Cheap flights from Christchurch to Raiatea

December and January are the expensive stretch on this route, with Christmas and the New Zealand summer school holidays pushing fares up while the destination's warm season adds to demand. Prices then ease through February into March, which is the cheapest month in the calendar shown, and November before the peak can also be worth checking. If you must travel in December or January, book early and stay flexible on your departure day; if you can move, March gives the lowest fares among the months listed. From April to August, prices are also shown, so compare those months if March does not suit your plans.

The fare you see first may not include checked bags, meals or seat choice, and the two carriers named for this route, Air New Zealand and Jetstar, can treat those extras differently, so compare the total before you book. Air New Zealand and Jetstar both require a connection on this route, because there are no nonstop flights from Christchurch to Raiatea. One may include more in the base fare while the other charges for the same items, and the difference shows up most clearly when you add bags or choose seats. Read the fare conditions for each option, especially change rules and whether the connection is protected on one ticket.

You land at Raiatea Airport, which sits on the island close to the town and lagoon rather than far inland, so the last part of the journey is usually short but may involve a boat as well as a road. Christchurch Airport is the departure point at the other end, and because all flights connect, allow extra time for the transfer before you reach Raiatea. Check whether your accommodation is on the main island or a smaller islet, and arrange the final transfer before you fly, since island transport can be less frequent than city transport. Keep your passport and arrival documents handy, because you are entering French Polynesia.

Currency

XPF (₣)

Language

French

Emergency number

112

Driving side

right

Calling code

+689

Internet domain

.pf

Population of Raiatea

12 k (2012)

Time zone

UTC-09 (Pacific/Gambier)

Country facts: Wikidata

• Check baggage rules for each carrier, because the cheaper fare may not include a checked bag.
• Check what else costs extra, such as meals and seat choice, before you compare two fares.
• Check that your connection is on one ticket, so a missed link is handled by the airline rather than by you.
• Check that you are using Christchurch Airport and Raiatea Airport, since there is no alternative airport at either end of this route.
• Check entry requirements for French Polynesia for your nationality and passport validity before you pay.
• Check March against December and January if your dates are flexible, because the price calendar shows a clear seasonal spread.