Christchurch to Nice 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 Nice

Located on the coast of Baie des Anges and the capital of the Alpes-Maritimes department on the French Riviera is the alluring city of Nice. The jewel of French Riviera, Nice boasts not just a sparkling shoreline but also historical monuments and artistic architecture.

Best time to visit Nice

For Nice, it is important that you visit the lovely coastal city in a season where the temperatures are balanced, and the hotel rooms are cheap. You need to make sure to capitalise on the hotel room rate that usually happens between March and April. The Mediterranean vibe of the city is prevalent all-round the year. Still, it is from mid-March to April and September to October when the accommodations are also pocket-friendly. The months from May to August see a multitude of crowds who wish to soak in the Mediterranean bliss and hot temperatures. It is also the time when the hotel prices surge to an exorbitant level. You will need to fill your pockets with some heavy euros to make it through summer in Nice. Perks of the season are some of the beautiful festivals that take place including, Nice International Film Festival, Nice Jazz Festival, Crossover Festival and Festival du Livre. It is recommended that you make prior bookings of hotels and flights to Nice if you're rooting for summer. If you're opting for September and October, you don't have to worry much about the excess crowd as well as accommodation prices.

Tourists can visit some of the famous attractions but expect a little crowd. However, it won't be as crowded as how the summers are in Nice. In fact, you will be able to soak in the Mediterranean sun as well as enjoy sightseeing. There are no major festivals that take place during this time of the year, so you'll probably not be able to indulge in the exciting ambience of it. But for solitude and happy vibes, the place remains open. Mid-March to April are also good months to hang out in Nice. The French Riviera bustles with fewer crowds but beautiful weather. The spring season is actually quite pleasant in Nice as the temperature ranges from 14 degree Celsius to 16 degree Celsius. The weather remains calm, but the warm sun adds to the experience. Plus, there is an interesting event that the city hosts, International Dog Show. If you are someone who loves canines, you should definitely check this event out. Plus, during spring, the hotel bookings in Nice continue to remain low-priced, giving way to a comfortable stay, maybe even facing the sea.

Places to visit in Nice

Place Masséna is the first place you can start. It is the city's main square and has a bunch of interesting things to do around the vicinity. The next could be a visit to the Promenade des Anglais (English Walk). The pebbly shore with a beachfront is a sight for the sore eyes. Castle Hill (Colline du Chateau) with its scenic location is highly recommended. You shouldn't miss Nice Beaches because they are eccentric and too gorgeous. If you are an art patron, then you should pay a visit to the Musée d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain, popularly known as Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art. To make things a little religious, you can also check out St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral. Garden of the Cimiez Monastery is another lovely locale that would marvel you. It is basically an orchard and vegetable garden that was used by monks in the old times. To make your experience more luxe, you can visit Palais Lascaris, which once belonged to the first noble families of the city.

Things to do in Nice

French Riviera is known for its vineyards. A trip to the vineyard and learning more about how wine is made would be quite the experience. You will not regret this, especially since the wine produced in Nice is recognised worldwide for creating the best wines. You can also take up a stroll down the Old Town to savour all the lovely architecture and quaint streets. There are some cafes and restaurants nestled in the nook and corner of Vieille Ville that will marvel you. A hike up to the Parc du Mont Boron is also something that you can undertake. The 7 miles long hiking trails is blessed with some scenic beauty that eventually overlooks Nice. The panoramic views would certainly leave an impact on you. The best way to go through the city would be by renting a cycle. There are some cycle tours that takes place in Nice, which you can probably join.

Food and Restaurants in Nice

The cuisine of Nice slightly tweaks the traditional French cuisine and adds a bit of Mediterranean flavour to it. Hence, while you will find fresh cheese, vegetables and meat, they'll come with a refreshing twist of flavours inspired by the Mediterranean lifestyle. The Niçoise cuisine has seafood as their staple food. It is not surprising considering how the city is located on the coast, making fish and seafood easy to acquire. Expect tuna and anchovies tossed with fresh baby tomatoes, green leafy vegetables and green beans with a light olive oil dressing to complete the traditional Niçois salad. This is a famous local dish that you will get to taste and you must. There are Italian-inspired pissaladieres too which include anchovies and caramelised onions as the topping to small-sized pizzas. To make the most of the Niçoise cuisine, you should visit Vieux-Nice (Old Town) as well as Port District. These two places have a slew of restaurants and food establishments that glorify the Niçoise cuisine. One of the popular places to visit would be the Restaurant Le Frog. The place specialises in French and classic Mediterranean meals.

You should know that the French cuisine has a snail appetiser, prominently known as escargot. While you do have the option to try it out here at Nice, it can be clubbed with a lovely entree and drinks. For a less-expensive but wholesome food experience in Nice, you can visit some of the food establishments close to Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate in Vieux-Nice. Les Gaiçons is a famous establishment known for its gourmet French food. Many more restaurants are also available close to the Promenade des Anglais (Walk of the English). Places such as La Route Du Miam, Les Amourex, Cumin et Cannelle, Eden Garden, Polly and Cie, to name a few. These places will certainly upscale your French rendezvous with lip-smacking food. Expecting international or rather global cuisine in Nice is being very hopeful. The city celebrates French and Niçois cuisine and doesn't entertain any other global kitchen. In fact, at the most, you can find African and contemporary cuisine, but that is the extent.

How to reach Nice

Flight connectivity to Nice from India is immaculate. There are a plethora of flight options that take off from India to Nice. Although there are no direct flights to Nice from India, the flight connectivity to Nice is so good that travellers can reach without having to compromise on the duration and layovers. The international route to Nice, which goes from major European and Middle Eastern countries have connecting flights at a convenient time-frame. Airlines such as Aeroflot, Alitalia, Emirates, KLM Royal Dutch, Air France, Emirates, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Swiss, Lufthansa, to name a few, have regular flights to Nice. Both Mumbai and Delhi have excellent flight connectivity to Nice with a plethora of airlines servicing from the cities. The best thing about Nice is how the flight duration from the two major cities is also quite agreeable. Originally, it takes close to 10 hours to reach Nice from India. However, with the provision of some of the airlines and flights from Mumbai and Delhi, the duration to reach Nice is met with. There are layovers in international cities such as Dubai, Paris, Amsterdam, Munich, Moscow, Rome, London, to name a few.

Flight tickets to Nice from Mumbai and Delhi are quite cheap and affordable. You will actually be able to round off your trip in as less as INR 50,000. As long as you make prior flight bookings to Nice, you will be eligible for cheap travel. It doesn't limit flights with long durations and layovers. You can reach Nice within 12 hours tops from Mumbai and Delhi on a cheap flight ticket. Travelling to Nice from India is very convenient. You might even be able to snag some flight deals to Nice online. Make sure that you book your accommodations in Nice well in advance. Flights to Nice might be cheap, but the accommodation is equally steep. A little snooping on the internet could get you some lovely deals for flights and accommodation too. If you are collecting miles for travel, this could be the right time to earn more or splurge the ones you have been saving. Nice is worth all the miles earned as one of the poshest cities not just in France but worldwide too. While you're travelling to the city, some airlines or layovers might require a transit Schengen visa. You can get the same at the embassy or online.