Cheap Flights from Sydney to Christchurch

What's on in Christchurch?

No matter what time you book flights from Sydney to Christchurch, there’s always lots going on in the city.

If you’re a cinephile, you don’t want to miss the New Zealand International Film Festival, which runs from late August to mid-September every year. Better still, the festival is on during the winter months, so you’ll have an increased chance of snapping up cheap flights to Christchurch from Sydney.

Depending on what time of year you book your flights from Sydney to Christchurch, you might be able to catch a big rugby league game at the Orangetheory Stadium. If you’ve got yourself some cheap weekend flights to Christchurch from Sydney, Christchurch Airport (CHC) is slightly less than 10 kilometres and around a 20-minute drive from the stadium.

What is the best way to get around Christchurch?

Christchurch Airport is about 12 kilometres north west of the city centre. Luckily, once you’ve arrived in Christchurch, there are some affordable options for getting around and seeing the city. The bus from Christchurch Airport costs an adult $8.50 NZD one-way and takes about 35 minutes to get you into the city. A return ticket to CHC costs $15 NZD and can be used for travel on different days. The number 29 and the Purple Line both connect Christchurch Airport to the city.

The bus is by far the cheapest and easiest way to get around Christchurch. It takes you to most places in the city and if you get the Metrocard, it can also be relatively budget friendly. Taxis are widely available, though more expensive. Christchurch also has trams, which can be a novel way to get around the city if you’re a Sydneysider.

When is the best time to visit Christchurch?

Christchurch is a beautiful place to visit all year round, so it really depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re looking to travel during the warmest months, book your flights anywhere from December to February. The warmest time of year is early January when temperatures are usually around 24°C, rarely falling below 10°C at night. Summer is the most popular time to visit Christchurch, so if you are planning on visiting, be sure to book flights as soon as possible for the best deal. With such pleasant temperatures, it’s a great time to be outdoors, perusing the plethora of cafes, restaurants and markets Christchurch has to offer.

If you’re willing to wrap up a little, then winter is a great opportunity to snap up some cheap flights to Christchurch from Sydney. The average temperature in June and July is 11°C, but with a few extra layers, there’s still plenty to see, eat and do. Plus, if you enjoy skiing or snowboarding, winter is a great time to visit, with many areas nearby which are suitable for skiing.

Flights takes less than 4 hours from Sydney Airport to Christchurch Airport so you could easily book flights for a long weekend across the Tasman.

What is the cost of visiting Christchurch?

If you’re travelling from Sydney to Christchurch, you won’t notice much of a difference in price between the two cities in terms of costs. Like Sydney, Christchurch has a high standard of living but it’s relatively easy to find somewhere affordable to stay, eat and drink. A coffee will likely cost you around $4 to $5 NZD and a beer or wine will set you back $7 NZD to $12 NZD. Public transport is generally a little cheaper, and the average price for a meal is about $20 NZD. Hotels and Airbnbs can also be relatively inexpensive, especially if you visit outside of the summer months.