£517+ Cheap flights to South Island

If you’re interested in South Island flight deals, there are a few different cities that you can depart from in the United Kingdom, including London and Manchester. When you book flights to South Island that leave from London, your trip will usually take around 29h to 30h in total. Those that will instead be departing from Manchester can expect the journey to last them around 39h on average. The number of layovers you are required to make, as well as how long these layovers are scheduled for, can all impact the duration of your trip.

Unfortunately, direct flights to New Zealand, South Island, from the United Kingdom are not available. It is possible, however, to find cheap flights to New Zealand that only require one or two layovers. If you fly from Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Christchurch International Airport (CHC), you will typically be required to change planes once, and this commonly takes place in Singapore. Those that will be departing from Manchester Airport (MAN) instead will usually have one layover in Singapore as well.

Because the island is not known for having extensive public transportation that connects each of its different cities, one of the best ways to travel throughout South Island is by driving. Most of the region is accessible by car, and as there are no widespread train or bus systems, you will find that this is an easier way to head to your different destinations. Many visitors choose to either hire their own vehicle or pay for a private chauffeur to take them to where they would like to go. In larger cities, such as Christchurch and Queenstown, you will find that there are typically public transportation options for going between neighborhoods, whether it be tram or bus lines.

With its natural scenery and rich history, you’ll never run out of things to see and do during your stay in South Island. One of the most popular places to visit is Mount Cook, which is known for being one of the highest mountains in New Zealand and for having many different trails to choose from. You can also choose to visit Abel Tasman National Park, which has beaches, great kayaking opportunities and campsites for visitors to enjoy. Franz Josef Glacier is a famous spot as well, and guided tours are offered for travellers. If you will be visiting during the winter months, you may want to spend some time at Coronet Peak, which is a popular ski resort that can be found in Queenstown. Architecture lovers will want to make sure that they explore Dunedin Railway Station, a unique building that is in the city of Dunedin.

If you are a citizen of the United Kingdom, you can visit South Island, as well as any other location in New Zealand, for up to six months without needing to obtain a visa. However, you are required to apply for and acquire a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before you fly to the country. Even if you will be in the country for less than six months, you will still be required to have a valid passport that will not expire during your time in New Zealand. Make sure that you have at least two pages in your passport that are blank, in order for you to have room to receive your stamps from immigration after you’ve arrived at your destination.

Yes, flights with stopovers are often cheaper than direct flights. Keep an eye out for flight deals to South Island on Cheapflights that require 1 or 2 stops for potential cost savings.

Based on reviews from Cheapflights users, China Southern is rated the highest out of the airlines that fly to South Island.

A return flight to South Island will typically cost around £159, however they can be found for as little as £94.

For those looking to save time traveling to South Island, London offers the quickest one-way flight (26 hours 20 minutes).

Yes. Those touching down at Christchurch can take advantage of the car hire services offered upon their arrival.

Yes. Christchurch has hotels nearby for those requiring accommodations. Novotel Christchurch Airport is the closest property to Christchurch (0.0 mi away from Christchurch).