The Wellington to Christchurch route connects Wellington International Airport (WLG) in NZ with Christchurch International Airport (CHC) in NZ. This short-haul flight covers approximately 189 miles (304 km) with a typical flight time of 40m. This route is served by 2 airlines: Air New Zealand, Jetstar. AirportRoutes has tracked 19 daily flights on this route.
Okay, I will research the flight route between Wellington and Christchurch and provide the information in the requested format.
Here's the requested information about the Wellington (WLG) to Christchurch (CHC) flight route.
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The Wellington to Christchurch route is a popular domestic connection in New Zealand, catering to both business and leisure travelers. It bridges the capital city with the largest city in the South Island. The typical flight duration is around 50-55 minutes. Travelers choose this connection for its efficiency, avoiding longer travel times by road or ferry. The route offers stunning views of the Cook Strait and the South Island coastline on clear days. The distance between Wellington and Christchurch is approximately 189-190 miles (304-305 kilometers). Approximately 2 airlines operate flights on this route. There are around 114-254 flights per week on this route.
To secure good prices, it's best to book around 40 days (6 weeks) in advance. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays often offer the cheapest flights. At Wellington Airport (WLG), domestic flights usually depart from gates 13-17 in the south-west pier. Arrive at least 2 hours before your flight to allow enough time for security screening. Wellington Airport has a single terminal with three piers: south, southwest, and northwest. At Christchurch Airport (CHC), domestic flights operate from the central zone (gates 16-22a) and regional wing (gates 3-14). Expect a short and comfortable flight with basic services. The most common aircrafts that operate on this route are Airbus A320, Airbus A320neo, Airbus A321neo, Bombardier DHC-8-300, and ATR 72.
Christchurch offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Top attractions include the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, a picturesque urban oasis, the International Antarctic Centre, an interactive and educational experience, and the Christchurch Gondola, providing panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes. Unique experiences include riding the Christchurch Tram for a historic city tour and punting on the Avon River. New Regent Street is a must-visit precinct with its colorful Spanish Mission architecture. Try local cuisine such as Canterbury lamb, fresh freshwater fish, and artisan cheeses.
The best time to visit Christchurch is during the summer months (November to February) for mild temperatures between 15°C and 25°C (59°F to 77°F). May is often the cheapest month to fly. To avoid crowds, steer clear of peak travel times like school holidays and the Christmas/New Year period. Consider timing your visit around events like World Buskers Festival in January** or other local festivals for a unique experience.
Wellington International Airport
NZWNWLGChristchurch International Airport
NZCHCHC2
Operators19
Daily Flights189
Miles40m
Flight Duration
| Airline | ICAO | IATA |
|---|---|---|
| Air New Zealand |
ANZ
|
NZ
|
| Jetstar |
JST
|
JQ
|
| Day | Flights Observed | Frequency | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 37 | 11% |
|
| Tuesday | 44 | 13% |
|
| Wednesday | 53 | 15% |
|
| Thursday | 67 | 19% |
|
| Friday | 21 | 6% |
|
| Saturday | 69 | 20% |
|
| Sunday | 54 | 16% |
|
Pattern Analysis
| Airline | Flight Numbers | Aircraft Type | Typical Time | Days Active | Last Seen | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Air New Zealand
ANZ
/ NZ
|
ANZ5389 ANZ5331 ANZ5369 ANZ5335 ANZ5375 | AT72 | 13:50 1:50 PM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Feb 13, 2026 | Active |
|
Jetstar
JST
/ JQ
|
JST287 JST291 | A320 | 08:10 8:10 AM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Feb 11, 2026 | Active |
| Departure Time | Operator | ICAO | IATA |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08:10 8:10 AM | Jetstar |
JST
|
JQ
|
| 13:50 1:50 PM | Air New Zealand |
ANZ
|
NZ
|
Time Information
Times are shown in the departure airport's local timezone (NZWN - Pacific/Auckland).