Compare Cheap Flights from Christchurch to Milan
Located in the north of Italy, Milan has so much to offer visitors. Within easy access of the city, you can visit the Italian Alps or the scenic Lake Como. The city itself is teeming with history, culture, and beauty. Throughout Milan, you can observe fascinating architecture that spans several eras, including the Middle Ages, the Gothic period, and the Renaissance. The most famous example of Milan’s incredible architecture is the enormous Duomo cathedral that sits in the heart of the city. Milan is also known as one of the fashion capitals of the world. People travel from all over the world to attend Milan Fashion Week and window shop in the city’s many boutiques. And as you would expect in Italy, the food offerings in Milan are out of this world. Booking cheap flights from Christchurch to Milan is a great way to start an adventure around Italy. Once you’ve spent some time in Milan, catch one of Italy’s many trains out of the city to visit Lake Como, Cinque Terre, or Verona and Venice. From there, head south to explore all the incredible cities and scenery that Italy has to offer.
Pack your bags, learn some conversational Italian, and start planning your adventure in Italy with Webjet’s cheap flights from Christchurch to Milan.
The best time to visit Milan
Milan experiences four distinct seasons throughout the year. Summer is the hottest with temperatures of about 28°C and humidity. The sunny weather brings in large crowds of tourists, causing hotels to increase their rates during this time of year.
In order to save some money, you can plan to visit Milan in the spring or autumn seasons. Outside of the summer high season, there are less tourists in the city, and hotels offer lower prices compared to the summer. Temperatures during these seasons reach about 20°C during the day–perfect weather for exploring Milan on foot.
If you’re after a bargain, visiting Milan in winter means lower hotel rates. As this is the coldest season in the city, it is low season for visitors. During the day, temperatures are about 5°C. Rain is fairly common in winter, and you may experience some snow as well. However, a great part of visiting Milan in the winter is its easy access to the Italian Alps for skiing. Fashion-lovers will also enjoy visiting Milan in February as this is when Milan Fashion Week takes place.
Departing From Christchurch
Christchurch is home to one airport, which is located 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) northwest of the city centre. Christchurch Airport (CHC) is the second busiest airport in New Zealand and offers regular flights to Italy.
Departing from Christchurch, you’ll have the option between about 500 cheap flights from Christchurch to Milan each week. The journey includes a stopover and can get you into Milan Airport in about 29 hours. Several major airlines fly the route between these two cities, including Air New Zealand, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Australia, Emirates, and British Airways.
Getting to Christchurch Airport
In order to reach Christchurch Airport from the city centre, you can catch one of the city’s Metro Red buses. The Purple Line and bus 29 each offer service from central parts of Christchurch to the airport. The Purple Line stops at several major bus stops, including the Bus Interchange, Ferry Road, and the University at Ilam Road. Bus route 29 offers direct access to the airport from the Bus Interchange as well as Fendalton. Fare for each of these buses costs $8.50 NZD one-way and $15 NZD return.
If you would like to catch a taxi or an Uber to the airport, you can arrive in about 20 minutes from the CBD and inner suburbs. Taxis operate using meters in Christchurch, and a taxi between the city centre and Christchurch Airport costs about $35 NZD.
Parking at Christchurch Airport
Each of the Christchurch Airport car parks is located within easy walking distance to the terminal. There are several short-term and long-term car parks to choose from.
Where to Park at Christchurch Airport
• The Long Stay car park offers uncovered parking. Rates start at $27 NZD per day and $135 NZD per week.
• Orchard Road car park offers the most affordable daily rate. Prices start at $22 NZD per day and $154 NZD per week.
• The Craddocks offer a cheap long-term rate. It’s right outside the airport with a shuttle to the terminal. Rates start at $24 NZD per day and $100 NZD per week.
