When is the best time to visit Christchurch?
Each season in Christchurch offers a different, but equally amazing experience. Summer is the most popular season to visit Christchurch, but it is also the busiest. During this time of the year, hotels raise their rates and flights tend to be more expensive, so be sure to book your accommodation and flights from Auckland to Christchurch in advance. If you are hoping to take advantage of the beaches, water activities and hikes around Christchurch, summer is the best time to do so. During the day, temperatures average around 22°C.
For nice weather and opportunities for scenic hikes, book your Auckland to Christchurch flights to arrive in spring or autumn. Although the temperatures are cooler than in summer, averaging at around 17°C, you’ll still experience plenty of sun. In the spring, Christchurch and the surrounding region are great places to see cherry blossoms and daffodils. In autumn, the fiery tones of the area’s foliage gives the city a warm and quaint atmosphere.
Winter gets cold in Christchurch, but it is also a great time to visit for skiing. There are 13 ski areas around Christchurch to explore. If skiing isn’t your thing, there are a variety of other winter activities to choose from, including whale watching and natural thermal pools. While nighttime gets cold, daytime temperatures can reach 12°C when the sun is out. Due to the popularity of skiing in the Christchurch region, hotel rooms fill quickly during the winter and airfares may become more expensive, so be sure to book your accommodation and flights from Auckland to Christchurch in advance.
What are the top things to do in Christchurch?
Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens
At the western end of Christchurch’s CBD, you’ll find Hagley Park. Within the grounds of the large park, you’ll also find the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Throughout Hagley Park and the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, you can see a wide range of tropical and exotic plants. Spring and autumn are both great times to visit Hagley Park, with cherry blossoms in bloom during spring and vibrant foliage in autumn. If you consider yourself a bit of a botany buff, plan your Auckland to Christchurch flights to arrive at these beautiful times of the year.
Canterbury Museum
The Canterbury Museum is the place to go to learn about the history of Christchurch and the Canterbury region. While visiting the museum, you can learn about Maori history and culture, European settlement, native plants and animals, and the earthquakes that have had a significant impact on the region.
Experience the Port Hills
Southeast of Christchurch is a series of hills which are remnants of a volcano that erupted millions of years ago. There are several ways to experience the Port Hills. A popular option is the Christchurch Gondola. The gondola travels through the hills, offering stunning views of the Canterbury Plains and the Southern Alps. There are also several hiking trails to discover in the Port Hills, providing the perfect excuse to stretch your legs after arriving on Auckland to Christchurch flights. The Bridle Path Walk starts from the same point as the gondola and is a three-hour return walk. Along the path, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views.
Quake City
If you’re interested in learning more about the earthquakes that have affected Christchurch, Quake City is well worth a visit once your Auckland to Christchurch flights touch down in the city. Throughout this museum, you’ll learn about the effect that earthquakes have had on daily life in the city and see debris from some of the more recent earthquakes. The museum also includes an exhibit on the earthquake that devastated Christchurch in February 2011. It showcases the incredible strength and sense community among the people of Christchurch in the aftermath of the earthquake.
Brockworth Street Art Gallery
Christchurch has always been artistic, but the city’s creativity truly blossomed in the rebuild that followed the 2011 earthquake. Throughout the CBD, you’ll find a number of examples of high quality street art. The Brockworth Street Art Gallery is the longest and most famous example of street art in Christchurch. The gallery runs along Riccarton Road, to the west of Hagley Park.
What are the top tips for first-time travellers to Christchurch?
If you’re planning to stay in Christchurch for a few days following your flights from Auckland to Christchurch, and are thinking of getting around using public transport, it’s a good idea to get a Metrocard. To purchase a reloadable Metrocard costs $10, but you’ll enjoy savings of at least 25% on all fares across the city’s Metro services, including buses and the Diamond Harbour Ferry.
When exploring Christchurch, you’ll likely see reminders of the earthquake that devastated a large part of the city in 2011. Although some construction is still underway, there are many signs that the city is reemerging stronger than ever before. Don’t be deterred by any scaffolding that might still be up, the city is very much open for business. Show your support for local business owners and service providers by shopping locally during your stay.
If you do wish to pay your respects to the lives lost during the 2011 earthquake, add the Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial or the 185 Empty White Chairs Earthquake Memorial to your itinerary. Both memorials are good places to stop and reflect on the tragedy that unfolded across the city.
FAQs
How long is a flight from Auckland to Christchurch?
Direct flights from Auckland to Christchurch take about 1 hour 25 minutes.
How far is Christchurch from Auckland by plane?
By plane, the trip from Christchurch to Auckland covers approximately 740 kilometres.
Which airlines fly direct from Auckland to Christchurch?
Direct flights from Auckland to Christchurch are offered by Air New Zealand.
