Cheapest time to fly from Christchurch to Wanaka

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Distance: 307 kms
Christchurch airports
Christchurch International Airport (CHC)How far from city centre: 10 kms
Wanaka airports
Wanaka (WKA)How far from city centre: 9 kms

Comprehensive Guide to Flights from Christchurch to Wanaka

Planning a trip from Christchurch to Wanaka? You're in for a treat. Wanaka, nestled on the shores of Lake Wanaka, is a stunning destination renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, charming atmosphere, and outdoor adventures. The region boasts majestic mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and vibrant cultural experiences, making it an ideal getaway for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. The fastest way to get there is by air, and direct flights are readily available.

Flight Duration: A direct flight from Christchurch to Wanaka typically takes around 35 to 45 minutes. However, flight times can vary slightly based on weather conditions and the specific aircraft used.

Flight Frequency & Airlines: Air New Zealand and Sounds Air are two major airlines that offer direct routes between these two cities, with multiple flights daily, providing travellers with great flexibility and convenience. You won't have to worry about stopovers with direct flights.

Alternative Routes & Stopover Cities: While direct flights are generally the preferred and most convenient option, no alternative routes requiring stopovers are available for this route.

Best Time to Book: To secure the best deals, it is generally recommended to book your flights in advance, particularly during peak season, typically the months of December to February. Booking at least a couple of months prior to your travel dates is often the most cost-effective option. For budget-friendly travel, the best months to fly are usually in the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn), typically March to May and September to November, when airfares tend to be cheaper and the weather is generally pleasant.

Peak & Off-Peak Travel: Wanaka experiences its peak season during the summer months (December to February) due to warm weather and high tourist influx. The quieter periods are generally during autumn and spring (March to May and September to November).

Best time to fly to Wanaka

Wanaka enjoys a continental climate, offering pleasant summers and cool winters. Summer (December to February) boasts average highs around 17°C and lows around 12°C. Expect some rainfall, approximately 22 days per month. Winters (June to August) are cool, with average highs around 9°C and lows around 6°C. While daytime temperatures rarely drop below freezing, nighttime temperatures may get down to -2°C, leading to frosty mornings and occasional snowfall. Spring (September to November) and Autumn (March to May) provide pleasant transitional seasons, with temperatures ranging from 13°C to 14°C, providing a comfortable environment.

Christchurch airports

Christchurch has one major airport currently operating and serving commercial flights: Christchurch International Airport.

Christchurch International Airport

Christchurch International Airport (CHC), also known as Christchurch International Airport, is New Zealand's second largest airport. Opened on 18 May 1940 and becoming New Zealand's first international airport on 16 December 1950, this airport offers a wide array of domestic and international destinations. It features two terminals and serves a large number of passengers and flights every year. Recent renovations have enhanced passenger experience and efficiency.

Main airlines for this route

  • Air New Zealand
  • Sounds Air
  • Jetstar

Wanaka airports

Wanaka has one main airport that is currently in operation and serves commercial flights: Wanaka Airport.

Wanaka Airport

Wanaka Airport (WKA) is a smaller airport compared to others in the country. It mainly serves domestic flights and has a limited number of airlines operating from it. It's known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Wanaka. The airport is relatively small, modern and efficient.

Getting to Wanaka town centre from the airport is easy. A taxi is the fastest option. Alternatively, you can take a bus or hire a car. The bus journey takes a little longer than a taxi ride, and there are not many bus routes available. Renting a car provides flexibility to explore the region at your own pace.

What to do and see in Wanaka

Wanaka offers a delightful blend of outdoor adventures and relaxed exploration. With its stunning natural beauty, there are many options for your activities.

  • Hike Roy's Peak Track: This iconic hike rewards you with panoramic views of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountains. The hike is challenging but the views are worth it.
  • Explore Lake Wanaka: Spend time by the lake, swim in its crystal clear waters, or take a boat tour to enjoy the stunning scenery.
  • Visit Puzzling World: This unique attraction offers a fun and engaging experience for the entire family, with its illusions, mazes, and quirky exhibits.

Frequently asked questions about flights from Christchurch to Wanaka

Is it safe to travel from Christchurch to Wanaka during the Covid-19 situation?
At eDreams we do our best to ensure that your travel plans won't be affected by restrictions or possible cancellations that New Zealand may apply. Using the flexible ticket gurantee you can decide if you rather rebook or get a refund!
For flights from Christchurch to Wanaka, how can I find the cheapest price?
In eDreams, we use automatic learning to find the most economical flight between Christchurch and Wanaka. By taking into account the combination of airlines, scales, direct flights, as well as the different criteria of each journey, our search engine allows us to offer our customers the best price in the best conditions.
How is the weather in Wanaka compared to Christchurch?
While in Christchurch the temperatures can reach an average of 30 ºC in summer, with precipitation levels up to 3 mm ,Wanaka's temperatures can go up to 23.66 ºC during the hot season, with 3 mm average of rain rate . In winter, however, weather indicators show around -13.63 ºC in Wanaka, compared to the -2.38 ºC average degrees reported in Christchurch. During the winter period, Christchurch can register 2.3 mm precipitation, while Wanaka have an average of 3 mm rain level.

Plan your trip

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