Flights from Auckland to Christchurch

Compare Cheap Flights from Auckland to Christchurch

Christchurch is New Zealand’s second largest city and the major hub of the country’s South Island. In addition to being an artistic city, Christchurch has become synonymous with strength and resilience. After a major earthquake in 2011, much of Christchurch was destroyed. In the aftermath, the city’s residents came together to rebuild Christchurch into the exciting destination that it is today. Within Christchurch, you’ll find some of the best street art in New Zealand, Victorian architecture, and an impressive food and drink scene. Head outside of the city, and the Canterbury region has endless nature for you to explore. You can hike through the mountains, swim with dolphins in Akaroa, and experience the Banks Peninsula. Christchurch is constantly evolving as it gets rebuilt, so each trip you take to Christchurch will offer a different adventure. Christchurch is the perfect place to go for your next long weekend out of Auckland.

Book your return flights from Auckland to Christchurch with Webjet, then use our guide to start planning your holiday to the Canterbury region.

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 high season, hotels raise their rates, so be sure to book 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 about 22°C.

For nice weather and opportunities for scenic hikes, plan a visit to Christchurch in the spring or autumn. You’ll still experience plenty of sun and daytime temperatures averaging 17°C. In the spring, Christchurch and the surrounding region are great places to see cherry blossoms and daffodils. In autumn, foliage in the trees gives the city a warm and quaint atmosphere.

Winter gets cold in Christchurch, but it is also a great place to go for skiing. There are 13 ski areas around Christchurch to visit. If skiing isn’t your thing, there are a variety of other winter activities as well, including whale watching and natural thermal pools. While nighttime gets cold, daytime temperatures can hit about 12°C when the sun is out. Due to the popularity of skiing in the Christchurch region, hotels book up quickly during the winter, so be sure to book in advance.

Departing From Auckland

Auckland has one major airport with departures to Christchurch Airport (CHC). Auckland Airport (AKL) is located 25 kilometres (15.5 miles) south of the CBD. It has two terminals–one International and one Domestic, where you can catch return flights from Auckland to Christchurch.

Jetstar and Air New Zealand offer daily return flights from Auckland to Christchurch. Between 40-50 flights are available to Christchurch Airport (CHC) from Auckland each day. There are several direct cheap flights from Auckland to Christchurch, getting you there in 1 hour 25 minutes.

Getting to Auckland Airport (AKL)

Auckland Airport offers a SkyBus as an easy transport option from the CBD. The SkyBus operates 24 hours a day and reaches the airport in about 45 minutes. Buses depart from central Auckland every 10 minutes with several stops to choose from. The main departure point is by the harbour on Customs Street East. You can also catch the SkyBus from Queen Street, Dominion Road, Symonds Street, and Mount Eden Road. A one-way ticket to ride the SkyBus costs $18 NZD, and a return ticket costs $32 NZD.

A taxi or an Uber will get you to Auckland Airport in less than 30 minutes from the CBD and inner suburbs. A taxi from the CBD will cost about $60 NZD, while an Uber offers a slightly lower fare of about $45 NZD.

Parking at Auckland Airport

There are several affordable parking options at Auckland Airport’s Domestic Terminal. Reserve your parking spot in advance to secure the best rate.

Where to Park at Auckland Airport

• Park and Ride: This is the most affordable option, starting at $32 NZD per day. A free shuttle travels to the terminal every 15 minutes.

• Car Park O: You can walk from here to the Domestic Terminal in 3 to 5 minutes. Uncovered spots start at $46 NZD.

• Car Park R: This option is a 1- to 2-minute walk to the Domestic Terminal. Covered spots start at $53 NZD per day.

Arriving in Christchurch

Christchurch Airport (CHC) is located 10 kilometres (6 miles) northwest of the CBD. It is the second busiest airport in New Zealand and the main airport in the South Island.

How to Get from Christchurch Airport (CHC) to Your Christchurch Hotel or Accommodation

Travelling into Christchurch from the airport, you can catch public transport. The Purple Line and bus route 29 both offer service between Christchurch Airport (CHC) and the city. Both of these buses stop at the Bus Interchange in the city centre. The Purple Line also makes stops at the University on Ilam Road and Ferry Road. A one-way ticket on each of these buses costs $8.50 NZD. If you’ll be catching the same bus back to Christchurch Airport (CHC) at the end of your trip, you can purchase a return ticket for $15 NZD.

A taxi is a quick and affordable option from the airport into the city. Travelling from Christchurch Airport (CHC), a taxi will cost about $35 NZD. This option will get you to your hotel in the city centre in about 20 minutes.

Things to do in Christchurch

Akaroa

Akaroa is a coastal town about 80 kilometres (50 miles) from Christchurch. The major draw to the town is its resident colony of dolphins. Visitors love to go swimming with the rare species of Hector dolphins. While visiting Akaroa, you can also go kayaking, taste wines at the Meniscus cellar door, and visit the Okains Bay Maori and Colonial Museum.

Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens

On the western end of the Christchurch CBD, you’ll find the large Hagley Park. Within the park, you can visit the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Throughout Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens, you can see a huge range of tropical and exotic plants. Spring and autumn are especially scenic times to visit Hagley Park, with cherry blossoms in the spring and vibrant foliage in autumn.

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 species of plants and animals, and the earthquakes that have had an impact on the region.

Experience the Port Hills

Southeast of Christchurch is a series of hills which are the 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 as well as the Southern Alps. There are also several hiking trails in the Port Hills. The Bridle Path Walk starts from the same point as the gondola and is a 3-hour return walk. Along the path, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views.

Quake City

If you are interested in learning more about the earthquakes that have affected Christchurch, you’ll love Quake City. Throughout this museum, you’ll learn about the effect 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 shows the incredible strength and 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 after the 2011 earthquake. Throughout the CBD, you’ll find lots 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 located west of Hagley Park.