Dhaka to Christchurch Flights

  About Dhaka

Nestled close to the lovely Buriganga river is the capital of Bangladesh, Dhaka. The city has an excess population and exquisite architecture, inspired by the Mughal, British and American rule.

Best time to visit Dhaka

The busiest months for Dhaka are June, January and February. The seasons of Dhaka are quite similar to the ones faced in the North Eastern locales of India. However, they are slightly tweaked depending on the impact of the rains and summer. June is the onset of summer and hence, a very comfortable time to visit. The air is continuously humid, which could be another reason to avoid this time of the year. March through May is spring for Dhaka and the weather is slightly tolerable. Expect some rain though even during spring as the city is known to face regular rains throughout the year. Spring becomes a favoured month among travel enthusiasts who wish to visit the city as the hotel rooms are cheap. Even if you don't make prior reservations, you will find cheap hotels in Dhaka during this season. The crowd in the city is also comparatively few, making it easier for you to venture around.

You will find many cheap flight and hotel deals to Dhaka if you opt for spring. Fall is another such season when the flight and hotel prices are low, allowing tourists to get the perks of good deals. September through November is not ideal for tourism though as the showers can get very risky. The torrential rains could even lead to floods and waterlogging in the city of Dhaka. The city witnesses excess rain from the winds arriving from the Bay of Bengal, which gets really murky. Tourism sees a tremendous dip during this season, making hotel prices very cheap and affordable. The best time to visit though, aside from spring is winter. With temperatures that stand at 223 degree Celsius as opposed to the exorbitant ones during summer, Dhaka's winters are very beautiful. However, as this is a busy time for tourism in the country, you might have a tough time finding decent accommodation in the city. Plus, the prices would also be quite high. The best thing to do to get cheap and affordable deals would be to make prior hotel bookings in Dhaka.

Places to visit in Dhaka

The city has a plethora of lovely neighbourhoods that can be explored. There are a few religious sites that you can start with when visiting in Dhaka. These establishments are top tourist attractions in Dhaka and definitely worth your time. You can start with the Armenian Church of Holy Resurrection which was erected back in 1781 by American missionaries. You do not need a specific tour guide to take you through this place. You also have the Holy Rosary Church to visit. Dhaka also houses many mosques as it is predominantly an Islamic country. You will find exquisite mosques in the city. Check out some prominent ones such as the Baitul Mukarram Mosque, Chawk Mosque, Hussaini Dalan Mosque, Musa Khan mosque and Sitara mosque. It is imperative that you follow some protocols of the religion before entering the mosque as they are very strict about their customs. The city also has a Hindu temple, Dhakeshwari Temple, which was built in the 12th century.

An important tourist attraction in the city is the Lalbagh Fort. The fort, built during the Mughal era, has witnessed some bloody wars in the old times. In fact, the spot has experienced some of the biggest iconic moments in Bangladesh's history and hence, holds a prominent position in their cultural heritage. You should also check out the Curzon Hall, which has now been transformed into the University of Dhaka. Also, do not miss the Banga Bhaban, the official abode to the president of Bangladesh. The palace has been heavily inspired by the British India era and reflects the same. The 1857 Memorial is a spot worth checking out. It is basically a vast expanse of memorial that has been built to honour the martyrs who perished during the first Liberation War that took place to oppose the British rule. Do not miss the National Poet's graveyard as well, which is the tomb of the revolutionary poet, Kazi Nazrul Islam. The National Botanical Gardens is a beautiful location within the city which transports you from the excess noise of Dhaka to tranquillity.

Things to do in Dhaka

There are quite a handful of things that you can do during your stay in Dhaka. As part of your excursion to learn more about the city, you can visit the National Museum. The place will take you through the past and struggles of Bangladesh before being blessed with freedom and a separate nation of its own. You can also visit the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum and known more about Bangladesh's freedom fighter Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, also called, 'Father of the Nation'. The Dhaka Zoo is another interesting place you can visit when in the city. The zoo has many species of exotic birds and animals including the profound Royal Bengal Tiger. The Sadarghat River Front is also a beautiful place where you can relax and unwind after a long day of indulging in tourist activities. The riverfront rests on the banks of the lovely Buriganga river. You can further elevate your experience by taking up boat rides.

Food and Restaurants in Dhaka

Dhaka has an abundance of food varieties ranging from traditional Bangladeshi food to Chinese, Indian and even Mexican cuisine. Most of the food is served in buffet style at these restaurants with fixed prices so you should carry enough cash with you. To get the best of Dhaka's fine dining scene, you should visit Gulshan, Baridhara, Lalmatia, Banani and Dhanmondi. These streets have elite food establishments with international cuisine. You would be surprised and amazed by some of the astounding joints that these streets have in Dhaka. La Forchetta is one such restaurant that brings the flavours of Italy on a platter. It is one of the best Italian joints in the city and definitely recommended. The city also has steakhouses with a food establishment called Steakhouse.

