Flights To Christchurch Guide

Predominantly serving Christchurch, Christchurch International Airport (CHC) manages the majority of aviation traffic in the city. Moreover, it offers all standard amenities to passengers. Alternatively, tourists can also choose to land at the Auckland Airport (AKL) or Wellington Airport (WLG), which are situated in nearby cities.

The flight duration from the UK to Christchurch is around  24 to 28 hours, including layovers for connecting flights. Major airlines that facilitate this operation include Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Cathay Pacific, and Air New Zealand.

Woking Travel has established reliable means of transport, such as taxis, to suit your comfort during your journey to the airport. For a luxurious travel experience, we have a team of well-trained drivers who will provide perfect rides from the airport to the hotel. Book your transfer now at Transfers-Woking Travel.

Our selection encompasses diverse lodging options and meticulously crafted travel packages, and we are committed to delivering unparalleled hospitality experiences. Visit our Hotels page to look at a range of hotels in your destination, or view our Packages page for information on comprehensive vacation packages.

Here is an assortment of carefully handpicked hotels, catering to every traveller’s budget and preferences:

1. The George: An opulent boutique style hotel that offers guests with comfortable rooms equipped with all standard amenities, a fine dining restaurant, a bar, a fitness facility and impeccable service.
   
   
2. Crowne Plaza: An ideal option for business travellers, this hotel facilitates guests with all modern conveniences including a business centre, conference rooms, an eatery, gym facilities, and roomy accommodations.
   
   
3. Rendezvous Hotel: Putting forth a confluence of timeless elegance and modern allure, Rendezvous Hotel is an excellent choice since it is centrally located and offers all standard amenities to guests during their stay.
   
   
4. The Pavilions Hotel: The Pavilions provides ultimate luxury and all modern comforts to its guests, offering them cosy accommodation, an outdoor swimming pool, a hot tub, and beautifully-maintained gardens.
   
   
5. Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square: This hotel incorporates practicality with modern-day style, offering guests convenience by providing them with all contemporary amenities.
   
   
6. BreakFree: BreakFree is the perfect selection for budget travellers looking to find cheap accommodation options without compromising on the quality. This hotel provides all modern amenities at a reasonable price.
   
   
7. The Old Countryhouse: This small-scale place is worth visiting if you desire a piece of tranquillity and warmth. The charm of this hotel is heightened by the cosy setting, comfortable rooms, and the impeccable service it provides.
   
   
8. Kiwi Basecamp: Explorers wanting to unravel the true essence of Christchurch’s locality will find this lively backpackers hostel to be a delightful little spot. With its central location, reasonable prices, and dormitory-style accommodations, it is a considerable choice.
   
   
9. YHA Christchurch: A safe facility based in a prime location in the city’s centre, this hostel-style accommodation in central Christchurch offers private lodging at affordable rates.
   
   
10. Hotel 115 Christchurch: Merging affordable accommodation with modern day conveniences, Hotel 115 offers guests with comfortable lodgings, complimentary WiFi, an accessible location, and impeccable service.

Getting around Christchurch is simple and convenient as there are many transportation options. Here are the main ones: 

1. Public Transport: Metro services in Christchurch City are friendly to the environment and have pleasant drivers, making it easy to move around the city and suburbs.
2. Taxis and Rideshare: Especially when you have a lot of luggage or it’s late at night, they always don’t disappoint.
3. Car Rentals: Car Rentals are a good option for those who like independence. Remember to drive on the left side in New Zealand!
4. Bicycles and Scooters: Renting bikes or scooters will allow you to explore the city at your own pace, which is fun and lets you not harm the environment either way.
5. Airport Shuttles: Services that operate regularly make this shuttle convenient for travel to and from Christ Church International Airport.
6. Trains: Christ Church Railway Station is the hub of these trains, which are best used for getting views in neighbouring regions.
7. Ferry Services: Taking a ferry is an exciting way to explore picturesque harbours and nearby coastal areas
8. Tour Buses: Guided tour buses allow visitors to learn about some of the town’s historic sites while sightseeing.
9. Walking: This city has walkable areas, including beautiful parks where people can walk around while exploring on foot.
10. Private Transfers: For a more personalised experience, booking a private transfer service gives a direct, comfortable drive to your destination.

