from $367
16 February, 2026
from $348
15 February, 2026
from $407
09 February, 2026
from $407
04 February, 2026
from $513
03 February, 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 October/2026 are the lowest-price times in the year to fly to Christchurch. You will pay the most in January/2026.
Emirates, Qantas Airways, Air New Zealand, Malaysia Airlines, Virgin Australia and Jetstar have non-stop flights to Christchurch from Australia.
The cheapest airline to fly to Christchurch from Australia is Jetstar.
The best airline to fly from Australia to Christchurch is Singapore Airlines. Emirates is the best if you would like direct flights. The best low-cost airline is Jetstar.