A&W is one of the famous burger joints with special American-style burger served with fries and a rootbeer float. They also have a jukebox in the background that would take you back in time. Bamboo Shoot is another fantastic restaurant especially in Chinese and Thai food. Adding to the authenticity of the joint are a number of Chinese expats who seem to relish the food here. Bella Italia is another food restaurant that was founded by an individual who served at an Italian restaurant. For some local food, you should check out Dhanshiri, located in Gulshan street. The food served here celebrates the Bangladeshi food and is served at a reasonable price. You can also check out Gulshan Khabar Ghar for some more local food. The cafe scene in Dhaka is also quite good and something you would enjoy. Mermaid Cafe, Bittersweet Cafe are some places where you will get good coffee and baked goods. The ambience served is just as exquisite.

How to reach Dhaka (Transportation)

By Air

Flight connectivity to Dhaka from India is excellent. As a neighbouring country, a majority of flights to Bangladesh sees a layover in Kolkata. In fact, you will find direct and nonstop flights to Dhaka from Kolkata. The city's proximity to Bangladesh's capital makes it possible. This is the most popular route to Dhaka often chosen by travellers visiting the city from India. There are no direct nonstop flights to Dhaka from any other city in the country. If you are travelling from Mumbai or Delhi, you will have to change flights at Kolkata. From Delhi though, Biman Bangladesh is the only airline that has reserved a nonstop direct flight to Dhaka. Besides this, much of the airlines opt for a layover in Kolkata. Many Indian airlines such as SpiceJet, IndiGo and Vistara, have regular flights to Dhaka. However, they all travel till Kolkata, from where Biman Bangladesh takes the passengers to Dhaka. Flights to Dhaka from India also take international routes with layovers in cities such as Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Colombo and Istanbul, depending on the airlines chosen.

The flight tickets to Dhaka are extremely cheap from India. You can get flight tickets to Dhaka for as less as INR8,000. The flight duration is also quite decent with popular airlines reaching in less than five hours. Of course, these flights are expensive as compared to the ones who reach Dhaka in 12 hours.

By Rail

Flights are not the only way to reach Dhaka, though. There is a special dedicated train that connects Dhaka and Kolkata. The Maitree Express is touted to be the first international railway line connecting Dhaka with an international city, i.e., Kolkata. It is a full-AC train which is quite posh and has luxurious services available.

By Road

AC buses to Dhaka are also available, owing to how close the cities of Dhaka and Kolkata are. Much of these buses are government-run as it has to do with international borders. These buses travel to Dhaka on alternate days and are super cheap.

  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 Hazrat Shahjalal Airport

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport is the most prominent international airport that is installed in Dhaka. It is situated about 17 km from Kurmitola. The airport is also part of the BAF Bangabandhu Base which is being utilised by Bangladesh Air Force. The airport was previously known as Dacca International Airport, which later changed to Zia International Airport, to honour Shah Jala, one of the most venerated Sufi saints from Bangladesh. Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport caters to Bangladesh's flag carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines, as a primary hub. It is also known to be a hub for many private Bangladesh-based airlines such as Regent Airways, US-Bangla Airlines and Novoair. It currently accommodates a whopping 18.5 million passengers. The first landing strip was constructed in 1941, at Kurmitola, by the British government and used for World War II's airfare.

About Airport Terminals

There are two functional terminals available at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. A third one is being constructed to expand the passenger capacity and to add more features to the airport. Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 both have international flight functions. They are located in the same building. Terminal 1 is on the ground floor, and it is used as an international arrivals hall. Meanwhile, Terminal 2 is on the upper floor and serves as the departure hall for international travels. In the domestic terminal, the arrivals and departure halls are present on the same floor. A designated VIP terminal has also been constructed with a view to accommodate Bangladesh's delegates. The terminal is only 200 meters away from the international terminals.

Terminal 3 is currently under works, the foundation of the same was laid in 2019 by Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The terminal is slated to complete on 2022. A portion of the financial assistance is being provided by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The new terminal is said to include passenger terminal with a floor that is sprawled across 64,000 sq ft, a VVIP complex, a multi-level parking bay in the building terminal and the capacity to accommodate 20 million passengers.

About Airport Authority

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport falls under the ownership of the Government of Bangladesh. It is currently operated by Civil Aviation Authority, Bangladesh (CAAB). The statutory body functions as a regulatory frame to cater to all activities that relate to aviation in Bangladesh. CAAB is recognised nationwide and is the central aviation authority. It operates under the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism. The authority is headquartered in Dhaka's Kurmitola. Over the years, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport has witnessed several upgradations and development schemes to make it better.

