Flight Guide from Christchurch to Rome
Compare Cheap Flights from Christchurch to Rome
As the capital and largest city in Italy, Rome is loved by travellers around the world. Rome has been thriving for several thousand years. Today, the city is still full of ancient elements, giving it the nickname “the Eternal City.” Everywhere you look in Rome, you will see traditional Roman architecture and some of Europe’s most iconic tourist attractions, such as the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and Vatican City. Along with its history, Rome is world-famous for its cuisine. Italians are serious about their food, and throughout the city, you’ll be able to find some of the most incredible pasta, pizza, gelato, and espresso. In addition to its history and food, Rome is known for its shopping, wine bars, and friendly locals. Italy has a great train system, so you could easily extend your trip to other parts of Italy, including Florence, the Amalfi Coast, and Venice. Booking cheap flights from Christchurch to Rome is the perfect way to jump-start your adventures around Italy.
Pack your bags, brush up on your Italian, and start planning your Italian holiday with Webjet’s cheap flights from Christchurch to Rome.
Best time to visit Rome
The best time to visit Rome
The weather in Rome can change a lot throughout the year. Summers in the city are hot and dry, while winters are chilly and rainy. Summer is the high season in Rome when tourists flock to the city from all over Europe for their summer holidays. Summer temperatures often pass 30°C during the day. As summer is high season, hotel rates increase during these months.
For a bargain on accommodation, consider visiting Rome in the winter. While it can drop down to about 3°C at night, daytime temperatures are about 13°C. Winter experiences more rain the the other seasons, but you can expect just as many sunny days. Be prepared for the changing winter weather by dressing in layers and carrying an umbrella with you. Winter is the low season in Rome, and it is the best time to score a deal on cheap hotels in the city.
For ideal weather along with lower prices, plan to visit Rome in the spring or autumn. The Mediterranean climate keeps temperatures around 24°C, which is the perfect weather for exploring Rome and its surrounds.
Outside of summer, be aware that Christmas and Easter are also high seasons in Rome. Since Vatican City is the centre of the Roman Catholic Church, Catholics from all over the world travel to Rome to celebrate these major holidays in the Vatican. Rome is busy during these holidays, but there are also a number of exciting festivals to keep you entertained.
Airports
Departing From Christchurch
There is one major airport in Christchurch, which is the second busiest airport in New Zealand. The airport is located 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) northwest of the CBD.
Airlines offering cheap airfares from Christchurch to Rome include Qantas, British Airways, Emirates, Virgin Australia, and Air New Zealand. There are about 800 flights from Christchurch to Fiumicino Airport (FCO) in Rome each week. Return flights from Christchurch to Rome include at least one stopover and can get you into Italy in about 28 hours.
Getting to Christchurch Airport
Christchurch’s Metro Red Bus offers two routes that make the journey between the airport and the CBD. The Purple Line departs from several major stops, including the Bus Interchange, the University at Ilam Road, and Ferry Road. The number 29 bus offers less pick up points, departing from the Bus Interchange and Fendalton. Each of these buses costs $8.50 NZD one way or $15 NZD return.
A taxi or an Uber can also get you to Christchurch Airport. A taxi ride will get you to the airport in about 20 minutes, and taxi fare from the CBD and inner suburbs costs about $35 NZD.
Parking at Christchurch Airport
Christchurch Airport offers several short term and long term parking options. Each car park is within easy walking distance of the airport terminal.
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 outside the airport with a shuttle to the terminal. Rates start at $24 NZD per day and $100 NZD per week.
Arriving in Rome
Rome is served by one international airport: Fiumicino Airport (FCO). Fiumicino is located near the sea, about 30 kilometres (18.6 miles) west of Rome. This airport is the busiest in Italy and offers a variety of transport options into the city centre.
How to Get from Fiumicino Airport (FCO) to Your Rome Hotel or Accommodation
The main method of reaching Rome from the airport is the Leonardo Express. This train offers nonstop service between Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and Rome Termini station in the city centre. The Leonardo Express departs every 15 minutes during peak hours and every 30 minutes off-peak, getting you into the city in about a half hour. Tickets for the Leonardo Express cost €14 ($24 NZD) for adults, and children younger than 12 travel for free. From Rome Termini, much of central Rome is walkable. You can also connect to metro lines A and B to help you reach your hotel.
p>If you’ll be staying in the Trastevere neighbourhood of Rome, you can catch the FL1 train from Fiumicino Airport (FCO). This neighbourhood is known for its medieval atmosphere and is located across the river from the city’s main tourist centre. The FL1 train departs from Fiumicino Airport (FCO) every 15 minutes during peak time and every 30 minutes off-peak. The train will arrive in Trastevere in about a half hour with a few stops along the way.
If you would prefer to get a direct ride to your hotel, you can catch a taxi outside of Terminals 1 and 3. Taxis travelling from Fiumicino Airport (FCO) offer fixed rates into the city centre. A taxi into the city will get you to your hotel in about 30 minutes when there’s no traffic for a fixed rate of €48 ($82.10 NZD).
Things to do
Things to do in Rome
Colosseum
This iconic Roman structure dates back almost 2,000 years. The Colosseum was built during Ancient Roman times and was used as an arena for gladiator fights, animal fights, and other old forms of entertainment. The Colosseum hasn’t hosted an event like this in centuries, but the structure looks much like it did back in the Roman days. When you visit the Colosseum, you can take a tour to learn about life during Ancient Roman times.
Roman Forum
The Roman Forum is another impressive reminder of the Ancient Roman Empire. The Forum was utilised as a meeting place for political, religious, and social activities among Romans. While visiting the Roman Forum, you’ll be able to see an ancient Senate House, temples to Roman gods, and the Arch of Titus.
Pantheon
Another Ancient Roman building, the Pantheon was built as a temple to the various Roman gods. It is the best-preserved site in Rome and looks a lot like it did during the Ancient Roman times. The Pantheon is made up of a series of intersecting arches and is topped with a dome. At the top of the dome, there is an opening that helps to flood the Pantheon with light.
Vatican City
Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, and is located within the Rome city limits. The Vatican is home to the Pope and the centre of the Roman Catholic Church. This small country has a lot of famous icons to see while you are there, including St Peter’s Square, St Peter’s Basilica, and the Sistine Chapel. While visiting the Vatican, be sure to bring your passport. Since it is technically another country, there are passport checks to enter the Vatican.
Trevi Fountain
This fountain is the most popular among visitors to Rome. The fountain was built thousands of years ago and is one of the oldest water sources in the city. While visiting the Trevi fountain, it is customary to throw coins over your shoulder into the fountain. One coin means you’ll return to Rome someday, two coins means you’ll find romance, and three coins ensures marriage is in your future.
Take a Day Trip to Pompeii
Head out of the city for the day to visit this ancient city. During the time of the Roman Empire, Pompeii was a lively and thriving city. However, its location next to the volcano Mount Vesuvius led to its demise. The volcano erupted in 79 AD, covering the entire city with ash. Because the eruption was so quick, it froze the city in the middle of everyday life. After the eruption, Pompeii was abandoned for many years. While visiting Pompeii, there are a variety of things to see that will teach you about Ancient Roman times. Pompeii is made up of villas, marketplaces, an arena, and even some modern-day comforts like a bar and fast food restaurants. From Pompeii, you can also get a great view of Mt Vesuvius.