Christchurch is well-connected through its International Airport (CHC), which serves as the primary air gateway. The city's main ground transport hub is the Christchurch Bus Interchange, while the Christchurch Railway Station facilitates long-distance scenic train journeys. Lyttelton Port serves as the city's sea gateway, primarily for freight and local ferries, with inter-island ferries connecting to Picton.
Christchurch International Airport (CHC) connects to major domestic and international destinations. Direct domestic flights from Auckland or Wellington can be as low as NZD 47-53 one-way, with travel times from 50 minutes to 1 hour 25 minutes. International direct flights include cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Singapore, and Nadi (Fiji), with round-trip fares from places like Honolulu starting at approximately NZD 754.
Experience scenic rail journeys from Christchurch. The TranzAlpine train travels daily to Greymouth on the West Coast, taking about 5 hours and costing from NZD 249. The Coastal Pacific train connects Christchurch with Picton, running four times a week, with journeys from Blenheim (near Picton) taking around 5 hours 25 minutes and costing from NZD 164.
Intercity buses operate daily services across the South Island, with the main stop at the Christchurch Bus Interchange. Travel times vary, for example, Queenstown to Christchurch takes about 8 hours 30 minutes. Local Metro buses connect Christchurch Airport to the city center in approximately 20-30 minutes, costing NZD 4.20 with a Metrocard (purchased separately for NZD 5) or NZD 8.50 cash.
Major car rental companies are available at Christchurch Airport. Daily rental costs can range from NZD 49 for a compact car to over NZD 320 for larger vehicles, depending on the company and booking period.
To travel between New Zealand's North and South Islands, Interislander and Bluebridge ferries operate between Wellington (North Island) and Picton (South Island). The scenic crossing takes around 3.5 hours. Walk-on passenger fares start from approximately NZD 67-84, while bringing a vehicle can cost from NZD 249-321. From Picton, further bus or train travel to Christchurch is required.
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