Cheap flights to Christchurch (CHC)

The largest city on New Zealand's South Island, Christchurch is worth a visit itself, though it's also a major transportation hub for those immediately heading down the coast or into the nearby mountains. Most long-haul travelers will change planes in Auckland or in Australia on their way, but affordable flights to Christchurch are still usually easy to find. Using Webjet you’ll be able to quickly find the cheapest flights on any airline as well as the best days to fly for the absolute lowest price airfare possible. This is New Zealand's second busiest airport, and it's undergoing a major expansion that will replace nearly all existing facilities by the end of 2011. It's located just 12 km northwest of the city center, and ground transportation options are mostly fast and reasonably priced.

Airfare to Christchurch

Finding cheap flights to Christchurch can be challenging at times. Domestic flights within New Zealand tend to be very reasonable, especially if you book well in advance, but those coming from Europe or North America have limited options so prices aren't always low. Fortunately, flying all the way into Christchurch is only a bit more expensive than into Auckland, even if you change planes there along the way. If a great promotion into Auckland is available you might find a cheaper onward ticket to Christchurch on Virgin Blue Airlines.

Flight information for Christchurch Airport

As the city has become more popular it has needed a major expansion of its airport, and changes at Christchurch Airport have been underway for years. When it's complete in late 2011 you'll have a large and modern facility with abundant dining and shopping options, but until then the services are more limited. Still, there are banks and places to eat always open all through the renovation.

Airlines that fly into Christchurch Airport

Air New Zealand is the national carrier and they mostly use Auckland as a base, but some flights do come to Christchurch from Australia and Fiji as well. Qantas Airways also flies from Los Angeles to Auckland and then on to Sydney, so they are often the cheapest option across the Pacific. Those coming from Europe and the Middle East can also fly into Christchurch on Emirates Airlines and Singapore Airlines. From Australia or elsewhere in New Zealand you can usually find cheap flights on Virgin Blue.

Christchurch Airport ground transportation

Taxis are relatively expensive, but at least you don't have to negotiate or worry about getting ripped off. There are several shuttle bus companies that go between the airport and the city center several times per hour for a reasonable fare. Rental cars and campervans are popular here, and there is easy access to the highway so you don't have to go through the city if you are heading right out.

Car rental companies at Christchurch Airport

  • Ace
  • Alamo
  • Avis
  • Budget
  • Hertz
  • National
  • Payless
  • Thrifty