1. The International Antarctic Centre: Jump into your holiday at Christchurch with an Antarctic storm experience of 15 degrees below zero! It’s like stepping into the white world and having some scientific work done.
   
   
2. Botanic Gardens: Take long walks through twenty-one hectares of horticultural beauty that include a rose garden, a boating lake, and smelly plants, which make it more interesting.
   
   
3. Cardboard Cathedral: This architecturally astounding cathedral, made entirely from cardboard and paper tubes, symbolises continuity and hope for the future.
   
   
4. Tūranga, Christchurch’s Central Library: As the most modern public library in the Southern Hemisphere, Tūranga epitomises innovation following the earthquakes.
   
   
5. Christchurch Tramway: These iconic trams circle the central city and offer fully guided tours around Christchurch CBD for those new to town. They are an excellent way to find your bearings!
   
   
6. Sumner Beach: For a windy stroll along wide sandy beaches, head to Sumner, which is only 20 minutes from the city centre.
   
   
7. Quake City: A contemporary, world-class exhibition in downtown Christchurch, Quake City explores the city’s earthquake experiences.
   
   
8. Willowbank Wildlife Reserve: In a rural setting, Willowbank has natural enclosures that allow visitors to closely encounter New Zealand’s wildlife and farm animals.
   
   
9. Arts Centre: This ex-university turned cultural precinct in Christchurch is where art lives real life with all its creativity and energy.
   
   
10. Punting On The Avon: Glide beneath drooping willows while floating along this river on flat-bottomed boats that are gently propelled forward- an exquisite experience.

A delightful culinary journey of restaurants in Christchurch promises to tantalize your taste buds. Here are the ten must-go eateries: 

1. Twenty-Seven Steps: This place is loved by both tourists and locals for its cosy atmosphere and outstanding modern European food.
   
   
2. Inati: Inati offers a unique dining experience focusing on shared plates and local ingredients.
   
   
3. Fiddlesticks Restaurant & Bar: Irrespective of any occasion, Fiddlesticks Restaurant & Bar offers a diverse menu that involves contemporary New Zealand food.
   
   
4. 5th Street: Because of its tasty dishes and creative flavours, this restaurant has attracted many customers due to its warm atmosphere.
   
   
5. Christchurch Tramway Restaurant: While traveling around the city, one can take a tram that moves and enjoy tasty meals during dinner.
   
   
6. The Tannery: This beautifully restored historic building offers a variety of food, from cheap eats to fine dining options.
   
   
7. Curator’s House Restaurant: It is situated at the picturesque Botanic Gardens, where one can enjoy delicious Spanish-inspired cuisine and beautiful garden views within the Curator’s House restaurant.
   
   
8. King of Snake: The vibrant ambiance and innovative Asian fusion cuisine make King of Snake popular among food lovers everywhere who visit there at least once.
   
   
9. Roots Restaurant: Located in Lyttelton near Christchurch, Roots Restaurant is famous for its devotion to sustainable cookery practices and ever-changing tasting menus made from regional produce only.
   
   
10. Little High Eatery: Little High Eatery consists of numerous trendy food stalls selling everything from deluxe burgers to sushi. It is an ideal spot for casual family gatherings or hangouts with friends.

1. Take a Cruise on the River: View Christchurch in a different light with this quiet river cruise. Drift down the Avon River, taking in the magnificent city’s architectural beauty and peaceful environs.
   
   
2. Discover Christchurch’s Culinary Offerings: There is so much beneath this city’s surface, from craft beer to café culture.
   
   
3. Akaroa Day Trip: Akaroa is a picturesque French settlement around an extinct volcano. Tourists can enjoy delectable cakes and tasteful seafood at Akaroa.
   
