Compare Cheap Flights from Wellington to Christchurch
Located less than an hour from Wellington by plane, Christchurch offers a completely different experience. Christchurch is the second largest city in New Zealand and the largest on the South Island, so it has a lot going for it. Christchurch is known for having some of the best street art in the country as well as some great museums. The city has always been artistic, but its creativity truly blossomed in 2011 after a major earthquake hit the city. Much of the city was destroyed, but people came together to rebuild Christchurch into the beautiful and exciting destination that it is today. There is plenty to do within central Christchurch, and within easy access of the city is some incredible nature. For a unique experience in the South Island, book cheap flights from Wellington to Christchurch for a long weekend.
Starting planning your trip to Christchurch with Webjet’s cheap return flights from Wellington to Christchurch Airport (CHC).
What is the best time to visit Christchurch?
Christchurch has distinct weather in each of its seasons with warm summers and cold winters. Summer is the high season for visiting Christchurch. With the warm weather comes large crowds and higher hotel rates. If you’re hoping to take advantage of the beaches and water activities around Christchurch, summer is the time to visit. Average daytime temperatures are a pleasant 22°C – perfect for outdoor activities.
Another busy time in Christchurch is the winter. Although it’s cold, this is also the best time to visit if you love to ski. Thirteen ski resorts are within easy reach of Christchurch, as well as other winter activities including whale watching and natural thermal pools. Nighttime gets cold in the winter, but during the day, average temperatures of 12°C won’t stop you from enjoying all the outdoor activities around the city. If you’ll be visiting in winter, especially at a ski resort, be sure to book your hotel in advance to secure the best rates.
For a quiet and more affordable time to visit Christchurch, book cheap flights from Wellington to Christchurch in the spring or autumn. Outside of the busy summer and winter months, you can score great deals on Christchurch hotels. Spring and autumn experience nice weather, hitting about 17°C during the day. These are also the ideal seasons for scenic hikes. In the spring, the region blooms with cherry blossoms and daffodils. In autumn, the trees throughout the Canterbury region turn to warm shades of orange, yellow, and red as the weather starts to cool down.
What are the best things to do in Christchurch?
Canterbury Museum
If you are interested in learning more about Christchurch and the Canterbury region, pay a visit to this museum in the city centre. The museum has lots of exhibits where you can learn about Maori history and culture, European settlement, the natural history of the area, and the earthquakes that have affected the Christchurch region.
Akaroa
For a great day trip from the city, head to Akaroa, which is about 80 kilometres (50 miles) from Christchurch. It is a small coastal town that is known for its rare species of dolphin called Hector dolphins. Visitors can swim with the dolphins or see them up close from a kayak. Other popular spots to visit in Akaroa are the Meniscus Wines cellar door and the Okains Bay Maori and Colonial Museum.
Brockworth Street Art Gallery
While Christchurch has always been artistic, the earthquake of 2011 really brought the creativity to life. Much of the city had to be rebuilt, and high quality street art popped up all over as a way to brighten up the city. You can see street art throughout the CBD, but the most famous example is the Brockworth Street Art Gallery. It’s a long and colourful gallery that runs the length of Riccarton Road, west of Hagley Park.
Quake City
Christchurch is located right on top of an active fault line, and throughout the city’s history, several major earthquakes have affected it. In Quake City, you can learn more about these earthquakes and the seismic activity of the region. The exhibits illustrate how earthquakes affect daily life and display debris from some of the recent earthquakes. You can also visit an exhibit about the major earthquake that hit Christchurch in February 2011. Much of the city was destroyed, and you can witness the strength and community among the people of Christchurch in the aftermath.
Experience the Port Hills
The Port Hills are located southeast of the city centre and are the remnants of a volcano that erupted millions of years ago. To see the Port Hills from above, you can ride the Christchurch Gondola. The gondola offers panoramic views of the Port Hills as well as the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps. If you would prefer to see the Port Hills on foot, there are several hiking trails. The Bridle Path Walk starts near the gondola station. During this 3-hour return hike, you’ll see great views of the Port Hills and surrounding region.
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city by spending some time in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. The gardens are located in the western end of the CBD and showcase a vast collection of native and exotic plants. No matter what time of year you book cheap flights from Wellington to Christchurch, you’ll be able to enjoy pretty displays in the Botanic Gardens. Colourful and fragrant flowers bloom in the spring and summer months, foliage takes over the gardens in autumn, and there are conifer gardens and indoor collections to enjoy in winter.
