Cheap flights from Melbourne (MEL) to Christchurch (CHC)
Search and book cheap flight tickets from Melbourne to Christchurch
Flight Information: Melbourne to Christchurch
Shortest flight duration
3 hour(s), 20 minute(s)
Flight Schedule from Melbourne to Christchurch
Airline | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Origin airport | Destination airport | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Air New Zealand | 17:10 | 23:35 | Melbourne (MEL) | Christchurch (CHC) | Book flight |
 Virgin Australia | 17:10 | 23:35 | Melbourne (MEL) | Christchurch (CHC) | Book flight |
 Qantas | 18:40 | 01:10 (+1 day) | Melbourne (MEL) | Christchurch (CHC) | Book flight |
 Emirates | 18:40 | 01:10 (+1 day) | Melbourne (MEL) | Christchurch (CHC) | Book flight |
Which is the cheapest month to fly from Melbourne to Christchurch?
Frequently Asked Questions
Air New Zealand flies nonstop up to twice a day, Qantas offers a full-service nonstop option with meals and checked baggage included, and Jetstar is the budget nonstop choice on this route.
Flying nonstop takes 3 hours and 20 minutes across the Tasman. A connecting itinerary will add at least a few extra hours.
Return fares typically sit around AU$175–225 each way, with current deals starting from AU$468. Jetstar's budget fares tend to undercut the full-service options on this route.
No. Australian passport holders don't need a visa to visit New Zealand under the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement. Travellers on a non-Australian passport, including permanent residents, should check New Zealand's visa requirements separately.
You'll land at Christchurch Airport (CHC), about 10 kilometres from the city centre. The Metro bus and Super Shuttle vans both run from the terminal, or taxis and rideshares are available for a 15–20 minute trip into town.
Prices tend to rise around Easter and New Zealand and Australian school holidays. Flying in the shoulder months outside those windows, and booking two to three months ahead, generally gets you a better fare.
Melbourne runs on GMT +10, or GMT +11 during daylight saving, while Christchurch sits on GMT +12, or GMT +13 during New Zealand's own daylight saving. Since the two countries shift their clocks at slightly different times of year, the gap sits at around 2 to 3 hours, with Christchurch ahead.
Search the route on Traveloka to compare Air New Zealand, Qantas and Jetstar fares side by side, set a Price Alert for fare drops, and check the promotions page for current deals like Boxing Day or EOFY sales.
About Christchurch
Fly from Melbourne to New Zealand’s garden city, where the Southern Alps meet the sea. Touch down beside the Avon River / Ōtākaro to wander a city that’s grown fresh from its roots to stem, with its green parks, street art, and riverside eats at Riverside Market. Glide up the Christchurch Gondola, stroll the Botanic Gardens, or watch the Cathedral Square spire rise again. Add a day in Akaroa, Hanmer Springs, or Arthur’s Pass for a taste of South Island adventure. Cheap Melbourne to Christchurch flights make it all an easy hop away.
Airlines flying direct from Melbourne to Christchurch
You’ve got three solid choices for an easy hop across the Tasman, whether you’re chasing comfort, convenience, or a sharp fare:
- Air New Zealand: Daily direct flights with Kiwi warmth, complimentary snacks, checked baggage, and Airpoints Dollars on every fare. A smooth ride from city to city.
- Qantas: Full-service comfort with meals, drinks, entertainment, and Qantas Frequent Flyer points included. Ideal if you like everything sorted before you board.
- Jetstar: A budget-friendly favourite where you can start with a simple seat and build your own extras, from baggage to meals. Perfect for a quick, easy getaway.
Flight time from Melbourne to Christchurch
When flying direct, it takes around {shortestHour} hours and {shortestMinute} minutes to travel from Melbourne to Christchurch. The flight crosses the Tasman in one stretch with a few first glimpses of the Southern Alps thrown in before you land.
Average price of flights between Melbourne and Christchurch
Return fares on the Melbourne–Christchurch route usually range between AU$455 and AU$700, with current deals starting from {flightCheapestPrice}. Prices often rise in April and over the December–January holiday stretch, then ease off from late summer into early autumn. For the best value, book two to three months ahead and watch Traveloka sales like Boxing Day, Click Frenzy Travel, and EOFY for flight discounts and bonus coupons.