The airport is currently working on several extension and up-gradation plans. There is a passenger extension apron that is being constructed from foxtrot taxiway to the export cargo apron recently concluded. Along with this, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport has also laid new asphalt concrete on the runway. Along with this, consultancy services have also upgraded the airport's premise. Meanwhile, some of the works in action are improving the security system of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Additionally, there are works to develop the entire airport and expand it to accommodate more airlines.

Top airlines flying from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport

Bangladesh's proximity with India has enabled the functioning of several direct flights to the city of Dhaka. There are three Indian airlines that operate from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. In fact, the Indian airlines that operate from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport are Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet. Along with some Indian airlines, there are a few international airlines to that function from the airport. Airlines that fly from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport include Air Arabia, Air Asia, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Cathay Dragon, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Druk Air, Emirates, Gulf Air, Himalaya Airlines, Kuwait Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Maldivian, Malindo Air, Qatar Airways, Saudia, Singapore Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines and US-Bangla Airlines. The international airlines mostly connect with Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern countries. Cities such as Abu Dhabi, Kathmandu, Kuala Lumpur, Medina, Riyadh, Singapore, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Colombo, Istanbul, Doha and more, are well-connected with Dhaka.

Facilities at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport

Baggage - The airport provides several baggage services that one can avail. At the entrance of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, you can find trolleys to take your luggage inside the airport with ease. There are baggage wrapping services also available along with porter facilities and storage. For baggage wrapping, you might have to inform the airlines beforehand so they can fix it for you.

Lounge - The terminals also have a lounge. The airport lounge has services such as restaurants, relaxing spaces, complimentary shower booths and more. You can avail all of this along with their good hospitality, provided your ticket or premium membership at any of their airlines allows.

Medical services - With a view to providing services in times of medical emergencies, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport has also ensured to keep clinics in their premise. Along with clinics, the airport also has pharmacies as well as an ambulance. This is to make sure that there are enough amenities available in times of emergencies.

ATM and banks - The airport also offers some of their local banks at the premise to help with transfers and withdrawals of money. You can get access to your personal funds from the airport and avail their bank services. Further, there are foreign exchange facilities also available at the banks. They give decent rates too, making the currency exchange easier and affordable. ATMs are also present at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport so you can withdraw money and use it for currency exchange.

Hotel booking - At the airport, there is a dedicated travel agent booth. They basically help travellers with information about the city along with tours and travel packages that one can avail. The booking booth also has hotel recommendations and accommodation facilities. You can book your hotel at the airport itself. It's convenient and easy as you wouldn't have to traverse through the city a lot before finding the ideal place to stay. They have a range of hotels from mid-range to luxury.

WiFi - Free WiFi is a perk the airport gives away. This is mostly at the international terminal for passengers travelling from other countries. You can get details on how to log in to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport's network at their information desk or even the official website.

Entertainment deck - With a view to indulging and entertaining the travellers who are waiting for their boarding, the airport has also facilitated entertainment decks. These dedicated spaces have TVs that you can watch. You might have to share the space with other passengers as well since the entertainment deck's area is limited.

Prayer room - Multi-faith rooms are also available at the airport but separated for men and women. These can be found at the arrival as well as departure zones of the terminals.

Restaurants and cafe - At the departure and arrival sections of the terminals, there are many restaurants and cafes also installed. You can find dedicated restaurant spaces as well as a food court for affordable munchies and snacks. The same can be availed at the airport lounge as well. However, the lounge comes with an exorbitant cost and is exclusive to specific ticket holders or premium members.

Visitor's facility - A special deck has been installed which is called as visitor's faculty. Basically, all visitors who are dropping off passengers or expecting them, use this space to relax.

How to reach Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport has a perfect connection with downtown Dhaka. The government has constructed an eight-lane Airport Road to directly connect the airport and the main city. You can take this route to reach the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. There are many ways to reach the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport from the city centre.

Public transport

There is a dedicated railway station that directly connects with the airport. In fact, the station called Airport Railway Station is located juxtaposed to the airport. The train can be taken from within the city. You can take the train to reach the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Since the airport is currently undergoing tremendous expansion plans, the entire city has been engulfed by the airport. This means you can easily make it to the airport from anywhere in the city.

Taxicabs

Taxicab and rental services are also available at the airport and from anywhere in the city. In fact, if you have checked into one of the big hotels with airport shuttle services, you can make use of the same facility. The prices are reasonable, but you might have to haggle with the driver before getting into the car. There are many hotels located in proximity to the airport so you can easily get a room in one of these accommodation services. Rickshaw services are also available that would reach you to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.