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Christchurch Airport is 1 of 2 international airports on New Zealand's South Island, and is the second largest in the country with direct flights available from Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Being in close proximity to ski fields, hiking tracks and stunning scenery, Christchurch serves as a good starting point for a South Island adventure, whether you're wanting to head north, west or south.
Car and campervan hire is popular with visitors and you can find rental companies both inside and outside the airport grounds.
Flight Centre - International
New Zealand flights from $340 return
Ends
Available on flights from 20 January – 31 March 2022. Destinations include Christchurch, Queenstown and more. Sample fare is Melbourne-Auckland with Jetstar.
Cheap Flights
New Zealand flights from $310 return
Ends
Available on flights until March 2022 to Christchurch, Dunedin, Wellington and more. Sample fare is Melbourne-Auckland with Jetstar.
Skyscanner
New Zealand flights from $256 return
Ends
Available on flights from January – June 2022. Destinations include Christchurch, Wellington and more. Sample fare is Melbourne-Auckland with Jetstar.
Flight Centre - International
Flights to Cook Island from $922 return
Ends
Available on flights from January – March 2022 departing from Melbourne, Brisbane and more. Sample fare departs from Sydney with Air New Zealand.
Kayak
New Zealand flights from $296 return
Ends
Available from January – March 2022 to destinations including Christchurch, Wellington and more. Sample fare is Melbourne-Auckland with Jetstar.
Air New Zealand
New Zealand flights from $312 each way
Ends
Available on select travel dates to Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown and more. Sample fare is Brisbane-Christchurch. Tickets must be purchased 28 days prior to flight date. T&Cs apply.
OneTravel
Up to $24 flights with code
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Available on booking fees for all flight dates for up to 3 passenger. Destinations include Australia, New Zealand, USA and more. T&Cs apply
OneTravel
Up to USD$100 off business class flights
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Available on booking fees on select flight dates when you use the code. Destinations include Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Cook Islands, London and more. T&Cs apply.
Kiwi.com
Get EUR€20 off flights with code
Available on select travel dates when you spend a minimum of EUR€200. Destinations include Australia, New Zealand and more.
Kiwi.com
Get EUR€10 off flights with code
Available on select travel dates when you spend a minimum of EUR€100. Destinations include Australia, New Zealand and more.
Priceline.com
Up to 50% off worldwide flights
Available on select dates when you book Express Deals. Destination include Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA and more. T&Cs apply.
According to Skyscanner you can find direct flights from Brisbane, Sydney and the Gold Coast from $400-$500 return. Flights from Melbourne to Christchurch are cheapest from around $300 direct return. Return flights from Adelaide can cost under $500 and those travelling from Perth can secure return flights for under $800.
These figures are for the cheapest period with budget carrier Jetstar. You can expect to pay around $50-$100 more each way with Air New Zealand or Qantas. You'll want to look out for flight sales or flight deals to find savings.
From Brisbane, Sydney and the Gold Coast, you can get return flights to Christchurch for under $400. Return flights from Adelaide can cost under $600 and those travelling from Perth can secure return flights for under $800.
The cheapest time to fly to Christchurch from Australia is between May and August. If you want to avoid the crowds and inflated accommodation prices, it's best to travel in June.
If you're heading to Christchurch between the winter months of June and August, you can expect to see more people out and about, as the snow season is a popular time of year for travel in New Zealand. If you plan to get among the snow sports action, it works in your favour that the cheapest time to fly is also the best time to hit the ski fields.
In general, the best time to visit New Zealand is during the summer period from November to January, when it's typically the most expensive time of the year to visit.
Cheapest months to fly:
May and August
Priciest months to fly:
November to January
If you know when you want to jet off to Christchurch, it's best to book your flights 7 weeks in advance.
Here's the minimum average flying time to Christchurch from major cities around Australia. We've noted if that's flying direct or the shortest time possible with a stopover.
If you don't live in a city that has direct flights, booking a 2-leg journey on 1 ticket can often work out cheaper than booking 2 separate flights.
Some airlines only operate flights on certain days, so you may need to be flexible if you have a preference for who you fly with.
| Departure city | Points required for a return Qantas flight | Points required for a one-way Virgin flight | Points required for a return Virgin flight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adelaide | 38,300 | Not available | Not available |
| Alice Springs | 40,600 | Not available | Not available |
| Brisbane | 36,000 | 17,800 | 35,600 |
| Cairns | 40,600 | Not available | Not available |
| Darwin | 40,600 | Not available | Not available |
| Gold Coast | 36,000 | Not available | Not available |
| Melbourne | 36,000 | 17,800 | 35,600 |
| Perth | 40,600 | Not available | Not available |
| Sydney | 36,000 | 17,800 | 35,600 |
Offer may be withdrawn at any time
Eligibility criteria, terms and conditions, fees and charges apply
Offer ends 13 December 2021
Eligibility criteria, terms and conditions, fees and charges apply
Christchurch Airport (CHC) is located in Harewood, 20 minutes by car from the CBD and in the northwest part of the city.
If you're looking for a way to get to your hotel from the airport, you have a few different options, depending on your budget. For the cheapest journey, you can take 1 of the 2 bus lines that connect to the city centre with stops along the way. This costs $8.50 per adult and $4 per child.
A shuttle service will take you from the airport to the door of your accommodation for $19 per person. A taxi will cost between $45 and $65 to take you to the city centre, or you can order an Uber, which may work out a bit cheaper.
If you are looking for a way to get to your hotel from the airport, you have a few different options, depending on your budget. For the cheapest journey, there are 2 bus lines that connect to the city centre with stops along the way. This costs $8.50 per adult and $4 per child.
A shuttle service will take you from the airport to the door of your accommodation for $19 per person. A taxi will cost between $45 and $65 to take you to the city centre, or you can order an Uber, which may work out a bit cheaper.
Australian passport holders do not need a visa to enter New Zealand, provided they meet the entry requirements and depending on the status of the travel bubble. Australian permanent residents need to apply for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority before they can travel. This can take up to 72 hours to process, so it's best to complete the application and pay the appropriate fee in advance of your departure date.
A New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority is also required by passport holders of countries mentioned on the visa waiver list, including the UK, the US, Italy and Canada. This authority allows British citizens to stay for up to 6 months, or 3 months for other citizens, but you are still subject to border security checks on arrival.
If you are an Australian citizen, you do not need a return flight, since you have the right to live and work in New Zealand. Passport holders entering on the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority will need to show proof of onward or return travel.
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