Flights from Christchurch (CHC) to Switzerland

Discover Switzerland

Discover Switzerland

Why visit Switzerland?
Switzerland offers alpine peaks, serene lakes, and immaculate cities, giving you a blend of outdoor adventure and calm urban charm in one compact country.

What to expect
You can explore Zurich and Geneva for culture and design, head to Lucerne and Interlaken for lake and mountain scenery, and ride iconic trains through the Bernese Oberland and the Valais.

Plan your trip
With efficient rail links, scenic routes, and well-connected airports, Switzerland is an easy base for exploring the Alps and a natural gateway between France, Italy, Germany, and Austria.

Top experiences in Switzerland

Explore Zurich's old town

Wander cobbled lanes, riverside promenades, and boutique-lined streets that reveal Zurich's mix of mediaeval charm and modern style.

Ride a panoramic mountain railway

Take a classic cogwheel or panoramic train to viewpoints like Jungfraujoch or Gornergrat for sweeping Alpine vistas.

Cruise Switzerland's great lakes

Board historic boats on lakes such as Zurich, Lucerne, or Geneva to see mountains and vineyards from the water.

Stroll the shores of Lake Zurich

Follow lakeside paths, parks, and bathing areas within minutes of the city centre for relaxed views and fresh air.

Discover Swiss art and design

Visit museums and galleries in Zurich and Basel to see world-class collections and contemporary Swiss creativity.

Journey along the Glacier Express route

Travel on one of Switzerland's most scenic rail corridors, gliding past deep valleys, high bridges, and traditional villages.

Visit storybook Alpine villages

Spend time in car-free or small mountain villages framed by peaks, meadows, and classic chalet architecture.

Experience Switzerland's way of life

Getting around
You can cross Switzerland quickly by train, with frequent services linking Zurich to major cities, lakes, and mountain gateways, and coordinated buses or cable cars for the last stretch into the Alps.

Local life & culture
Life here runs to a precise yet relaxed rhythm, where multilingual communities share a strong sense of regional identity, craftsmanship, and pride in both heritage and contemporary design.

Where to unwind
You will find quiet lakeside walks, forest trails, thermal spa towns, and high-altitude viewpoints that make it easy to slow down and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

A taste of Switzerland

National dishes & specialties
You can try comforting dishes such as melted cheese specialities and hearty alpine fare, often best enjoyed in mountain resorts and traditional inns in the German- and French-speaking regions.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Zurich and other cities offer everything from bakeries and cafés to contemporary bistros, where Swiss ingredients meet Italian, French, and global flavours in relaxed surroundings.

Signature & scenic dining
You can dine in restaurants with lake or river views, high-altitude huts overlooking the peaks, and elegant city venues that turn a meal into a memorable part of your journey.

Retail therapy in Switzerland

Malls & lifestyle hubs
In Zurich and other cities, you will find department stores, covered shopping centres, and railway-station malls bringing international brands together with Swiss labels under one roof.

Markets & local crafts
Local markets and small boutiques, especially in cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Basel, showcase regional crafts, chocolate, textiles, and finely made everyday objects.

Evening retail scene
Central shopping streets in major cities stay lively into the evening, with illuminated façades, late-opening stores on selected days, and cafés that give you time to pause between shops.

Best time to visit Switzerland

Peak season: June to August brings warm days in the lowlands, around 18–25°C (64–77°F), ideal for hiking, lake activities, and long daylight hours in both cities and mountains.

Shoulder season: April to May and September to October offer mild temperatures of about 10–18°C (50–64°F), with fewer crowds, spring blossoms or autumn colours, and good conditions for sightseeing.

Low season: November to March is colder, from about -2–7°C (28–45°F) in many regions, with snow in the Alps creating prime conditions for winter sports while cities feel quieter.

Frequently Asked Questions