Skip to main content

Last week, Qantas announced it was launching additional flights across the Tasman, and timing couldn’t be any better according to WebJet.

Aussie travel to Christchurch is nearly back to pre-COVID levels with January 2024 seeing an 80% return of arrivals compared to January 2020.

Being named Australia’s 6th most in-demand international destination for 2024 according to Webjet booking data, flight demand is up 13% this year. Around key holiday periods its popularity holds even stronger, crowned the third most in-demand international destination for Aussies over the Easter public holiday.

The revitalised city, already home to a diverse natural playground, wide open spaces, modern architecture and heritage buildings, is increasingly seeing new openings line its streets. From world-class restaurants like Mapu Test Kitchen to cool new hotel brands such as Drifter – as well as bustling events like SailGP choosing Christchurch as its host – the city is having its moment.

In response to strong demand and a vote of confidence in Christchurch and the South Island, airlines are upping capacity from Australia. Qantas this week announced it will add more than 175,000 additional seats to routes from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney to Christchurch over 12 months.

According to Webjet, Christchurch was the 3rd most booked international destination for flights booked between Jan 1st – Feb 29th 2024 for travel between March 28 to April 25 2024.