Flights to Christchurch
Best student & youth fares right now to Christchurch
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Student flights from the USA to Christchurch
Dreaming of a trip to New Zealand? Christchurch is a great place to kick off your trip! As New Zealand’s second most-populous city, Christchurch is worth exploring in it’s own right, but it’s also a perfect jumping-off place for exploring the rest of the South Island. From Christchurch, you’re only 20 minutes from the beach and just over an hour to the mountains. It’s also a good starting place for a longer South Island road trip, in case that’s on your bucket list (and if it’s not, why not?!). Even if you just want to stay in Christchurch, though, it’s easy to fall in love with this relaxed, colorful city where locals are friendly, there’s plenty of good food and an easy, laid-back culture.
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What are the main Christchurch airports, and how do I get from them to central Christchurch?
Christchurch has just one main airport: the Christchurch International Airport (CHC). Located just about 8 miles from the main city center, it’s a pretty quick trip from the airport to exploring.
Christchurch International Airport / CHC: The Christchurch International Airport is the main international airport in Christchurch, though you’ll likely have a layover on the way before landing here, so you may end up going through customs and immigration in Auckland instead of Christchurch. Regardless, when you land, you should have no problem finding your way out, as it’s not a massive airport. If you’re renting a car, you can pick it up at the airport and be in the city in about 20 minutes. Taxis are, of course, available too, as are shuttles and a local bus (take the Purple Line to downtown).
How to fly from the USA to Christchurch
There’s no way around it: New Zealand is quite a ways from the US! However, with just a massive ocean in between the two countries, there’s not many places for a layover on the way. Most flights from the US will land in Auckland first—from there, you can continue on to Christchurch, or any number of other New Zealand destinations. There aren’t any direct flights from the US to Christchurch at this time. If you’re flying from the East Coast, you’ll also have a layover in the US on the way, likely stopping in Los Angeles or San Francisco before gearing up for the 16+ hour flight across the Pacific. Air New Zealand is the most popular airline for flights from the US to New Zealand, although of course there’s other options too.
Cheap flights to Christchurch
from Los Angeles / LAX
Average flight duration
16+ hours
Number of daily flights
No nonstop flights, but connecting flights depart daily.
Cheap flights to Christchurch
from San Francisco / SFO
Average flight duration
16+ hours
Number of daily flights
No nonstop flights, but connecting flights depart daily.
Cheap flights to Christchurch
from Boston / BOS
Average flight duration
24+ hours
Number of daily flights
No nonstop flights, but connecting flights depart daily.
Cheap flights to Christchurch
from New York / NYC
Average flight duration
24+ hours
Number of daily flights
No nonstop flights, but connecting flights depart daily.
When is the best time to fly to Christchurch?
The best time to visit Christchurch is generally in fall (remember, seasons are reversed in the Southern Hemisphere, so that’s March-May) or early spring (September-October). Temperatures are moderate year-round, and it’s not too rainy. Of course, Christchurch is often a jumping-off point for the rest of the South Island, which has much more unpredictable weather. Summer months are warmest and driest, but often bring large crowds of hikers and travelers. October and November can be rainy, but otherwise quiet and pleasant. Fall months are less crowded as well, with good weather.
When is the cheapest time to book a flight from the USA to Christchurch?
Prices based on bookings made 60-91 days prior to departure.
Why do students love visiting Christchurch?
There’s no shortage of good reasons to visit Christchurch! Stay in the charming city with its English heritage and sprawling parks or use Christchurch as a jumping-off point for some South Island road trips and adventures.
Christchurch universities and campuses
Christchurch is a great place for studying abroad, home to the highly-ranked University of Canterbury. Whether you enroll directly in the university or go through a study abroad program, New Zealand can be an affordable place to study abroad. Even better, the incredible adventures and landscapes, affordable cost of living and friendly locals mean you’ll be feeling at home in no time. Check with your home university to see what New Zealand study abroad options might be easily available to you.
Christchurch lifestyle and culture
Christchurch, like elsewhere in New Zealand, has a laid-back and adventurous lifestyle and culture. Locals in Christchurch are friendly and welcoming, so whether you’re staying for a few weeks or a few years, you’ll find many friendly faces. The lifestyle is laid-back, without much of the hustle you’ll find in other big cities. This is definitely influenced by the fact that there’s plenty of outdoor adventures and nature in and around Christchurch, so many locals spend their weekends and free time outside enjoying the beach and nearby mountains.
Exploring Christchurch on a student budget
Christchurch is pretty easy to explore on a student budget, as many of the city’s best things to see and do are free. Enjoy a walk or a picnic in the sprawling Hagley Park or enjoy the Christchurch Botanical Gardens. If you have a bit of cash to spare, you can go punting on the Avon River, a classic English-inspired activity in Christchurch. Getting a bit hungry? Pop over to the Riverside Market, a large indoor market full of different stalls and vendors offering everything from crepes to curries, fresh produce, ice cream, smoothies and more, with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating and nearby shopping.
Frequently asked questions about flying from the USA to Christchurch
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