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Palmerston North, Manawatu-Whanganui to Christchurch, Canterbury from $77: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Palmerston North, New Zealand
to
Christchurch, New Zealand

How to Get from Palmerston North to Christchurch: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$77 by busBest price
433 kmDistance
2h 3m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Palmerston North to Christchurch with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
2h  3m
Estimated price
$90-307
Recommended
Company
various
Drive
Plane
Average Duration
5h  16m
Estimated price
$39-296
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 433 km
Duration: 2h 3m

See more options

Company
InterCity, Interislander
Bus
Drive
Average Duration
13h  28m
Estimated price
$77-129
Company
various
Drive
Drive
Average Duration
9h  33m
Estimated price
$189-900
Company
KiwiRail, Interislander
Train
Drive
Average Duration
13h  31m
Estimated price
$228-466
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Traveling From Palmerston North to Christchurch

The journey from Palmerston North to Christchurch offers a striking contrast, combining the quiet charm of Palmerston North with the vibrant urban life and stunning landscapes of Christchurch.

Best Neighbourhoods in Christchurch

Christchurch boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with its own charm and attractions.

Central City
• Vibrant arts scene with numerous galleries and theaters.
• A variety of dining options, from casual to fine dining.
Merivale
• Upscale shopping with boutique stores and cafes.
• Beautiful parks and tree-lined streets ideal for leisurely walks.
Lyttelton
• Picturesque harbor town with a rich maritime history.
• Unique local markets celebrating artisan producers and crafts.

Best Times To Visit Christchurch's Attractions

Timing your visits can greatly enhance your experience of Christchurch's best attractions.

Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Visit early in the morning for cooler temperatures and fewer visitors.
Canterbury Museum
Weekdays are ideal, especially during school hours, for a quieter experience.
Quake City
Late afternoons tend to have lighter crowds, allowing for immersive exploration.

Christchurch Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Christchurch experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, making it essential to plan your trip according to the weather. Spring and autumn offer mild temperatures and fewer crowds, enhancing your travel experience significantly.

Dining Recommendation in Christchurch

You can't visit Christchurch without trying the local lamb dish at Fiddlesticks Restaurant and Bar, where the emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients elevates the flavors. The vibrant atmosphere and creative culinary twists here contrast sharply with the more traditional fare in Palmerston North, providing a truly distinctive dining experience.

Palmerston North - Christchurch operators

Explore transport companies operating between Palmerston North and Christchurch, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Plane Show flights
Website
airnewzealand.com

Plane from Palmerston (PMR) to Christchurch (CHC)

Average Duration
1h 20m
Estimated price
$901-907

Plane from Palmerston (PMR) to Christchurch (CHC) via Auckland

Average Duration
3h 40m
Estimated price
$908-909
Website
jetstar.com

Plane from Paraparaumu (PPQ) to Christchurch (CHC) via Auckland

Average Duration
4h 5m
Estimated price
$3076-3077
Train
Contact phone
+64 4495 0775
Website
greatjourneysofnz.co.nz

Train from Palmerston North to Wellington

Average Duration
2h 5m
Estimated price
$3078-3079
Contact phone
+64 4495 0775
Website
greatjourneysofnz.co.nz

Train from Palmerston North to Wellington

Average Duration
2h 5m
Estimated price
$390-391
Contact phone
+64 4495 0775
Website
greatjourneysofnz.co.nz

Train from Picton to Christchurch

Average Duration
5h 50m
Estimated price
$392-3075
Bus
Contact phone
+64 9 583 5780
Website
intercity.co.nz

Bus from Palmerston North to Johnsonville

Average Duration
2h 4m
Estimated price
$3078-394

Bus from Picton to Christchurch

Average Duration
5h 50m
Estimated price
$395-390
Ferry
Contact phone
+64 4498 3302
Website
interislander.co.nz

Ferry from Wellington - Central to Picton

Average Duration
3h 15m
Estimated price
$396-397
Contact phone
+64 4 471 6188
Website
bluebridge.co.nz

Ferry from Wellington to Picton

Average Duration
3h 30m
Estimated price
$9050-9060

Palmerston North to Christchurch: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Palmerston North and Christchurch offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🛫 Experience a convenient and quick journey from Palmerston North to Christchurch with direct flights taking just 1 hour and 20 minutes. Airlines like Jetstar and Air New Zealand operate this route. ✈️ Enjoy a smooth flight lasting approximately 2 hours and 3 minutes as you travel from Palmerston Airport to Christchurch Airport. Admire the stunning aerial views across the beautiful landscapes of New Zealand. 💸 Prices for flights between Christchurch and Palmerston North generally range from $90 to $307, offering flexibility for various travel budgets.
Departure Point
Palmerston Airport
Arrival Point
Christchurch Airport

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Palmerston North to Christchurch.

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The distance between Palmerston North and Christchurch is 269 miles. The travel time from Palmerston North to Christchurch varies depending on the mode of transportation. If you take the bus and then ferry, it takes approximately 13 hours and 28 minutes. However, if you choose to fly, the travel time is significantly shorter at around 2 hours and 1 minute.
The most cost-effective transportation option for traveling from Palmerston North to Christchurch is by bus and ferry, with prices ranging from $75 to $130. This option takes approximately 13 hours and 28 minutes. However, if time efficiency is the priority, then flying would be the quickest option, taking only 2 hours and 1 minute and costing between $80 and $190.
If you do not have a car, the best way to travel from Palmerston North to Christchurch is by taking a bus and ferry. This option takes approximately 13 hours and 28 minutes and costs between $75 and $130. Another option is to take a plane, which is quicker, taking around 2 hours and 1 minute, but it may be more expensive. Overall, the bus and ferry combination provides a cost-effective and scenic journey to get to Christchurch from Palmerston North.
The flight duration from Palmerston North to Christchurch is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes for a direct flight. The prices for flights between Christchurch and Palmerston North typically range from $85 to $187. It is advisable to book in advance and compare prices from different airlines to get the best deal.
There are plenty of options for accommodation near Christchurch. With over 597 hotels to choose from, travelers can find a wide range of amenities and prices to suit their needs. Prices for hotels in Christchurch start at $40 per night, making it accessible for different budgets. It is recommended to browse through various booking platforms to find the best deals and read reviews from other travelers before making a decision.

Trips to Christchurch