Flights to Christchurch
Best student & youth fares right now to Christchurch
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Student flights from the USA to Christchurch
Dreaming of a holiday to New Zealand? Christchurch is a great place to kick off your trip! As New Zealand’s second most-populous city, Christchurch is worth exploring in it’s own right, but it’s also a perfect jumping-off place for exploring the rest of the South Island. From Christchurch, you’re only 20 minutes from the beach and just over an hour to the mountains. It’s also a good starting place for a longer South Island road trip, in case that’s on your bucket list (and if it’s not, why not?!). Even if you just want to stay in Christchurch, though, it’s easy to fall in love with this relaxed, colorful city where locals are friendly, there’s plenty of good food and an easy, laid-back culture.
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What are the main Christchurch airports, and how do I get from them to central Christchurch?
Christchurch has just one main airport: the Christchurch International Airport (CHC). Located just about 12 km from the main city center, it’s a pretty quick trip from the airport to exploring.
Christchurch International Airport / CHC: The Christchurch International Airport is the main international airport in Christchurch. When you land, you should have no problem finding your way out, as it’s not a massive airport. If you’re renting a car, you can pick it up at the airport and be in the city in about 20 minutes. Taxis are, of course, available too, as are shuttles and a local bus (take the Purple Line to city centre).
How to fly from Australia to Christchurch
Australia is well-connected to Christchurch, as New Zealand is one of the quickest destinations to fly to from Oz. You can find direct flights from most major airports in Australia to Christchurch. Of course, there’s plenty of connecting options as well if you want to stretch your legs along the way. Most connecting flights have a stopover in Auckland. The most popular airlines for flights to Christchurch include Qantas, Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand.
Cheap flights to Christchurch
from Sydney / SYD
Average flight duration
3 hours
Number of daily flights
About 5 direct flights daily
Cheap flights to Christchurch
from Perth / PER
Average flight duration
9.5+ hours
Number of daily flights
Nonstop flights are tough to find, but numerous nonstop flights depart daily.
Cheap flights to Christchurch
from Brisbane / BNE
Average flight duration
3.5 hours
Number of daily flights
about 2 flights daily
Cheap flights to Christchurch
from Melbourne / MEL
Average flight duration
3.5 hours
Number of daily flights
about 4 flights daily
When is the best time to fly to Christchurch?
The best time to visit Christchurch is generally in fall or early spring. Temperatures are moderate year-round, and it’s not too rainy. Of course, Christchurch is often a jumping-off point for the rest of the South Island, which has much more unpredictable weather. Summer months are warmest and driest, but often bring large crowds of hikers and travellers to the South Island. October and November can be rainy, but otherwise quiet and pleasant. Fall months are less crowded as well, with good weather.
When is the cheapest time to book a flight from the USA to Christchurch?
Prices based on bookings made 60-91 days prior to departure.
Why do students love visiting Christchurch?
There’s no shortage of good reasons to visit Christchurch! Stay in the charming city with it’s English heritage and sprawling parks or use Christchurch as a jumping-off point for some South Island road trips and adventures.
Christchurch universities and campuses
Christchurch is a great place for studying abroad, home to the highly-ranked University of Canterbury. Whether you enroll directly in the university or go through a study abroad programme, New Zealand can be a great place to study abroad. Even better, the incredible adventures and landscapes, affordable cost of living and friendly locals mean you’ll be feeling at home in no time. Check with your home university to see what New Zealand study abroad options might be easily available to you.
Christchurch lifestyle and culture
Christchurch, like elsewhere in New Zealand, has a laid-back and adventurous lifestyle and culture. Locals in Christchurch are friendly and welcoming, so whether you’re staying for a few weeks or a few years, you’ll find many friendly faces. The lifestyle is laid-back, without much of the hustle you’ll find in big cities. This is definitely influenced by the fact that there’s plenty of outdoor adventures and nature in and around Christchurch, so many locals spend their weekends and free time outside enjoying the beach and nearby mountains.
Exploring Christchurch on a student budget
Christchurch is pretty easy to explore on a student budget, as many of the city’s best things to see and do are free. Enjoy a walk or a picnic in the sprawling Hagley Park or enjoy the Christchurch Botanical Gardens. If you have a bit of cash to spare, you can go punting on the Avon River, a classic English-inspired activity in Christchurch. Getting a bit hungry? Pop over to the Riverside Market, a large indoor market full of different stalls and vendors offering everything from crepes to curries, fresh produce, ice cream, smoothies and more, with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, nearby shopping and more.
Frequently asked questions about flying from Australia to Christchurch
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