What are the best things to do in Christchurch?
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is located about 10 kilometres (6 miles) north of central Christchurch and is a popular attraction to visit after landing Melbourne to Christchurch flights. The reserve focuses on the conservation of native animals and aims to educate visitors about both NZ wildlife and international species. Visitors with cheap flights Melbourne to Christchurch can see animals across three very different habitats – farmyard, native NZ, and exotic. You’ll have the opportunity to see kiwi birds, alpacas, capybaras, and gibbons, among many more. Visitors with tickets to Christchurch from Melbourne can also have close-up encounters with lemurs and hand-feed several of the Willowbank animals.
Go punting on the Avon River
Punting is an iconic activity to enjoy after flights Melbourne to Christchurch. Punting boats are similar to Venetian gondolas; passengers take a seat in the front of the boat while a punter dressed in Edwardian clothing uses a long pole to push the boat through the river. Going punting offers a relaxing experience and beautiful views of Christchurch city centre and the Botanic Gardens. When you have Melbourne to Christchurch return flights, you can go punting for 30-minute sessions with ticket prices starting from $15 NZD.
Travis Wetland Nature Heritage Park
This attraction is located in the northeastern corner of Christchurch and is a nice way to experience the nature of Canterbury without venturing too far after your flights Melbourne to Christchurch. Travis Wetland Nature Heritage Park covers 116 hectares and is an important habitat for native flora and fauna of the Canterbury region. In order to see the wetlands after cheap flights to Christchurch from Melbourne, there is a 4-kilometre (2.5 mile) walking trail. Along the trail, visitors who have arrived into Christchurch Airport (CHC) will see sweeping views of the wetlands and a diverse range of native plants and birds.
What are the best restaurants and cafes in Christchurch?
Formaggio’s Restaurant and Pizzeria
Formaggio’s is the place to go for delicious Italian food after landing on your cheap Melbourne to Christchurch flights. This casual diner has an extensive menu of pastas, pizzas, risotto, and meat dishes, as well as a dedicated kids’ and full vegan menu. Looking for another great reason to visit Formaggio’s after flights Melbourne to Christchurch? The restaurant is certified as a carbon neutral business!
5th Street
5th Street is a fashionable and exciting spot to have a meal after Melbourne to Christchurch flights. The restaurant has a weekly changing to reflect the seasons and local produce, so no two visits to 5th Street are likely to be the same. Some of the dishes you may find on the menu include manchego croquettes, ricotta gnocchi with roasted mushrooms, grilled tomahawk steak, and braised beef cheek. 5th Street also serves a wide range of local beers and wines, as well as specialty cocktails.
Kinji Japanese
Kinji is a popular Japanese restaurant, formerly located right in the city centre. The restaurant was damaged following the 2011 earthquake, but relocated to the northwestern neighbourhood of Bryndwr and continues to be one of the most popular Japanese spots in Christchurch. Kinji uses local produce and fish to serve up some excellent Japanese cuisine, and those in town thanks to flights Melbourne to Christchurch can enjoy plates such as grilled ginger squid, slices of sashimi, venison tataki, and pan-fried scallops.
Hello Sunday Cafe
This stylish cafe is located in a historic building that dates back to the 18th century. For many years, the building was home to a church and Sunday school - a clue as to where this diner gets its name. Hello Sunday is a favourite among locals and is the perfect place to brunch when you have cheap flights Melbourne to Christchurch. Tuck into orders of shakshuka or beef cheek hash, Korean fried chicken, spiced pumpkin porridge, or a falafel salad.
How much time should I spend in Christchurch?
When you book cheap flights to Christchurch from Melbourne, plan to spend between three to five days in the city. A long weekend allows time to experience the city centre and some of the coastline nearby. If you book flights Melbourne to Christchurch and plan to spend about five days in the city, you’ll have the opportunity to experience more of the Canterbury region, including Mount Cook National Park and the coastal town of Akaroa.
