- Christchurch Airport Fast Facts
- How Long Does It Take to Get to Christchurch Airport?
- Getting Between Terminals
- Getting to and From Christchurch Airport
- Prepare for Your New Zealand Trip
Christchurch Airport Fast Facts
- Name: Christchurch Airport
- Code: CHC
- Terminals: One
- Airlines: 9
- Services: Currency exchange, ATMs, lounges, restaurants, shopping, taxi service
Currency Exchange
There are three Travelex stores for exchanging major foreign currencies within international departures, international arrivals, and check-in for both types of flights.
ATMs
ATMs for two banks, ANZ and BNZ, are located throughout the terminal.
Lounges
There are three Air New Zealand lounges: a domestic lounge that is accessed from Domestic Departures; a regional departures lounge on the ground floor behind the Fly Thru Cafe and next to Gates 3 to 14; and an international lounge in International Departures within Aelia Duty Free.
Open to select passengers traveling on Qantas, Fiji Airways, and Jetstar flights, there’s also Manaia Lounge, which is located in International Departures opposite Gate 29.
Restaurants
Within the terminal, there’s a Level One food court with fast-casual brands, including Burger King, Number Eight, Tank, the Sushi Platter, Underground Coffee, and Wishbone. The International Departures area has an Alps Bar & Pizza, while Domestic Departures contains a Cassels Pop-up Bar and Icons. The ground floor holds a Coffee Culture, FlyThru Cafe, and Hub Cafe & Bar, and there’s a South Bar and Cafe next to Domestic Arrivals, also on Level One.
An eight-minute walk or one-minute drive from the airport’s terminal, Spitfire Square offers takeaway meal options from well-known fast-casual concepts, including BurgerFuel, Katsubi, KFC, Little India, Lone Star, Mexicali Fresh, Subway, SuRa Sushi, SuRa Teppanyaki, Taichi Restaurant, Tank, and the Coffee Club.
Shopping
Between its domestic and international departures, check-ins, and food court, the airport’s terminal has a mix of retail. The Official All-Blacks Store has merchandise for the New Zealand rugby team, and Whittaker’s is a famous New Zealand chocolate brand.
The Aelia Duty Free shop carries leading high-end brands. Spitfire Square has convenience stores, including the New Zealand supermarket brand Countdown. On the ground floor, the Travel Store provides luggage storage and luggage-wrapping services, along with a bicycle-parking service.
Taxis
Exit through Door 7 and look for the taxi rank outside of International Arrivals.
How Long Does It Take to Get to Christchurch Airport?
It is approximately a 15- to 20-minute drive from the airport to the city center.
Getting Between Terminals
Christchurch Airport has one main terminal building. Domestic and international flight gates and the Air New Zealand International Lounge and Manaia Lounge are all located on its first floor. The ground floor contains baggage claim, rental-car companies, a duty-free point, the Air New Zealand Regional Lounge, and other airline services.
Getting to and From Christchurch Airport
On the airport’s ground floor, you’ll find several convenient ways to get into the city center.
Taxis
The taxi rank is located outside the International Arrivals hall (exit door 7), and fares vary by taxi company. Six companies service Christchurch Airport: Blue Star Taxis, Corporate Cabs, EkoCabs, First Direct Taxis, Gold Band Taxis, King Cabs, and Mr. Singh Taxis.
Cab fares could range from NZ$45 to $65, but ask for an estimated cost before you begin your ride. Also note that there’s a charge of NZ$5.50 to bring you to and from Christchurch Airport.
Rideshares
There are many options for getting to and from Christchurch Airport. Uber, Zoomy and Ola offer ridesharing services.
Super Shuttle provides door-to-door pickups to and from Christchurch Airport.
Public Transit
Two bus lines, Number 29 and the Purple Line, connect the airport to the city. Tickets can be purchased from the driver. Courtesy shuttles go to and from outside the airport’s Door 1.
Hotel Transfers
Some hotels in Christchurch may offer complimentary or paid transfer services to and from the airport. Check with your hotel to see if they provide airport transfers.
The closest hotel to Christchurch Airport is the Novotel. It’s located right outside of International Arrivals; exit through Door 9.
Sudima Christchurch Airport is a five-minute walk away from the terminal. The hotel’s courtesy shuttle can be found outside of International Arrivals, next to the taxi rank; exit through Door 8. A 10-minute walk away, the JUCY Snooze is another accommodation option.
Parking and Car Rentals
Christchurch has five different parking options that can cater to your needs. They can all be booked in advance at a savings cost. Mobility parking is available and listed by parking option.
Express Park is the closest option to the airport terminal, offering 90-minute parks for quick and easy access to the terminal. It’s located on the ground floor; the first and second level are covered and the third is open.
Orchard Park is a short walk from the airport terminal and is best for pickups and drop-offs. It offers 30 minutes of free parking; electric-vehicle charging stations are found here.
Park and Ride is touted as the most affordable online option. It includes a free ride on an electric shuttle to and from the airport terminal at varying times.
The uncovered Short Stay parking lot is a three-minute walk to the terminal, while the uncovered Long Stay parking lot is a five-minute walk away.