Flights from Melbourne (MEL) to Christchurch (CHC)

As the most populous city in Victoria and the second most populous city in Australia, Melbourne has much to offer its residents. There are many things to do and see here, including the National Gallery of Victoria, which displays Australian and indigenous artworks, and the Melbourne Arts Precinct, which is for art enthusiasts.

Even though you live in a great city like Melbourne, sometimes you want to see a change of scenery. If you don’t feel like taking a long flight to Asia or Europe, you could always take a quick getaway to the country next door, New Zealand. One of the best cities you can visit there is Christchurch.

Melbourne to Christchurch Flights Details

If you plan to have a quick escape to Christchurch, New Zealand, get ready for everything you need to know that would make your flight comfortable and convenient.

Flight Duration and Distance

A flight to Christchurch wouldn’t take too long since the two countries are close. The distance between Melbourne in Australia and Christchurch in New Zealand is 2,405 kilometres, and to get there, you wouldn’t even need 4—3 hours and 25 minutes, to be exact. This distance would be perfect for a whirlwind city break.

Flight Route

The flight path from Melbourne to Christchurch is straightforward, almost straight. After taking off from Melbourne, you would fly above the Tasman Sea. Then, before you land in Christchurch, you can take a glimpse of New Zealand’s beautiful landscape because you can fly above Rolleston Range, Craigieburn Forest Park, Arthur’s Pass National Park, and Torlesse Tussocklands Park.

Melbourne to Christchurch Ticket Price

There are plenty of flights from Melbourne to Christchurch from which you can choose daily. The cheapest one-way ticket you could get is around 135 USD or around 205 AUD, and for a round-trip flight, the most affordable 210 USD or around 31

Of course, these prices are mere predictions, and the prices you get each time could change depending on several variables, like how far in advance you book your ticket or the timing of your booking, such as whether it’s during the holiday season or not. Also, the further in advance you book your ticket, the cheaper it could get. 

What Airlines Fly to Christchurch?

You can choose various airlines to fly from Melbourne to Christchurch, and here are the details to help you decide.

• JetStar: The first airline you could choose is the Australian low-cost airline Jetstar. This airline provides a direct flight from Melbourne to Christchurch with very good prices every day. You would get 29-inch legroom but no perks like on-demand video, free Wi-Fi, or an in-seat USB outlet.
• Air New Zealand: You could also rely on Air New Zealand for a flight to Christchurch. At a more expensive price, you would get the same legroom but with perks such as in-seat USB outlets, on-demand video, and free Wi-Fi.
• Qantas: If you prioritise comfort on your flight, then Qantas is the way to go. With Qantas, you get average legroom, which is 30-inch, free Wi-Fi, in-seat power, and USB outlets, and you can also stream media to your device.

Those are the most popular airlines that fly to Christchurch. If you want to save money, you could pick JetStar with its low prices, but if you don’t mind spending more money for your comfort, Air New Zealand and Qantas should be your picks.

Airports in Christchurch

There’s only one airport in Christchurch, and it’s called Christchurch Airport (CHC). This airport is the second largest in New Zealand, after Auckland International Airport. Christchurch Airport is the busiest airport on the South Island and is the international gateway for Christchurch and all of the South Island. It provides regular service to 15 destinations within New Zealand and around 140 international departures and arrivals every week.

Why You Should Choose Traveloka for Ticket Shopping

Getting the best flight ticket means comparing the available tickets online. To do that, you usually need to jump around between websites, which can be a headache. With Traveloka, you don’t need to do that since you can see all the available tickets and their prices in one app, making it much more practical and convenient.

Also, once you get your ticket at the best price, you can also call it even cheaper through the regular promotions and discounts that Traveloka will give you. Plus, whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a newbie, navigating Traveloka is easy; everyone can do it, and you will have no trouble.

When Is the Best Time to Visit and Explore Christchurch?

One of the best things about Christchurch is that there’s no specific best time to visit it. This is because the city’s climate is quite dry and temperate since it is located near the equator. It wouldn’t get extremely hot during the summer, and throughout all seasons, you could experience cooler temperatures. 

The autumns and winters in Christchurch could be pretty freezing, so if you plan to go there during those seasons, ensure you’re prepared with padded jackets. So if you don’t like exploring the city in the cold weather, the summer is the season you should choose to go, especially in January and February. During those months, the weather in Christchurch will be warm, friendly, and sunny, so you don’t have to worry about the cold or rain.

Throughout all seasons, there are various activities you could do in Christchurch. You could take the TranzAlpine train to admire the beauty of Arthur’s Pass and Castle Hill. If you're a Lords of the Rings fan, you could enjoy the journey to Edoras from Christchurch and watch the whales in Kaikoura from Christchurch.