Christchurch to Auckland Flights

  About Christchurch

Christchurch is Canterbury, New Zealand's most famous and populous city. Recognised for its English heritage, the city enjoys multitudes of ethnicity and is a gorgeous tourist location. While it is an ideal vacation spot, you will have to make peace with the fact that the trip to Christchurch will be time-consuming.

Best time to reach Christchurch

Christchurch's proximity to the South Pole makes the winters in the city rather frosty. The temperatures easily dwindle between 11 degree Celsius to 13 degree Celsius during the day and drop to zero in the nights. You can snuggle up for a romantic rendezvous and indulge in some of the winter sports that are possible in this Canterbury region. The months of June to August are only recommended if you wish to engage in the scenic white bliss of Christchurch. The place does give a Narnia vibe so you will feel like you're in a movie. However, for great weather that balances the cold winters and the bright summers, spring is the most ideal season to visit Christchurch. The city's landscape turns into a beautiful expanse of hues thanks to all the flowers that bloom once the winter thaws.

Another wave of season that brings the best of Christchurch is from March to May. Summer is another favoured season that many tourists opt for as the temperatures are high compared to the Christchurch standards. However, it could get expensive as it also brings forth the tourist season. This could lead to unavailability of cheap hotels in Christchurch. To ensure that you don't pay exorbitant prices for a vacation in the city, you should make prior hotel bookings in Christchurch. You might even receive some fabulous online deals for flights and accommodation. Make sure to cover all your travel and hotel expenses before arriving in Christchurch.

Places to visit in Christchurch

The best place to start exploring Christchurch would undoubtedly be the Canterbury Museum. The museum has been part of the city since 1870, which makes it one of the top attractions in Christchurch. You will be passing through the famed Christchurch Botanic Gardens to reach the museum. It would be an ideal time to get close to the natural beauty that the park inhabits. From native to exotic plants, the garden would certainly marvel you and lift up your senses. Christchurch is big on lawns and gardens along with their food culture. You will find many parks in the city aside from the famous Botanic Gardens. North Hagley Park is also an excellent place to visit in Christchurch. It is pristine and has a very soothing and tranquil vibe.

An interesting institution to visit would be the International Antarctic Centre. Basically, this place inhabits the treasured collections of the Antarctic along with a quaint cafe and bar. Located in the centre of Christchurch is the Cathedral Square, an Anglican cathedral that offers quite a fascinating appearance. It is quite intriguing and something you might fancy. The city also has a pretty public art gallery called Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhet?, with exquisite exhibits. Next on the list could be the exquisite T?ranga - Christchurch Central Library, located at the heart of the Canterbury city, basically a haven for bibliophiles. You can also check out the Air Force Museum in the city which was earlier named The Royal New Zealand Air Force Museum.

Things to do in Christchurch

Lake Roto Kohatu is a lovely small lake that is nestled in the city limits of Christchurch. The place is surrounded by lush green grasses which make it an ideal picnic spot. You can always opt to carry a lovely picnic basket along with some fun activity list and head to the lake with family. There are boating facilities also available on the lake, something you can opt for as a tourist. Christchurch's most popular location is the Sumner Beach. Its beauty and serenity with the cold blue waters rushing to the shores makes it quite a spectacle. Not to mention how it also offers a plethora of water and beachy activities that you can take up. Exploring the Tuawera - Cave Rock located on the outskirts of the Sumner beach is also worth exploring. It is known for its unusual formation which is a result of a volcano

Another interesting activity to take up would be taking up Punt rides. With plush seats on the punt and a person rowing it, you can enjoy the scenic views of the Avon River. It is a romantic setting and might go well with you and your partner. You can also opt for canoe riding at the Antigua Boatsheds. The boatshed is actually a famous tourist attraction, and you can also take up boating as an activity. You can also rent a bike and ride up the trails in the Bottle Lake Forest Park. The park has some extraordinary views that would leave your spellbound. While you might have a lot of things to do in Christchurch, do not miss out on indulging in their food culture. The city prides itself on the fabulous slew of food establishments.

Food and restaurants in Christchurch

Christchurch's food culture is fabulous and perfect for foodies. As a coastal city, one would assume that Christchurch is rich in seafood and has multiple joints favouring the same. However, you would be surprised to know that the city actually houses an abundance of international cuisine from Indian vegetarian to European-fusion. An elegant noon with a spread of delectable gourmet food served with piping hot tea paints quite a Victorian picture, yes? Places such as Penny Black Victorian Tearoom, 50 Bistro, Mona Vale Homestead and Pantry, Social Wine Bar and The Tea Rooms are some of the establishments that offer an English ambience teamed with lip-smacking food and top-notch tea.

Christchurch has a soft spot for dumplings and Asian food. They simply cannot do without dumplings in their platter. If you also fall in the same category, then you should visit some of their fine food establishments with Asian cuisine. Zen Sushi and Dumplings, King of Snake, Shanghai Street Dumplings, Pot Sticker Dumpling Bar and The China Kitchen, are some places where you will find some lip-smacking food as well as an authentic Asian vibe. If coffee is what you seek, you should check out Coffee Embassy Espresso Bar, Black and White Coffee Cartel, Underground Coffee Roasters and Unknown Chapter, to name a few.

