from $404
21 April, 2026
from $520
14 April, 2026
from $562
14 April, 2026
from $513
24 March, 2026
from $465
23 March, 2026
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.
Right now, May/2026 and June/2026 are the lowest-price months to fly to Christchurch.
Emirates, Qantas, Air New Zealand, Virgin Australia and Jetstar fly non-stop between Australia and Christchurch.
The cheapest airline that flies to Christchurch from Australia is Jetstar.
Singapore Airlines is the best airline to fly to Christchurch from Australia. If you need non-stop flights then Emirates is best. Jetstar is the best low-cost airline.