Major Events and Festivals
Comedy Carnival
Comedy Carnival began in 2015 and has quickly emerged as one of the premier comedy events in New Zealand. It also has the claim to fame as being the southernmost comedy festival in the world. Comedy Carnival takes place over two weeks in September and showcases some of the best comedic talents from around the South Island and NZ. Whatever your taste in comedy, you’re bound to find some shows you’ll love at the festival as there are a diverse range of comedians involved.
South Island Moon Festival
The South Island Moon Festival was inspired by the success of the city’s Lantern Festival. Moon Festivals are a popular cultural event in China and other parts of East Asia, and the South Island version does a good job at celebrating these cultures. Festival-goers can enjoy live entertainment, great food and drinks, and impressive lantern and light displays. You can attend the Moon Festival by planning your Blenheim to Christchurch flights around the full moon in late September to early October.
South Island Wine & Food Festival
If you’re a fan of good wine and good food, you’re sure to have a fun experience by travelling on flights from Blenheim to Christchurch in early December. This is when the popular South Island Wine & Food Festival pops up at Hagley Park in the city centre. Visitors can sample items from some of the South Island’s best wine and food producers while also enjoying a programme of live music throughout the day.
Top Things to Do and See
New Regent Street
New Regent Street has been a centrepiece of Christchurch since it opened in 1932. The buildings along the street are a rainbow of pastel colours and were designed in a Spanish Mission style – a cool contrast from the rest of the city centre. The city’s heritage tram also passes along New Regent Street, giving it a nostalgic and old-timey feel. Spend some time on New Regent Street to take in its beauty and also browse the dozens of shops, cafes, and restaurants that line the road.
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
The Christchurch Botanic Gardens are located just west of the CBD, surrounded by the Avon River and bordered on three sides by Hagley Park. The gardens can provide you with a nice quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of the urban centre while holidaying on Blenheim to Christchurch flights. Wander through the walking paths of the Botanic Gardens, take in beautiful plants and flowers that change with the seasons, and see international flora in the various conservatories. You can also take in the views of the Botanic Gardens by enjoying a relaxing punting boat ride on the Avon River.
International Antarctic Centre
New Zealand is one of the world’s gateways into Antarctica. It may take some extra planning to visit the ice continent itself, but you can get a good introduction to Antarctica while holidaying on flights from Blenheim to Christchurch. Learn all about Antarctic explorations through various exhibits, step into the Storm Dome to experience an Antarctic storm firsthand, enjoy immersive films at the 4D theatre, and watch penguins go about their daily activities. The International Antarctic Centre is located right beside Christchurch Airport and makes the perfect first stop when you arrive or a last hoorah before heading home.
Public Transport and How to Get Around
Christchurch has a public bus network that you can use to get around the city. There are 28 routes around the CBD and suburbs. You can also catch the Purple Line bus from the airport into the city centre.
In addition to buses, Christchurch has a single ferry route. This ferry connects Lyttleton Jetty south of the CBD to Diamond Harbour Jetty on the Banks Peninsula. The Diamond Harbour Ferry comes in handy if you want to visit the Banks Peninsula but won’t have access to a car.
If you’re looking to explore more of the Canterbury region outside of Christchurch, a rental car is the way to go. You can hire a car through Webjet when booking your Blenheim to Christchurch flights and pick it up on arrival into Christchurch Airport.
FAQ
What is the cheapest month to travel from Blenheim to Christchurch?
Late autumn into winter is the low season in Christchurch and when you’re most likely to find cheap rates on flights and hotels. You can currently find the cheapest flights from Blenheim to Christchurch in May.
How far is Blenheim from Christchurch?
Blenheim and Christchurch are about 310 kilometres (193 miles) apart. Flights between the two cities are available from about two hours including a stopover.
What airlines fly from Blenheim to Christchurch?
While there are no direct flights available, Air New Zealand operates cheap flights from Blenheim to Christchurch with a stopover.