Not just roasteries but the city also favours breweries with aplenty in the locality. When in Christchurch, you should head to The Institution, Craft Embassy, Dux Central, Welles Street and Smash Palace for the best-crafted beer. While there are lovely food joints and breweries to keep you busy, ignoring your sweet tooth would be a crime. Don't miss the bakeries of Christchurch for they have some exquisite cakes, pastries, and baked goods to elevate your senses. Their bakeries also have a lovely melange of culture from Danish puffs to Dutch apple pies. The city sells culture on a platter which makes it quite an experience. You should head to some classic bakeries such as Copenhagen Bakery, Glamour Cake, Bakermans of Fendalton, Japanz Bakery and Vic's Bakehouse.

How to reach Christchurch

Christchurch airport has brilliant flight connectivity with some of the Indian cities. Although there are no direct flights flying to Christchurch from India, they do have a slew of connecting flights and layovers that make the journey possible. There are only a few dedicated flights flying to Christchurch from India, but they are available regularly. Airlines such as Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Malaysia Airlines, Etihad Airways, Emirates, to name a few, have flights to Christchurch from India. The most popular route to Christchurch often taken by travellers is from Singapore. Since the flight connectivity to Christchurch from Singapore is comparatively good. Not to mention how it has the most number of flights flying to the New Zealand city, it only makes sense to opt for this international route to reach Christchurch. Most of the flights flying to Christchurch from India have layovers in international cities such as Singapore, Auckland, Melbourne, Wellington, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Abu Dhabi, to name a few.

Although there are flights that would reach you in about 19 hours and 10 minutes, the flight tickets to Christchurch with such time duration would be expensive. In fact, it might cost you in lakhs to book a single journey to Christchurch from India, if you opt for the fastest flight. However, the most popular flights considered for Christchurch fall under the price range of INR 47,000 to INR 51,000. These flights to Christchurch will reach you in about 21 hours and five minutes, depending on the connectivity and weather. There is no additional transit visa required to fly to Christchurch from India. Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai are the prime cities where you will find flights to Christchurch. New Zealand, in general, is quite expensive as a country so you will have to ensure that you have reserved enough money for this trip. The flight tickets to Christchurch alone are super costly. If you make prior flight bookings to Christchurch, then you might receive some excellent online flight deals.

  About Auckland

New Zealand's most populous city, Auckland, is known to be one of the best cities to visit for a cheap winter vacation. Auckland is a cosmopolitan city that houses multitudes of races and cultures. Not to mention how it is also the abode to the largest Polynesian population in the globe. The city was once a British colony and hence, continues to have some Victorian influence in their lifestyle as well as architecture. The city is known to be one of the most overpriced cities in the world. Yet, thanks to the humble crowd and beautiful landscapes, it easily becomes one of the best places to settle in. The city is vibrant with music and food festivals that take place in spring and autumn, respectively.

Booking flight tickets to Auckland well in advance would be favourable for you. Since the city will be an expensive rendezvous, by striking good flight deals to Auckland, you will be able to enjoy the city's spirit. Not to mention, booking hotels in Auckland much before the date of arrival is also essential. That way, you might be able to get some cheap deals on accommodation as well.

Best time to visit Auckland

The start of autumn in Auckland are pleasant with the temperatures ranging between 10 degree Celsius to 22 degree Celsius which makes it ideal for tourists to engage in outdoor activities. It is easily the best time to indulge in adventure sports such as zip-lining, hiking and exploring the city's green expanses. The months from March to May, which is basically the autumn season, witnesses the most charming weather. Aside from indulging in outdoor activities, travellers mostly root for various festivals that are held around the city. The months are ideal for budget-travellers. In fact, booking a hotel in Auckland during this season is also quite affordable. Patrons of art and culture festivals would have the time of their life during their visit to Auckland in autumn, courtesy all the festive vibe of the place.

September to November is also known to be ideal for a trip to Auckland. These months experience spring season with the cold winters melting away to welcome the summers. Spring is basically the onset of summer and touted to be one of the best seasons for Auckland. Interestingly, since it prepares the city for summers, the weather is charming and the vibe friendly. Although the temperatures are normally on the lower side of the thermometer, you will still enjoy the cold breeze and the occasional showers. During spring, the locals unite to ring in a food festival where there are dozens of delicious dishes that are Auckland-special.

Not only will you experience astounding flavours mixing together but will also enjoy the festive mood that takes over. Flights to Auckland during this time see a tremendous spike as it is the best time to travel. In fact, months from September to February are ideal for travellers who arrive from tropical cities. The summers would also feel like winter. Booking hotel rooms in Auckland during the spring or even summer season would be quite pricey. Unless you have some good saved up miles or savings in general, travelling here during peak season would burn a hole in your pocket.