Arriving in Milan
Milan has two airports that receive international flights. Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) is the city’s main airport. It is the second busiest airport in Italy, and the majority of international flights to Milan land here. It is located 50 kilometres (31 miles) northwest of central Milan. Milan Linate Airport (LIN) receives international flights as well. However, the majority of its flights are from domestic or European destinations. However, you may land here if you have a stopover in a European city. The airport is located 9 kilometres (5.5 miles) east of central Milan.
How to Get from Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) to Your Milan Hotel or Accommodation
The Malpensa Express train offers the quickest journey into the centre of Milan. It departs from the airport every 30 minutes and arrives into the city centre in about 50 minutes. Train fare for the Malpensa Express costs €13 ($22 NZD) from Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP).
Another option is to catch a coach between the airport and the city. Several coach lines operate out of Milan Airport, travelling into the city as well as to other Italian cities. Catch the coach heading toward Milan Central Station, which will take you right into the city centre. This coach departs from the airport every 20 minutes and reaches Milan in about an hour. Tickets for the coach cost €8 ($13.50 NZD).
If you would like to catch a taxi into the city, you will arrive to central Milan in less than an hour. Taxis between Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) and the city offer a fixed rate of €95 ($160.70 NZD).
How to Get from Milan Linate Airport (LIN) to Your Milan Hotel or Accommodation
In order to reach central Milan using public transport, board the 73 bus from the airport. This bus departs every 10 minutes and costs €1.50 ($2.55 NZD). The bus makes the journey between Milan Linate Airport (LIN) and the Duomo metro station in the city. Take the bus to that stop where you’ll be in the heart of the city. You will also have access to the M1 and M3 metro lines to help you reach your hotel.
For a direct ride to your Milan hotel, you can catch a taxi from the airport. Taxis from Milan Linate Airport (LIN) use meters to calculate fare. A ride into the centre of Milan will take about 25 minutes and cost around €30 ($50.75 NZD).
Things to do in Milan
Milan Cathedral
The most iconic landmark to visit in Milan is the large cathedral in the heart of the city. Also called the Duomo, the cathedral took nearly 600 years to complete due to its intricate design. It is a stunning example of Gothic architecture, which was the big style in Italy when its construction began in 1386. Inside the Duomo, there are several architectural features and pieces of artwork that transport you back in time to the Italian Middle Ages. Highlights of the Duomo include a statue of Bartholomew the Apostle, a baptistry where Saint Augustin was baptised in 387 AD, and a nail that is said to have been one of the nails from the Crucifixion of Christ. For a panoramic view over Milan, head to the rooftop terrace on top of the Duomo.
La Scala Opera
La Scala is one of the most famous performance halls in the world. Visitors to La Scala can fully experience it by seeing one of the operas or ballets that are regularly shown. The theatre was built in 1778, and since then has hosted some of the most prominent performers in Europe. Opera was invented in Italy, so if you’ve never been to an opera before, what better place to experience it for the first time than at La Scala?
Castello Sforzesco
Castello Sforzesco is a beautiful castle located right in the heart of Milan. During the Renaissance, this castle was home to Italy’s Sforza Dynasty. In more recent years, the castle grounds were renovated to feature seven different museums. Visitors can observe the original castle design while learning about different aspects of Italian history, such as ancient art and antique furniture. The Castello Sforzesco also includes exhibits dedicated to two of Italy’s most loved artists–Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.
Walk Along the Naviglio Grande
While most people picture Venice when they think of canals in Italy, Milan is home to some scenic canals as well. The largest is called Naviglio Grande and is located a 35-minute walk south of the city centre. The canal was constructed about 850 years ago and is surrounded by classic old architecture as well as a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars. At night, the area is popular among locals who enjoy sitting by the canal to enjoy a meal or a drink. The atmosphere of Naviglio Grande offers a much different experience than the one you get in the centre of Milan.
Grand Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Milan is known around the world for its forward-thinking fashion. If you are hoping to do some window shopping while visiting this fashion capital, head to the Grand Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This elaborate shopping arcade is the oldest shopping mall in Italy and is beautifully designed inside. Wander through the arcade to check out the collections of some of Italy’s haute couture designers.
