Getting to Christchurch

Christchurch, on the east coast, is the largest city in New Zealand's South Island. Affectionately known as the "Garden City", Christchurch has a strong British influence and is often noted as being more English than England.

BY AIR:

Christchurch International Airport is a major international and domestic hub. Located approximately 15 minutes west of the central city, Christchurch International Airport is an easy drive from most of the city's attractions.

International connections arrive from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Singapore, Los Angeles, London, Japan and Korea. Airlines flying into Christchurch International Airport include Air New Zealand, Qantas, Pacific Blue, Emirates, Freedom Air, Singapore Airlines, Japan Airlines, Korean Air and Asiana. Christchurch International Airport is also a departure point for Antarctic expeditions, and is home to the International Antarctic Centre.

Domestic routes in and out of Christchurch include Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Rotorua, New Plymouth, Napier, Wellington, Nelson, Blenheim, Hokitika, Oamaru, Wanaka, Queenstown, Dunedin, Invercargill, and the Chatham Islands. The domestic airlines are Air New Zealand, Pacific Blue and Qantas.

BY ROAD:

AUCKLAND TO CHRISTCHURCH: Follow the Southern Motorway south out of the city for around 50kms. Continue on State Highway 1 to Ngaruawahia. Turn right onto State Highway 39, and follow for 70kms to Otorohanga. At Otorohanga head south on State Highway 3 to Eight Mile Junction. From Eight Mile Junction follow State Highway 4 south to Wanganui. From Wanganui follow State Highway 3 to Samson, and then turn right onto State Highway 1. Continue south on State Highway 1 for 145kms to Wellington. From Wellington take the interisland ferry to Picton - a journey of 3 hours. From Picton follow State Highway 1 south for 337kms to Christchurch.

Driving Time: 13 hours 45 minutes Ferry Time: 3 hours Total Time: 16 hours 45 minutes

WELLINGTON TO CHRISTCHURCH: From Wellington take the interisland ferry south to Picton - a journey of around 3 hours. From Picton follow State Highway 1 south for 337kms to Christchurch.

Driving Time 4 hours 55 minutes Ferry Time: 3 hours Total Time: 7 hours 55 minutes

QUEENSTOWN TO CHRISTCHURCH: From Queenstown head north on State Highway 6 through the Kawarau Gorge, to Cromwell. At Cromwell turn right onto State Highway 8, and follow for 240kms to Fairlie (through Omarama and Tekapo). At Fairlie head 45kms to Geraldine following State Highway 79. Continue 16kms on State Highway 79 to join State Highway 1 at Rangitata. From Rangitata continue north on State Highway 1 for 123kms to Christchurch.

Driving Time: 6 hours 30 minutes

BY RAIL: Two scenic train journeys can be taken to Christchurch - the TranzCoastal and TranzAlpine. The TranzCoastal train journey departs Picton for Christchurch daily, meeting the Interisland ferry crossing. This stunning journey takes passengers through the Marlborough wine region, before following the breathtaking Kaikoura coastline into Canterbury.

The TranzAlpine is rated as one of the world's most scenic train journeys, and traverses the Southern Alps from Greymouth to Christchurch daily. The journey takes you from the wild West Coast, through the rugged Southern Alps, and out into the vast Canterbury Plains. A superb winter trip, the TranzAlpine is a great way to experience the constantly changing scenery of Canterbury and the West Coast.