Christchurch International Airport

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Overview

Basic Information

  • Airport Location: Approximately 10 km northwest of Christchurch city (about 15 minutes by car)

  • Airport Code: CHC

  • Operating Hours: Open year-round, most airlines operate between 6 AM and 11 PM

  • Features: The largest airport in New Zealand's South Island and the only airport with international flights

 

Main Routes

Domestic Flights

  • Auckland

  • Wellington

  • Queenstown

  • Dunedin

  • Nelson, Invercargill, etc.

International Flights

  • Main cities in Australia: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast

  • Fiji, Singapore, Bangkok (seasonal), some Southeast Asia connecting flights

  • No direct flights from Korean Air (requires transit via Auckland or Australia)

 

Transportation

  • Shuttle and Taxi

    Approximately NZD $40~60 to the city (taxi), shuttles may offer discounts depending on the number of passengers

  • Bus

    About 30 minutes to the city using Metro Bus Route 3 or 29, fare is approximately NZD $4.50 (discount available with Metrocard)

  • Private Car / Rental Car

    No free parking available. With a rental car, you can move to the city or other areas after airport pickup

 

Christchurch Airport serves as the starting and ending point for travels in New Zealand's South Island, making it a key point that smooths the flow of your journey.
With a clean and friendly atmosphere, efficient layout, and excellent access to surrounding attractions, it is an important hub that all South Island travelers will pass through.

Below is an image of the Christchurch map and a description of its location.

Ground Floor

Arrival and Baggage

  • Domestic Baggage Claim (Gates 3–15): Near Doors 2–3

  • International Baggage Claim (Gates 16–22a): Northeast of the international arrivals area

  • International Arrivals Area: Towards Doors 8–9, including customs and quarantine areas

Rental Car & Transportation

  • Rental Car Counters (near Door 5)

    • Avis, Budget, Europcar, Ezi, Hertz, Thrifty, Dollar, etc.

  • Rental Car Pickup Area: Vehicles are picked up in a separate 'Car Rental Pick Up' area outside

  • Shuttle Bus Pickup Area for External Rental Car Companies: In front of Doors 1–2

  • Taxi Stand: In front of Door 7

  • Shuttle Buses (Super Shuttle, etc.): Shuttle area in front of Doors 8–9

  • General Vehicle Drop-off/Pick-up (The Loop): External parking lot in front of the airport main entrance

Service Facilities

  • Air New Zealand Lounge / Desk: Around Doors 2–4

  • Travelex Currency Exchange: Near Door 5

  • Baggage Service Desk / Lost and Found Center: Near Doors 4–5

  • Showers, Nursing Rooms, Prayer Rooms, ATMs, etc.: Distributed throughout the airport

Food & Shops

  • Hub Café and Bar: Near Door 1

  • Fly Thru Café: Near Door 3

  • Coffee Culture: International arrivals area (near Door 10)

  • Souvenir Shops and Convenience Stores: The Gift Company, The Travel Store, Spark, etc.

First Floor

Departure Lounge & Gates

  • Domestic Gates G15–G25: Western area

  • International Gates G26–G34: Eastern area

  • Security Screening Area: Separate areas for domestic and international flights

Airline Lounges

  • Air New Zealand International Lounge: Near G26–G29

  • Manaia Lounge: Eastern end of the international area

Dining Facilities (Pre-Security Area)

  • Burger King

  • Cassels Pop-up Bar

  • The Sushi Platter

  • Underground Coffee Company

  • Tank

  • Number Eight Kiwi Café

  • South Bar & Café

  • Alps Bar & Pizza

  • Long White Kitchen

Shopping (Pre-Security Area)

  • Explore – Simply New Zealand

  • Relay (Bookstore)

  • tech2go (Devices)

Features

Airport Facilities Guide

  • Domestic / International Integrated Terminal

    A spacious and clean modern building where both immigration and check-in are conducted in one location.

  • Luggage Storage

    Located on the Ground Floor, available for daily storage.

  • Car Rental Center

    Major car rental companies (Avis, Budget, Hertz, Thrifty, Europcar, etc.) are located within walking distance outside the airport.

  • Food and Beverage Outlets

    Various cafes and light meals are available within the airport, including Gloria Jeans, Hikari Sushi, and Number Eight Café.

  • Free Wi-Fi

    Available throughout the airport (with time limitations).

 

 

Car Rental Pickup Location Guide

Car Rental Counters at the Airport

The following major car rental companies operate counters near the international arrivals area within the airport terminal:

  • Avis, Budget, Europcar, Ezi Car Rental, Hertz, Thrifty, Dollar

It is convenient to pick up your vehicle directly at the counter after collecting your luggage.

 

Car Rental Companies Outside the Airport

Some car rental companies are located outside the airport and provide free shuttle services:

  • Snap Rentals: Pickup at the external shuttle stop outside Door 2 of the Domestic Terminal.

  • Apex Car Rentals: Shuttle pickup after exiting through Door 1 or 2, located behind the Air New Zealand check-in.

  • Bargain Rental Cars: Shuttle pickup after exiting through Door 1 or 2.

These companies provide shuttle services upon prior reservation, so please confirm the pickup location and procedures when making your booking.

Attractions

 

  • International Antarctic Centre

    Located right next to the airport, popular among family travelers for Antarctic experiences and penguin viewing.

  • Accommodation

    Several reasonable accommodations near the airport, including Jucy Snooze and Sudima Christchurch Airport Hotel.

 

Traveler Tips

 

  • If you are planning a trip to the South Island, an itinerary that starts in Christchurch and ends in Queenstown or vice versa is efficient.

  • Customs and immigration checks are relatively quick, but New Zealand's quarantine is very strict, so be cautious with food items and shoes with dirt.

  • Transfers between domestic flights are quick, and for New Zealand domestic flights, arriving 30 minutes before departure is also fine.

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Christchurch Airport Map

30 Durey Road, Harewood, Christchurch 8053 Canterbury, New Zealand