Top Experiences for Visitors with Flights to Christchurch
Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial
The Christchurch area has been the setting for several major earthquakes in New Zealand’s history. One of the worst earthquakes in recent history occurred in February 2011, when much of the city was destroyed. The Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial honours the 185 people who lost their lives in this earthquake, as well as those who were seriously injured. When you have flights to Christchurch, head to the area besides Avon River where the memorial is located to pay your respects.
Brockworth Street Art Gallery
When you book cheap flights to Christchurch, you’ll discover many artistic and quirky elements to the city. Christchurch is earning itself an internationally-renowned reputation for its creative street art. One of the best-known spots to check out the art after flights to Christchurch is at the Brockworth Street Art Gallery. The gallery is made up of many different murals that stretch along the length of Brockworth Street in the inner suburb of Riccarton.
Godley Head
If you are interested in seeing the Canterbury coastline when you have return flights to Christchurch, head east to Godley Head. This scenic area is about 20 kilometres (12 miles) east of the Christchurch CBD, but offers a completely unique experience to the city. In order to fully appreciate Godley Head after your cheap flights to Christchurch, hike the loop track, which takes about 3 hours to complete. Along the way, you’ll be rewarded with coastal and cliff views, beautiful beaches, and perhaps even sightings of a local penguin colony.
Cafes and Restaurants
Nobanno
Sit down to a meal of modern Bangladeshi cuisine when you have airfare to Christchurch by seeking out Nobanno. This diner offers a menu featuring contemporary takes on authentics Bangladeshi fare, such as seafood bhaja, nobo shukoor curry, bhuna khichury, and biryani with meat or vegetables. Plus, don’t forget to order platefuls of naan and roti as the perfect accompaniment.
Twenty Seven Steps
Twenty Seven Steps opened in 2015 and is now a favourite with locals and visitors alike. The restaurant is a champion of fresh ingredients and local wines to create an elegant and memorable dining experience. Although the menu changes seasonally, previous plates enjoyed by visitors who have arrived at Christchurch Airport (CHC) have included blue cheese with asparagus, turkey and ham ballotine, baked Akaroa salmon, and freekah-stuffed cabbage leaves.
Unknown Chapter Coffee Roasters
This spot in the CBD roasts coffee beans on-site, and the result is some of the freshest coffee in Christchurch. The flavours and nuances of the bean blends change throughout the year to reflect the flavours of the season. Unknown Chapter is a great place to grab a coffee with breakfast or lunch when you have just landed on your tickets to Christchurch. Tuck into menu items such as housemade granola, breakfast burrito, avocado bruschetta, and mixed forest mushrooms on a potato rosti.
Under the Red Verandah
Head to the suburb of Linwood when you have airfare to Christchurch to check out this popular cafe. It first opened in 1997, though was destroyed in the earthquake of February 2011. But the original red verandah roof was able to be restored and added to the new cafe structure. When you book return flights to Christchurch, visit Under the Red Verandah for breakfast, brunch or lunch. The menu is filled with crowd favourites, such as a brunch scramble, mushrooms on toast, oat pancakes, and a range of salads, pies and pastries.
The Best Time to Visit
Christchurch experiences four distinct seasons, offering a unique experience no matter when you travel on cheap flights to Christchurch. If you are after warm weather and ample sunshine, book your tickets to Christchurch during the summer months. Summer days often reach 22°C, offering plenty of opportunity for outdoor walks and time at the beach. Summer is also the high season in Christchurch, so be sure to book your hotel early during these months to lock in the best rates. If you would like to spend lots of time outdoors without the crowds, consider visiting in spring or autumn. Temperatures average about 18°C during the day, without too much rain. Plan flights to Christchurch in autumn for vibrant foliage or in spring to see colourful flowers blooming. Winter temperatures can drop down to about 3°C at night, but this can also be one of the cheapest times to book accommodation and return flights to Christchurch. If you are a skier, Christchurch is within reach of several areas where you can hit the slopes.