Cheapest time to fly to Christchurch
The cheapest month to fly from Melbourne to Christchurch is {cheapestMonth}. March brings a calm between peak seasons, making it perfect for Avon River punting, or a slow wander through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Prices climb in April as Easter and school holidays draw visitors for events like the Christchurch Buskers Festival. Plan ahead and keep an eye on Traveloka’s promo page to lock in low fares on flights to Christchurch, New Zealand.
Where is the airport in Christchurch?
Christchurch Airport (CHC) sits about ten kilometres northwest of the city centre, and is roughly a 15–20-minute drive. Taxis and rideshares wait just outside International Arrivals, with Super Shuttle vans offering shared transfers straight from the terminal. Travellers can also hop on a Metro bus from the northern end of Arrivals, beside the Novotel, for an easy, low-cost ride into town. Car-hire desks and campervan shuttles make road-tripping simple, while Zilch’s electric car-share hubs offer a greener option between the airport and the city.
Visa and passport requirements for Australians flying to Christchurch
Aussies don’t need a visa to visit New Zealand for stays of up to three months, thanks to the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement. You’ll just need a valid Australian passport to clear immigration. Dual nationals travelling on a non-Australian passport may need to apply for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before departure.
Time difference between Melbourne and Christchurch
Melbourne runs on Australian Eastern Time (GMT +10) and moves to GMT +11 during daylight saving. Christchurch operates on New Zealand Standard Time (GMT +12), shifting to GMT +13 in summer. The time gap between the two cities sits around two to three hours, depending on the season. Your flight itinerary already adjusts to local arrival time.
Our tips to getting the best price on flights
- Book early: Lock in your fare two to three months ahead and book cheap flights from Melbourne to Christchurch with Traveloka to save even more.
- Use Traveloka tools: Set a Flight Alert for fare drops and check the promo page during Boxing Day, EOFY, and Click Frenzy Travel for limited-time coupons and discounts.
- Compare inclusions: Full-service airlines often include baggage and meals, which can work out cheaper than adding extras later.
- Travel midweek: Tuesday and Wednesday flights tend to cost less, leaving more for coffee spots or brunch near The Terrace.
- Take advantage of extras: Use app-only deals, and seasonal sales to stretch your travel budget and stay flexible.
Why trust Traveloka with your flight booking
- All in one place: Compare and book flights to Christchurch, nearby hotels, car hire, and attraction tickets in one app.
- Seasonal savings: Catch deals during Boxing Day, EOFY, and Click Frenzy Travel, plus extra coupons on the Traveloka promo page.
- Transparent pricing: What you see is what you pay. No hidden fees for baggage, meals, or extras.
- Exclusive perks: Enjoy app-only discounts, Traveloka Rewards, and SIM card offers that make exploring Riverside Market, the Botanic Gardens, or Christchurch’s music scene even easier.
Ready for your Christchurch adventure?
More than just flights to Christchurch, Traveloka helps you plan every part of your trip, from stays near the Avon River or Botanic Gardens to tickets for the Gondola or a day trip to Akaroa Harbour for dolphin cruises.
Other popular destinations in New Zealand from Melbourne:
- Melbourne to Auckland flights: New Zealand’s biggest city, where harbourside dining meets volcanic day trips.
- Melbourne to Wellington flights: The creative capital known for its cafés, craft beer, and harbour walks.
- Melbourne to Queenstown flights: The South Island’s adventure hub framed by mountains and lake views.
- Melbourne to Dunedin flights: Heritage streets, wildlife encounters, and student energy on the Otago coast.
- Melbourne to Rotorua flights: Geothermal wonders, forest trails, and Māori culture in the North Island’s heart.
Flying in the other direction? Here’s everything you need to know about the reverse journey from Christchurch to Melbourne.
Flight Information to Christchurch
Flight Duration | 3 hr(s) 20 mins |
Airport in Melbourne | |
Airport in Christchurch |
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