Tips for First-Time Travellers to Apia
Best time to travel to Apia
For the best weather, book your Christchurch to Apia flights between July and September. The temperatures are dry, and the humidity levels are more bearable. For budget travellers in search of cheap flights to Apia from Christchurch, plan your trip between February and March. The heavy rainfall and typhoon season keeps most people away and can drive down prices for flights and hotel rooms.
Pack mosquito repellent
When booking flights Christchurch to Apia, you'll need to be aware that the island's tropical climate means plenty of mosquitos. Protect yourself from being bitten by covering up as much skin as possible between dusk and dawn. You'll also want to pack enough mosquito repellent that you can apply throughout the day. It's also a good idea to check that your hotel room comes with mosquito nets.
Try the local food
One of the best parts about buying flights Christchurch to Apia for foodies is the quality of the produce. Everything on the island is fresh. You can buy bananas picked from the tree that morning and dine on fish caught that day.
There is limited access to internet
If you're the type of traveller who always likes to stay connected and is thinking about purchasing Christchurch to Apia return flights, you might want to leave your laptop at home for this trip. It's not always possible to find fast and reliable WiFi. If you want to communicate with your friends and family back home, your best bet is to buy a local sim card. However, it's a possibility that you won't have phone signal depending on where you are on the island.
Transport from Faleolo International Airport (APW)
The fastest way to get from Faleolo International Airport (APW) to your hotel is with a metered taxi. You can expect to pay around $40 WST ($23 NZD) for a one-way trip. A more affordable option is to take the public bus. The service regularly runs from the main road outside the airport and fares are $5 WST ($3 NZD). There is also an airport bus that serves the major hotels in Apia. Tickets cost $12 WST ($7 NZD) per person. If you want more independence to explore the island, you can book a car rental when buying your tickets to Apia from Christchurch with Webjet. Once your flights arrive, your vehicle will be ready to collect at Faleolo International Airport (APW).
Top Things to Do and See in Apia
Papase’ea Sliding Rocks
If you're buying flights Christchurch to Apia for the whole family, pencil in a trip to the Papase' ea Sliding Rocks. The waterfalls have formed natural slides on the rocks, and it's one of the best things to do if you're visiting Apia in the wet season.
Piula cave pool
Travellers buying Christchurch to Apia return flights should pack their swimming costumes. Between the ocean and hidden cave pools, there are tons of places to cool off if the heat of the day is getting to you. The Piula cave pool is only 45 minutes from Apia, making it an excellent day trip from the town.
To Sua Ocean Trench
Another must-do activity for water lovers buying flights Christchurch to Apia is the To Sua Ocean Trench. Gorgeous, lush gardens surround it, and cliffside paths lead to the ocean trench. To Sua is open every day from 8:30am to 5pm except on Sundays when it opens after 12:30pm.
Apia flea markets
Want some traditional handicrafts to remind you of your trip Christchurch to Apia flights? Stop by the Apia flea markets that take place every day except Sunday. It's the best place to buy sarongs, wooden carvings, kava bowls and pandanus mats. Make sure you have small notes with you as otherwise the vendors may struggle to give you change.
Major Events and Festivals
Teuila Festival
The Teuila Festival is one of the best events to plan your Christchurch to Apia flights around. It's held every year between late August and early September and is one of the South Pacific’s biggest cultural events. Some of the highlights include watching a performance from the Samoan Police brass band, as well as traditional Siva Samoa dance competitions, fire knife dancing, and the Miss Samoa Beauty Pageant.
Samoa Independence Celebrations
If you're interested in learning more about Samoa's history, plan your flights Christchurch to Apia around the island's independence celebrations. The event takes place on the 1 June and the entire island host events that include singing and dance performances.
Palolo Rise
The Palolo Rise is a curious natural event that doesn't have an exact date. It usually takes place between October and November, one week after the full moon. If you’ve booked cheap flights Christchurch to Apia around these months, you’ll want to stay up to witness the event. The locals will then wait for the palolo sea worm to rise to the ocean's surface and scoop them up. The worms are dubbed ‘Pacific caviar’ and are considered a delicacy.