Summers are perfect in Auckland as the sun is bright while the atmosphere is cool. People traversing from countries with hot climates would find the summers amiable and cool enough. However, summers also bring a plethora of adventure junkies and abundant tourists. No wonder the accommodation prices in Auckland during these months spike up. But if you manage to place in advance, you might be able to snag some cheap flight deals to Auckland and on hotel room prices.

Places to visit in Auckland

One of the biggest attractions in New Zealand has got to be the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. It is a natural wonder located a little away from Auckland but hosts illuminating glowworms that rest easy on the cave ceiling of Waitomo. The exquisite blue lights that they illuminate is scintillating. You can use either a kayak in the cave, or you can book a boat ride to visit the caves. The Auckland Zoo is located approximately 6 km away from the main city. The huge animal sanctuary is sprawled across a vast expanse of green lands which is known to host the largest population of exotic as well as native animals in all of New Zealand.

Many people are not well aware of the history and culture of New Zealand. Having been down under, the country is still a fresh new chapter that needs to be explored for many enthusiasts. With a view to educating tourists about the Maori people and their illustrious history, the city maintains an Auckland War Memorial Museum. The museum sheds light on the militia history of the country as well as venerates the martyrs. Auckland's fame majorly comes from two tourist attractions, the Hobbiton movie set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Although the movie set is located about 177 km away from the main city, the set is a must-visit for all The Lord Of the Rings and The Hobbit movie franchise fans. The lush green spread is too beautiful for words, as is the movie-set experience. Another top attraction of Auckland is the famed Mount Eden, known for its dormant volcano.

Things to do in Auckland

Much like the famous Central Park in New York, the Cornwall Park of Auckland holds the same stature in the country. The park literally sits on a volcanic cone with extensive greenery and dense forests. As you walk around the park, you will find relics of the Maori fort and even the remains of the park's donor, Sir John Logan Campbell. The Waitakere Ranges Regional Park beckons travel and adventure junkies who simply want to unwind by taking up some fun activity. The regional park is sprawled across 40,000 acres of beaches and forests, making it quite an attractive site. The place also accommodates bird-watching, hiking, strolling, biking and taking a swim in the water. Just a day here would put you in a comfortable space. Be it the foodie in you or the adventure seeker, Waiheke island is the ideal spot for you if the water is what you seek.

Devonport is an important harbour in the suburbs of Auckland. The port offers a stunning view of the city and is perfect for photography. You can carry your cameras with you and start clicking away postcard-worthy memories. Aside from all the photography, you can also take a stroll around the harbour and relish the lovely colonial architecture as well as amazing wine and dine options. When in Auckland, you should definitely indulge in some wine tasting and tours of the vineyard. The idea of meeting new people during the wine tour while you sip on exquisite wine sure sounds like a good plan, right? Plus, the vast expanses of the vineyard would undoubtedly intrigue you.

Food and restaurants in Auckland

Auckland's cuisine is all about fresh kiwi and appetising seafood. Some of the signature dishes include hokey pokey, Pavlova, bluff oysters, green-lipped mussels and the all-time favourite, fish and chips. To get the best of these dishes though, here are some restaurants that you should check out during your trip to Auckland. One Tree Grill restaurant and Kazuya Restaurant appeal to a few travellers who are all about experimenting. Whereas the other famous kitchens include Ela Cuisine, Azabu, Best Ugly Bagels, The Sugar Club, Depot Eatery and Oster Bar.

How to reach Auckland

By Air

Auckland Airport is one of the busiest airports in New Zealand. The airport has domestic as well as international flights flying to and from Auckland. Dedicated international flights to Auckland are not present from India yet. You will have to take multitudes of connecting flights to reach the city in New Zealand. There are international routes connecting Auckland to India via cities such as Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai. Airlines such as Thai Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines are known to have frequent flights to Auckland from India. However, they are not directly connected so you will probably have to change flights from Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, depending on which airlines or international route to Auckland you pick.

Singapore Airlines' flights to Auckland from Mumbai are recognised as the fastest route as it takes roughly 16 hours to reach. Meanwhile, cities such as Delhi and Chennai see slight differences in the flight duration. Flight connectivity to Auckland is quite decent from India and favourable to travellers as there are options of airlines to choose from. Flight tickets to Auckland vary depending on the city you choose to travel from.

By Water

Travelling across continents and covering oceans in the process is not a viable option to reach Auckland from India. The international route to Auckland from India via water would take approximately 30 to 35 days. Unless you're going on an expedition where you boycott flying and opt to use cheaper and time-consuming modes of transport, cruises work for you. Even then, the connectivity to Auckland from India is not available via sea. Flights to Auckland from India are your best bet. Plus, depending on the season you choose or how you make use of your miles, you might be able to acquire great flight deals to Auckland. Perhaps even cheap and affordable tickets to Auckland? Travelling by air is comparatively safer and quicker, so look no further.