Cheap flights to Christchurch are available from Sydney with a host of carriers, including Emirates and Jetstar. Direct flights departing Brisbane and the Gold Coast are available on Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand. Cheap flights exiting Darwin typically include a domestic flight to Melbourne. Departures from Adelaide and Perth may transfer anywhere along the east coast and one option for cheap flights may be to book with separate carriers for each route. Both Jetstar and Air New Zealand service direct flights from Melbourne. The Christchurch Airport is located 12km from the CBD. Public RedBus services operate routes 3 and 29 into Christchurch. The Super Shuttle is less than $30 for a one-way ticket and will arrive directly at your accommodation. A taxi rank is located outside the terminal and a number of car rental companies operate within the terminal.
Although the Tramway currently remains closed, making your way around Christchurch is still simple and very cheap. Christchurch’s biggest buses, the Orbiter and the MetroStar cover the city and surrounds extensively. Cycling is a great way to see Christchurch – do it in style on a Green Goblin or Blue Monday from The Vintage Peddlers Bike Hire Co. The best way to navigate Christchurch is by car, the well signed roads make travelling on your own timetable efficient and easy.
Whether it’s the restored aircraft at the Air Force Museum or hiking the Crater Rim of the Port Hills, Christchurch has so much to offer. From Samurai Swords to live Tarantula’s, the Canterbury Museum is a great day out. See kiwi birds at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, New Zealand’s only native owl, the Morepork at Orana Wildlife Park or penguins at the International Antarctic Centre. Step back in time at Ferrymead Heritage Park or be courageous on the aerial obstacle course at Adrenaline Forest. Take a walk through the Botanic Gardens or a guided tour of the nature reserves at White Herron Sanctuary. Tothill’s Maze is a seasonal attraction running January to April but if the corn’s not ready to play, head over for a cheap game of mini-golf at Caddyshack City. Complement your Christchurch experience quad biking before relaxing in the amazing thermal pools of Hanmer Springs.
The City Mall will cover most retail needs. Visit J. Ballantyne & Co. for an amazing department store experience or upper High Street for fashion chains. Rummage at Dress Smart Outlet Shopping for last chances and bargains. Check the location ahead of time for the great stalls at The Arts Centre Market. Indulge in the 8 course tasting menu at exquisite Rotherhams of Riccarton. Sample the 500gram rib eye known as the Flintstone at One Bar & Grill or beautiful Asian at King of Snake. For a cheap meal opt for Joe’s Garage or the Burmese cuisine at Bodhi Tree. Many of the night spots around Christchurch were adversely affected by the 2011 earthquake. For the most current information check Tripadvisor reviews for pop-up bars and re-openings. A comprehensive wine list is ready for sampling at The Monday Room. Enjoy a casual evening at Lyme Bar or the Pedal Pusher and sip Jam Jar cocktails at Cargo Bar. For a lasting impression of the spirit of this stunning city, slurp the house concoction from Liquidity in a classy 1.5 foot martini glass.