Christchurch to Male 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 Malé

Malé atoll is the capital of the most romantic island nation of the world, the Maldives. Located beautifully in the Indian Ocean, the city is particularly famous for the azure blue waters touching white and shores. Not to mention some of the astounding hospitality, private islands and to be one of the poshest places.

Best time to visit Malé

The best part about the Maldives is the sunny, positive weather the island country receives throughout the year. The temperatures do vary, but throughout the year, it is a beautiful place with exquisite waters and weather. To visit Malé, it is recommended that you book for tickets between November and April. The weather during these months is just splendid. The peak season for the Maldives is from December through March. Basically, throughout these months, you will be able to soak in the summer sun yet not be bothered by the excess heat. This is also the dry season in the Maldives, which works perfectly well if you're planning for a romantic trip. Since it is the peak season, there might be too many tourists on the streets. Plus, the flight bookings to Malé might also be expensive. However, if you manage to get great online flight deals, then you can use your budget to splurge on some fancy water houses and hospitality services that the city is predominantly known for. The hotel reservations will also be expensive during this time, so it is best to book hotels in Malé ahead of time to avoid exorbitant rates.

Malé also receives rainfall for one half of the year. May to November is the months when the city gets maximum rainfall. June is when the monsoon is at its peak. It is not favourable to make flight bookings or hotel reservations during this time as the climate wouldn't do justice to the pristine beaches. For the rains too, the northern atolls receive torrential rains from May to November. Similarly, the high rainfalls are experienced between November to March in the southern atolls. It is essential to learn about this when you are booking your flights and hotels. The geographical stance of both the atolls would help you make better choices. From indulging in excessive scuba diving or other water sports, the rainy days would keep you nestled in your water houses. Irrespective, the city does have something in store for people booking flights and hotels in Malé during all seasons.

Places to visit in Malé

Malé Atoll is the city where you will land and before you take off to you romantic rendezvous in one of the quaint and silent islands in the Maldives, you should look around the city and visit some of the interesting places it had to offer. The city has tourist attractions which don't just limit to its blue beaches and white sands. Places such as the Malé National Museum would be a good way to start the trip. You can visit the place and learn more about the history of the island country. Over the years, the settlements have seen quite a lot of changes from Europeans to Indians to Sri Lankans. It would be an educational venture to see the exhibitions of what makes Make and the Maldives so relaxed and amazing. You should also visit the Tsunami monument while you're in the city. The monument was basically erected after the horrific 2004 Tsunami that shook the island nation.

Things to do in Malé

As an island city, Malé caters to the traditional water sports needs of tourists. You will find a slew of gorgeous islands with azure blue waters reflecting the bright yellow sun. With a view so fine and divine, you cannot expect any more of awesomeness from the place. However, Malé continues to entertain the traveller by providing a series of recreational activities that would only make them want more. Some of the fun things that you can indulge in at Malé is to do some island-hopping. As the Maldives is an archipelago, it is surrounded by a plethora of other islands tucked together. Interestingly, all the islands are diverse and have a different quality that stands out. Some are even private beaches and islands owned by people with restrictions and prohibitions. You can imagine how luxe the environment would be of the place with so much at your perusal. Water sports is a big thing here. You can indulge in a slew of fun water activities.

With clear waters, scuba diving and snorkelling are one of the fun activities to undertake. You can simply take up a short course by signing up in the city of Malé. They will take you to the coast or rather some of the places where snorkelling and diving is possible. Accordingly, you will be allowed to experience the beauty of the marine ecosystem. Similarly, some beaches in Malé also have provisions of activities such as parasailing, surfing, banana boat ride, jet ski, kite surfing, to name a few. It would be quite an expedition to visit beaches in Malé. Also, no matter what, do not skip a spa session on the island. There are countless spa establishments that offer quality massages and pamper you with some of the best products and services.

Food and Restaurants in Malé

Being surrounded by water makes seafood as Maldives' staple food. As the waters of the Indian Ocean do come with a plethora of varied fish and marine life, the same is incorporated in the food as well. With influence from the Indian, Malaysian and European cuisines, the Maldives food has coconuts and contemporary food to offer to the customers. The city of Malé is blessed with some fine restaurants and luxury food establishments which add to the experience of the travellers. One can find an abundance of lovely joints and restaurants as tourism is predominantly the highlight of Maldives. To start your food expedition, you can start from Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, which is famous for its European seafood spread. The establishments serve some of the finest and interesting dishes ranging from malossol imperial caviar, yellowtail kingfish, champagne risotto and everything downed by some lovely wine and mango sorbet.

While seafood might be the highlight of Maldivian food, you can always savour some vegetarian dishes at Muraka. The idyllic restaurant setting has a fancy wooden decor and international menu to serve. They make Maldivian tuna loin, lobster bisque, papaya salad, to name a few dishes. Simultaneously, they also have some impeccable salad options for vegetarians. The salads are derived from the Mediterranean flavours, which adds to the vibe the place has. Places such as Sala Thai, Seagull Cafe House, Shell Beans, Aioli Restaurant and Jazz Cafe offer pristine food menu and views to die for. There is no speciality dish that needs to be tasted in Malé as such since their food is derived from varied cultures and the availability of diverse fish in the water. It would be interesting to taste some random marine animal on your plate.

How to reach Malé (Transportation)

Flight connectivity to Malé from India is excellent as it is located in proximity to the country. Malé is also known as one of the most prominent places for honeymooners or romantic rendezvous. With the azure blue waters touching white sand beach shores and resorts built on top of the ocean water, it is undoubtedly a place with excess demand throughout the year. Hence, there are many flights available to Malé. In fact, you will find direct flights to Malé from Indian cities such as Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi, Bangalore, Delhi, to name a few. Airlines such as IndiGo, GoAir, Srilankan Airlines, SpiceJet, AirAsia and Vistara have regular flights flying to and from Malé. It hardly takes three hours to reach Malé from India, which makes travelling to the island country convenient. Some of the popular routes chosen to travel to Malé from India are from either Kochi or Chennai. As for international routes to Malé, Sri Lanka's Colombo is the only airport that directly connects to Malé. The island country has immaculate connectivity and a lot of demand as well.

The flight tickets to Malé are also quite cheap. In fact, you can complete a round trip to Malé from India for approximately INR 25,000 to INR 30,000. The flight costs depend on whether you are opting for a longer duration flight or if the airlines have more or less connectivity. Some of the flights to Malé are as cheap as INR 10,000, which is ideal for many budget travellers. However, this comes with some excess time spent in layovers and connecting flights. Even though the distance is quite less from India to the Maldives, you might end up spending close to nine hours in airports. You can book your flights to Malé in advance to avoid the last-minute surge in prices. You must check the season before heading to Malé. Depending on the season you choose, your flight ticket costs to Malé also change. Peak seasons often see a surge in the flight tickets to Malé so ensure that you book in advance. While you're booking your flight tickets to Malé, also make hotel reservations in the city. There are a plethora of combo deals online that you might be able to get hold of.