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Queenstown to Christchurch

Tips for First-Time Travellers to Christchurch

New Regent Street

New Regent Street is one of New Zealand’s most well-known streets, and a great place to shop, making it a must-visit for first-time travellers to Christchurch. Famous for its Spanish architectural style and pastel colours, you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’re not in New Zealand at all when you visit the iconic street. With lots of cafes to choose from when it’s time to refuel, such as the Caffeine Laboratory and Cafe Stir, you’ll have no problem spending several hours shopping in the area, especially if you have extra spending money after finding a great deal on flights from Queenstown to Christchurch.

Friday Street Food Market

Foodies should try and book Queenstown to Christchurch flights for a weekend stay. If you do, you’ll be able to visit the Friday Street Food Market. The market runs during summer and winter, with different stalls depending on the time of year. The market is situated in the scenic Cathedral Square, near the centre of the city, and features food from around the world, including Italian, Chinese and Mexican cuisines.

Christchurch Art Gallery

Culture-vultures will want to visit Christchurch Art Gallery. The gallery features multiple exhibits throughout the year, showcasing New Zealand’s rich and vibrant art and culture. Exhibits range from traditional Maori art, to the Dutch ‘Golden Age’ and modern works. There are free guided tours that operate every day; a bonus for travellers watching their budget after buying cheap flights from Queenstown to Christchurch.
 

What are the main neighbourhoods in Christchurch?

Inner City

Christchurch Central, also known as the Inner City, is a good location for first-time travellers with flights from Queenstown to Christchurch. As you’re in the centre of the city, public transport links are good. Regular Metro Red Bus services can take you from Christchurch Airport (CHC) straight into the Inner City, so you’ll have no problem travelling to your accommodation once you arrive in the city. Many of the top restaurants and trendy bars, such as Twenty Seven Steps, are also located in this area.

Riccarton

Riccarton is situated west of the city centre, slightly more than 7 kilometres from Christchurch International Airport. If you’ve booked cheap flights from Queenstown to Christchurch, and are in search of bustling bars and a student vibe, Riccarton is the place to stay. As well as nightlife, the university district is also popular for its shopping offerings.

Sumner 

Anyone travelling in summer or with family might opt to stay in Sumner. The quaint seaside suburb is approximately 30 minutes by bus from Christchurch’s city centre, with fares starting at $1 NZD. If you are looking for a relaxing vacation, book Queenstown to Christchurch flights and stay in Sumner. It’s an inviting and friendly town with beaches, scenic walks and rolling hills for relaxing hikes. You can also learn to surf in Sumner.

Merivale 

Merivale is another spot that offers an alternative to the hustle and bustle of the city. Merivale is located just north of Christchurch’s city centre and boasts some of the city’s best cafes, bars and restaurants. Head down Papanui Road and you’ll find Italian restaurants such as Tutto Bene Restaurant & Pizzeria, great coffee from Coffee Culture Merivale and exciting drinks and music at Vesuvio Jazz & Tapas Bar.

How can you travel around Christchurch?

Buses

Buses are the cheapest way to navigate Christchurch. The Metro network runs from Christchurch Airport (CHC) and throughout the city. One-way tickets into the city are $8.50 NZD or $15 NZD for a return trip; all other bus routes are priced based on the city zone. It’s approximately $4 NZD for an adult Zone 1 ticket and $5.50 NZD for a Zone 2 fare. When your flights from Queenstown to Christchurch, New Zealand arrive, MetroCards are available to buy at kiosks throughout Christchurch International Airport. A MetroCard is a helpful way to save money and time; prices are cheaper and you won’t need to worry about getting the right change each time you board the bus.

Taxis/Cars

Taxis are stationed around Christchurch Airport’s arrivals area and are available throughout the city. Fares are calculated on a per-kilometre basis, so expect to pay around $45 to $65 NZD to get into the city centre. But if you’ve already bought cheap flights from Queenstown to Christchurch, you might want to spend the money you’ve saved on comfortable and convenient transportation. Uber is also widely available in Christchurch.

Train

Christchurch is not serviced by its own railway network, but the city is the main departure point for New Zealand’s iconic TranzAlpine journey. If you’re planning to stay a while before making your way home on flights from Christchurch to Queenstown, the train is a great way to do a bit of sightseeing and can take you from the Canterbury region to the West Coast. Departures run from 8.15am and usually reach Greymouth, the final stop, just after 2pm.