Flights from Christchurch to Cairo

Compare Cheap Flights from Christchurch to Cairo

Egypt is one of the world’s oldest civilisations and is a fascinating place to explore. Cairo is the nation’s capital, nicely tucked in between the Sahara Desert and the lush Nile Delta. The city is home to one of the most famous attractions in the world, the Pyramids of Giza. While the ancient and mysterious Pyramids are the main draw to the city for many people, Cairo is teeming with activity. Throughout the city centre, there are museums, mosques, souks, and traditional cafes along the narrow streets. All over the city, you’ll be exposed to elements of Ancient Egypt, whether through architecture, hieroglyphics, or accents of gold. There’s a common misconception that you shouldn’t travel to Cairo because of the conflicts in nearby Syria and the Israel/Palestine area. However, Cairo is quite a distance away and is welcoming to international visitors. Note that travellers from New Zealand will require a visa to visit Egypt. The visa can be obtained at the airport once you arrive, and it’s valid for 30 days.

Experience the incredible history and beauty of Egypt on your next holiday with Webjet’s cheap flights from Christchurch to Cairo.

The best time to visit Cairo

Cairo is located on the edge of the Sahara Desert and offers warm daytime temperatures year-round. Summer experiences the hottest weather with temperatures of about 34°C and little or no rain. Because of the heat, not many tourists choose to visit Cairo during the summer. If the hot weather doesn’t bother you, travelling to Egypt between June and August would be perfect. You won’t have to fight large crowds of tourists at the attractions, and hotels lower their rates during this low season.

You can also find some great deals to Cairo in the spring and autumn months. Temperatures are still hot at about 30°C, but the weather is comfortable enough to enjoy the outdoor activities around the Cairo region. While it’s a bit busier than the summer, you won’t experience the same volume of tourists as you would during the winter high season, so you can have a more authentic experience in the Egyptian capital.

High season in Cairo in in the winter between December and February. Temperatures cool down, but are still a pleasant 20°C during the day. Nighttime temperatures can drop to about 9°C, so be sure to bring a jacket if you’ll be visiting during the winter. While there’s an occasional rain shower, there is lots of sunshine in the winter, which make it the ideal weather for exploring the city. However, since the weather in Cairo is so nice over the winter, it is the busiest season among tourists. Tourist attractions, such as the Pyramids, get extremely busy, and hotels increase their rates. If you’ll be visiting Cairo during the winter months, be sure to book your hotel early to guarantee the lowest rates.

Departing From Christchurch

Christchurch Airport (CHC) is the second busiest in New Zealand, offering regular flights to Egypt. The airport is located 10 kilometres (6 miles) northeast of the city centre.

Each week, there are close to 250 cheap flights from Christchurch to Cairo. These flights are available with Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qantas, and Singapore Airlines. The journey from Christchurch to Cairo International Airport (CAI) takes about 26 hours with two stopovers.

Getting to Christchurch Airport

For the most affordable transport option to Christchurch Airport, plan to catch one of the city’s Metro Red buses. Bus route 29 and the Purple Line each offer service to the airport from the city centre. Bus 29 is available to catch from the Bus Interchange and Fendalton. The Purple Line offers service from the Bus Interchange as well as Ferry Road and the University at Ilam Road. Each of these buses will get you to the airport for a fare of $8.50 NZD one-way and $15 NZD return.

If you choose to take a taxi or an Uber from central Christchurch to the airport, you will arrive in about 20 minutes. Taxi fare comes to about $35 NZD if you are travelling from the CBD and inner suburbs.

Parking at Christchurch Airport

Christchurch Airport offers several car parks within walking distance to the terminal. There are both short-term and long-term car parks available to choose from.

Where to Park at Christchurch Airport

• The Long Stay car park offers uncovered parking. Rates start at $27 NZD per day and $135 NZD per week.

• Orchard Road car park offers the most affordable daily rate. Prices start at $22 NZD per day and $154 NZD per week.

• The Craddocks offer a cheap long-term rate. It’s right outside the airport with a shuttle to the terminal. Rates start at $24 NZD per day and $100 NZD per week.

