PRINT MODULESection One Christchurch - Canterbury
SECTION ONE: PAGE TWO
Road - Self Drive
Driving distances and times to and from Christchurch
|
|
Km | Miles | Approx Drive Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christchurch - Akaroa | 83 | 51 | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Christchurch - Picton | 336 | 209 | 4 hours 50 minutes |
| Christchurch - Hanmer (via Arthur's Pass) | 143 | 89 | 1 hour 50 minutes |
| Christchurch - Kaikoura | 183 | 114 | 2 hours 35 minutes |
| Christchurch - Greymouth (via Arthur's pass) | 258 | 160 | 3 hours 40 minutes |
| Christchurch - Mount Cook (via SH1) | 331 | 206 | 4 hours 45 minutes |
| Christchurch - Dunedin | 362 | 225 | 5 hours 10 minutes |
Driving routes
State Highway 1 runs the length of the Canterbury region, linking to State Highways 7 and 73 from the west coast and State Highway 77 to Mt Cook.
From Christchurch the following touring routes can be taken:
Alpine Pacific Triangle
www.alpinepacifictourism.co.nz
The Alpine Pacific Triangle is a touring route linking three of Canterbury's most popular recreational destinations: Hanmer Springs; Waipara Valley and Kaikoura. The entire circuit is 370 km/ 230 miles and can be enjoyed over a few days. The route can be taken in any direction and can be combined with other destinations as part of a greater tour of the South Island.
Inland Scenic Route 72
The Inland Scenic Route 72 is perfect for travellers who like to get off the main highways and provides an alternative route for getting to Mt Cook and onward. On one side of the road are views of the Southern Alps and on the other are beautiful vistas of the Canterbury Plains and rolling farmland.
The route starts in Amberley, just north of Christchurch, and continues along the foot of the Alps to Mount Hutt, Canterbury's premier ski field. Geraldine is the ending point of the journey, where self-drive clients can link to State Highway 1 or head inland to Mount Cook
Air services
Christchurch is the main airport servicing the Christchurch and Canterbury region with both domestic and international air services available.
Currently the following airlines offer international flights into Christchurch International Airport:
Air New Zealand www.airnewzealand.co.nz
Qantas www.qantas.com
Pacific Blue www.flypacificblue.com
Jetstar www.jetstar.com
Air Asia X www.airasia.com
Emirates www.emirates.com
Singapore Airlines www.singaporeair.com
The following airlines provide scheduled domestic services into the Christchurch domestic airport:
www.airnewzealand.co.nzApproximate flying times between domestic destinations
|
|
Approx Flying Time |
|---|---|
| Christchurch - Auckland | 1 hour 20 minutes |
| Christchurch - Wellington | 45 minutes |
| Christchurch - Rotorua | 2 hours 20 minutes |
| Christchurch - Queenstown | 1 hour |
These are approximate flying times, including connection times, and will differ depending on the airline and type of aircraft used.
Airport to city by:
- Taxi - approximately $25.00 - $30.00
- Shuttle bus - operates 24 hours a day and costs approximately $12.00 - $18.00 for one person. The cost reduces for two or more people traveling together.
- Public Transport - buses depart every half hour (slightly reduced service during the weekend) - cost approximately $7.00 per person.
Scheduled coach services
InterCity Coachlines operate daily bus services from/to Christchurch and Picton, Kaikoura, Nelson, Akaroa, Hanmer Springs, Arthurs Pass, Greymouth, Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers, Mount Cook, Wanaka, Queenstown, Timaru, Oamaru, Dunedin, Te Anau & Invercargill.
Other local companies operate services to and from this region. Visit www.newzealand.com and click on Transport or see this region’s website www.christchurchnz.com
Rail services departing and arriving in Christchurch City
Two rail services begin or terminate in Christchurch. The railway station is 5 minutes drive out of the city centre. www.tranzscenic.co.nz
- TranzCoastal, a daily service between Picton and Christchurch.
Journey time: 5 hours 20 mins (one-way).
Departs Christchurch daily, offering a scenic journey to Picton with the rugged Pacific Ocean coastline on one side and steep mountains on the other. Along the way, the train passes through the seaside town of Kaikoura. - TranzAlpine, a daily service between Christchurch and Greymouth.
Journey time: 4 hours 30 mins (one-way)
The TranzAlpine scenic train journey travels between Christchurch and Greymouth, from one coast of New Zealand to the other. Considered to be one of the great train journeys of the world.
Departures are daily from Christchurch and arrive in Greymouth at 12.45pm. Passengers can disembark the train at Lake Brunner where they can take a launch trip or floatplane ride. The train will collect passengers on its return at 3.30pm providing the opportunity to explore this wilderness area either take the journey as a one-way excursion or return journey from Greymouth departing at 1.45pm daily.