   
4. Go on a Wine Tour: Waipara Valley, just a short drive out of Christchurch, is well known for its aromatic wines and lovely vineyard landscapes.
   
   
5. The Gondola has Beautiful Views: View the city from new heights on the Christchurch Gondola ride.
   
   
6. Botanic Gardens Nature Connection: This is a green space within the city that offers a place to chill out and meditate.
   
   
7. Quake City: Visit Quake City and learn more about how Christchurch can adjust and prosper.
   
   
8. Surveying Street Art Works: Much of it was created after the earthquake, and it is a fantastic testament to the untearable spirit of this town as it stands today.
   
   
9. Watch a Rugby Match: Rugby hearts beat in this city; being part of a rugby match here will immerse you in a Kiwi lifestyle like nothing else can!
   
   
10. Horse Riding across Southern Alps: Canter through breath-taking alpine scenery under the watchful eyes of majestic Southern Alps ranges!

The weather can be quite variable in Christchurch throughout the year. This makes it an ideal place for tourism, exhibiting different seasons. Here is a breakdown of the main seasons experienced in Christchurch:

Summer (December to February) 

1. Average Temperatures: 12°C (54°F) to 22°C (72°F)
2. Rainfall: Lower
3. Activities: Great for beaches, parks, outdoor festivals
4. Travel Tip: Cheap flights will be available during this period.

Autumn (March to May)

1. Average Temperatures: 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F).
2. Rainfall: Moderate with frequent showers. 
3. Activities: Tourists can explore parks, gardens, and local markets and experience autumn festivals
4. Travel Tip: Airfares tend to drop in autumn; tourists can find affordable flights to Christchurch.

Winter (June to August)

1. Average Temperatures: 1°C (34°F) to 12°C (54°F)
2. Rainfall: Higher than in summer
3. Activities: Perfect for skiing and winter sports in the nearby ski resorts like Mt. Hutt
4. Travel Tip: Search for cheap flights going towards Christchurch so that you can enjoy winter activities.

Spring (September to November)

1. Average Temperatures: 7°C to 17°C (45°F to 63°F)
2. Rainfall: Similar to autumn.
3. Activities: Perfect time to attend outdoor festivals and perform outdoor pursuits such as cycling, scenic drives, and more.
4. Travel Tip: Flights can be relatively cheaper in spring; tourists can find affordable flight options.
   
   

Check out this local weather guide for more detailed and up-to-date weather information.

• GMT to Christchurch: The time difference between GMT and Christchurch is +12 hours.
• BST to Christchurch: The time difference between BST and Christchurch is +11 hours.

Currency:

• It uses the New Zealand Dollar as its currency. Both cash payments and cards are acceptable, with the card payment method being the most popular.
  
  

Language:

• The official languages are English and Māori, with the English language having more speakers. This makes it easy for tourists who do not speak Māori to communicate with everyone here.

Local Customs:

New Zealand also has a very informal and friendly culture. However, one must respect the local customs. For instance, bathing suits are fine on the beach, but generally, it is advisable to be dressed modestly when visiting downtown areas or public places. Kiwis value courtesy during queuing, or one may lose position in the queue.

Laws:

• UK Government Advice: Travel Advice for New Zealand
• Local Government: New Zealand Government Tourism Information

Christchurch is a city that invites you to start a story, not finish one. With each visit, new chapters are added, new characters are met, and new perspectives are found. The culture, the cuisine, the adrenaline—everything conspires to create a truly immersive experience.

At Woking Travel, we promise to be more than just a stepping stone to your Christchurch adventure. We are your trusted companion, exploring every option and ensuring every detail of your visit is unforgettable.

Now, with this guide in hand and the longing to explore a land of such vivid magnificence, it’s time for you to seize the moment. Your Christchurch adventure awaits, and as you step off the plane into the brisk alpine air, know that this is just the beginning of a spectacular odyssey.

Fly with Woking Travel to Christchurch and beyond!