Arriving in Cairo

Cairo is home to one airport, which receives the majority of international flights into Egypt. Cairo International Airport (CAI) is located 20 kilometres (12.4 miles) east of the city centre and offers several affordable options to reach the city.

How to Get from Cairo International Airport (CAI) to Your Cairo Hotel or Accommodation

While there are public buses available from Cairo Airport, the journey includes at least one transfer and takes more than an hour. The buses are often crowded, which can be tricky when you have luggage. For a simple (and still extremely affordable) trip into the centre, Cairo International Airport (CAI) offers a shuttle bus to the city. The shuttle makes several designated stops around central Cairo, including Downtown Cairo, Giza, and Haram (which is where the Pyramids are located). Shuttle buses arrive to the city in about 45 minutes and depart from the airport every half hour. A solo traveller will pay 35 Egyptian pounds ($2.90 NZD) to ride the shuttle, and groups of up to seven people can reserve a private shuttle for 70 pounds ($5.80 NZD).

A taxi will get you from the airport into central Cairo in about 35 minutes without traffic. Cairo has a mix of old taxis and new taxis. The new taxis use a meter to calculate fare. However, the old taxis don’t have meters, so the fare needs to be agreed in advance. To ensure you aren’t being overcharged, catch one of the new yellow taxis that also has air conditioning. A taxi from Cairo International Airport (CAI) into the city comes to about 40 pounds ($3.30 NZD).

Things to do in Cairo

The Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx

The must-see attraction on a visit to Cairo is the legendary Pyramids of Giza. The Pyramids are located a short distance from the city and are the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. They were built between 2550 and 2490 BC and consist of three different Pyramids. The Great Pyramid was built as a tomb for Pharaoh Khufu, and the two smaller Pyramids were built for his succeeding pharaohs. It has always been a mystery how exactly the Pyramids were built, given the technology they had available at the time. In addition to the Pyramids of Giza, the complex includes the Giant Sphinx, which archaeologists believe is even older than the Pyramids. The sphinx is a mythical creature from Egyptian mythology that has a lion’s body and a human’s head. For an even more memorable experience while visiting the Pyramids and the Sphinx, you can take a camel ride.

Khan el-Khalili

Souks are a popular feature in Egyptian cities, and Khan el-Khalili is Cairo’s most popular. The souk is made up of narrow laneways and is surrounded by medieval architecture that will make you feel like you took a step back in time. Market stalls and cafes line the laneways, where you can purchase a variety of Egyptian souvenirs: gold antiques, spices, homemade carpets, stained glass lamps, and incense. The souk’s restaurants and cafes are also the perfect spot to try some Egyptian cuisine, such as kushari and ta’meya.

Saqqara

While the Pyramids of Giza get most of the glory, they were actually influenced by the pyramids and tombs of Saqqara. Saqqara is a necropolis located south of Cairo that dates back even further than the Pyramids. Visitors to Saqqara can see its impressive tombs and small pyramids. The Step Pyramid of Djoser is said to have inspired the Pyramids of Giza; other impressive ones to see are the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid. Some of the tombs in Saqqara are open to visitors and showcase artefacts and hieroglyphics from Ancient Egypt.

Egyptian Museum

People around the world are fascinated by the history of Egypt. Many aspects of its culture go back thousands of years, such as the Pyramids, mummies, and hieroglyphics. Within the Egyptian Museum, there are a wide range of exhibits that touch on different aspects of Egyptian life through history. You can see ancient clothing, pottery, royal mummies, golden chariots, ancient statues, and stories told in Egyptian hieroglyphics. Visiting the museum is the perfect way to learn more about Cairo’s history and culture at the start of your trip.

Cairo Citadel

The Cairo Citadel was first designed as a monument to celebrate victory in battle and protect Cairo from crusaders. Construction began in 1176 under the guidance of Sultan Saladin. The Citadel consists of several buildings, including mosques, the National Military Museum, the National Police Museum, the Carriage Museum, and Al-Gawhara Palace. Throughout the Citadel, there are fascinating artefacts and antiquities that will teach you about the culture of Ancient Egypt. While visiting the Citadel, you can also enjoy some of the most incredible views over Cairo.