from $418
11 December, 2025
from $500
29 November, 2025
from $410
27 November, 2025
from $259
05 November, 2025
from $385
02 November, 2025
Destination Profile
With the snow-capped Southern Alps serrating the horizon and the sloshing Pacific rolling into its coves, Christchurch is a fine introduction to the wild nature of NZ's South Island. But before you depart for the adventure mecca of Queenstown or the whale-splashed seas of Kaikoura, there's lots to explore right outside the airport terminal. Hailed as the Garden City for its abundance of parks, Christchurch offers quaint English-style flower displays and river-babbling green spaces. There's a rejuvenated center awash with boutique shops, museums, and coffee roasteries. And the surroundings are all Canterbury vineyards and hiking trails. Cheap flights to Christchurch from Australia often go nonstop, taking just over three hours in the air.
You can hike extinct volcanic craters over to the charming little fishing town of Lyttleton, where cute cafés and art galleries abound.
See why Christchurch is called the Garden City by taking a trip to the huge lawns, botanical gardens, and punt-topped waterways of lovely North Hagley Park.
Find fishing piers, fairground rides, and roaring surf on the long strip of sand that is New Brighton Beach.
At the moment, January/2026 is the cheapest time of year to take a flight to Christchurch. You will pay the most in November/2026.
Emirates, Qantas Airways, Air New Zealand, Malaysia Airlines, Virgin Australia and Jetstar have non-stop flights from Australia to Christchurch.
Jetstar is the cheapest airline that flies to Christchurch from Australia.
Singapore Airlines is the best airline to fly between Australia and Christchurch. Emirates is the best for non-stop flights. Jetstar is the best low-cost airline.