The Banks Peninsula
There’s some gorgeous nature to take in while visiting the Canterbury region on cheap flights to Christchurch from Wellington. The Banks Peninsula is a popular area to explore as it’s an easy day trip destination from Christchurch. The start of the peninsula is only about 30 minutes’ drive from the city. Once you’re there, you’ll find a seemingly endless list of things to see and do around the Banks Peninsula, such as wildlife sightings on the coast, hiking trails in the Akaroa Head Scenic Reserve, and history at the Akaroa Museum Te Whare Taonga.
What is the best way to get around Christchurch?
The centre of Christchurch is nice and compact – you can easily reach the main spots on foot while holidaying on flights Wellington to Christchurch. Cycling is another popular method of transportation among the locals. You can rent a bike from several shops around the city.
You can also make your way around Christchurch on public transport. There are 28 bus routes operating around the city and suburbs. The Purple Line, route 29, and route 125 even offer service into the city from Christchurch Airport (CHC). The city’s Heritage Tram is both a tourist attraction and a good way to get around. It loops around the city centre, making 17 stops along the way.
Are you looking to get out of the city for a day or two while holidaying on Wellington to Christchurch flights? Hiring a car is the best way to do so. You can reserve a car through Webjet after booking your cheap flights from Wellington to Christchurch, then pick it up from Christchurch Airport (CHC) on arrival. Popular day trips from Christchurch include the Banks Peninsula, Sumner Beach, and Arthur’s Pass National Park.
FAQs
What is the Wellington to Christchurch flight time?
The Wellington to Christchurch flight time is one hour and five minutes when flying direct.
What airlines fly direct from Wellington to Christchurch?
Direct Wellington to Christchurch flights are available on Air New Zealand and Jetstar.
How many flights are there a week from Wellington to Christchurch?
You’ll have about 120 direct flights per week to choose from when booking your tickets to Christchurch from Wellington.
Departing From Wellington
Wellington Airport (WLG) is situated 8 kilometres (5 miles) from the CBD. It’s the major airport serving the Wellington region and offers a variety of transport options to reach your flight.
You can book cheap airfares from Wellington to Christchurch on Air New Zealand and Jetstar. All flights are direct, getting you to Christchurch Airport (CHC) in less than an hour. Each day, you’ll have about 20 to 25 WLG to CHC flights to choose from.
Getting to Wellington Airport
The Airport Flyer bus follows bus route 91 and gets to the airport in less than 30 minutes from the CBD. It offers several stops throughout central Wellington as well as Hataitai and Petone. To ride the Airport Flyer bus, you can purchase a ticket on the bus for $9 NZD or pay using your Snapper card.
For a cheaper bus fare, you can opt for a Metlink public bus to the airport. Bus route 2 is available to catch from several stops in the CBD as well as Karori, Hataitai, and Miramar. Take the bus to the stop at the corner of Broadway and Hobart streets in Miramar. From there, you can walk to the airport terminal in about 10 minutes. With a Snapper card, this bus journey to the airport will only cost $2.81 NZD.
If you prefer to take a taxi or an Uber to the airport, you’ll reach the airport in about 15 minutes from the CBD. Taxi fare from the CBD and inner suburbs comes to about $30 to $40 NZD.
Parking at Wellington Airport
There are several different parking options at Wellington Airport to fit all budgets. Reserve your parking space in advance to secure the best rates for your trip.
Where to Park at Wellington Airport
• Long-Term Parking: This is the most affordable parking option. Parks start at $29 NZD per day and a week costs $105 NZD.
• Short-Term Parking: This park is located 5 minutes from the terminal. Uncovered spaces start at $34 NZD per day.
• Valet Parking: This option will get you into the airport in less than a minute. Rates start at $59 NZD per day.
Arriving in Christchurch
Christchurch is home to the second busiest airport in New Zealand and the main airport on the South Island. Christchurch Airport (CHC) is located about 10 kilometres (6 miles) northwest of the city centre.
How to Get from Christchurch Airport (CHC) to Your Christchurch Hotel or Accommodation
Public transport is available between Christchurch Airport (CHC) and the CBD. The city’s Purple Line and bus route 29 both offer service from the airport. Each of these buses makes a stop at the Bus Interchange in the city centre, while the Purple Line also stops at Ferry Road and the University on Ilam Road. Bus 29 arrives to the Bus Interchange in about 30 minutes, and the Purple Line in about 40 minutes. One-way fare for each of these buses costs $8.50 NZD from Christchurch Airport (CHC), and a return ticket costs $15 NZD.
A taxi is the quickest option into central Christchurch, getting you there in about 20 minutes. Taxi fare from the airport to hotels in the CBD costs about $35 NZD.
