Overview
Christchurch is the largest city on New Zealand's South Island and the natural gateway to Canterbury, the Southern Alps and the wild landscapes of the deep south. Rebuilt with real character since the 2010–2011 earthquakes, the Garden City now pairs Edwardian streets and leafy parks with bold street art, an inventive food scene and pockets of clever regeneration. It is a calm, walkable base for bigger adventures, from whale watching at Kaikoura to the TranzAlpine railway across the mountains.
Best time to fly to Christchurch
Seasons are the reverse of the UK. December to February is warmest and busiest, with long days and higher fares. The shoulder months of March to May and September to November bring quieter attractions, mild weather and better value. Winter, June to August, is cheapest of all and suits travellers heading for the ski fields at Mt Hutt. Avoid departing over Christmas, New Year and the UK school holidays, and use the When to book chart above to compare departure dates.
Airlines and routes
There are currently no direct flights between the UK and Christchurch, so every itinerary involves at least one stop. Singapore Airlines flies from London Heathrow and Manchester via Singapore, with onward services into Christchurch. Emirates via Dubai and Qatar Airways via Doha are popular one-stop options that usually connect through Auckland or an Australian city, while seasonal Cathay Pacific services route via Hong Kong. Air New Zealand and Qantas operate many of the final legs. Expect around 24 hours in the air and a total journey of roughly 28–33 hours from London, and a similar time from Manchester.
Things to do in Christchurch
The city rewards a slow day or two before you head out to the rest of the South Island.
- Christchurch Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park: sweeping lawns, glasshouses and rose gardens beside the Avon River, free to enter.
- International Antarctic Centre: near the airport, with a Hagglund ride, a storm room and resident husky dogs.
- Christchurch Gondola: a cable-car climb over the Port Hills for views across the city, Lyttelton Harbour and the plains.
- Punting and the heritage tram: a gentle boat trip on the Avon, then a restored tram loop around the central city.
- Akaroa and Banks Peninsula: about 90 minutes away, a French-influenced village with harbour cruises and rare Hector's dolphins.
At Christchurch Airport (CHC)
Christchurch Airport lies about 12 km northwest of the centre, roughly a 20-minute drive. Metro public buses, including the Purple Line and route 29, run to Cathedral Square and the central bus interchange for a few dollars. Taxis and ride-share pick-ups take 15–25 minutes, and door-to-door shuttle vans and all the major car hire firms operate from the terminal.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Christchurch
- Book roughly three to six months ahead for the best choice on long-haul fares to New Zealand; last-minute seats are rarely a bargain.
- Fly midweek and steer clear of the mid-December to late-January peak and UK school holidays.
- Keep your dates flexible and use the price charts on this page to spot the cheapest days to travel.
- Compare one-stop options across different hubs, such as Singapore, Dubai and Doha, as the cheapest gateway shifts with the season.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders do not need a visa for visits of up to six months, but you must request an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before you fly and pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy; both are done online and the NZeTA lasts two years. If you connect through Australia you will also need an Australian ETA. The currency is the New Zealand dollar, and card and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere. No vaccinations are required, driving is on the left, and the New Zealand sun is strong, so pack high-factor sun cream even in cooler months.
