

Getting to Christchurch from Christchurch International Airport (CHC)

As the airport is near the city centre, your arrival to Christchurch will likely be easy.

The public transportation options are, of course, the cheapest way to get to the city. Metro Red Bus services also regularly drive the distance between the airport and the city centre. You can board the Purple Line or the no. 29 buses. The tickets can be bought individually from the driver, and a one-way ride costs NZD 8.50.

On the other hand, you can get a taxi outside the terminal if you need to reach the Christchurch centre within 20 minutes. However, the ride can cost you up to NZD 65.