Christchurch International Airport is a two-terminal aerodrome. It is billed as the gateway to the best of New Zealand’s South Island. More than five million travellers pass through the airport each year and airlines in residence there include Air New Zealand, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Emirates and domestic airline Origin Pacific.The airport is currently going through a major expansion. The airport achieved carbon neutral status in 2008.
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There is internal access between the Domestic and International terminals, and there are domestic transfer check-in counters in the International Arrivals hall.
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Taxi: Taxis are available to the city centre (journey time: 15-20 minutes).
Bus: A public bus service runs to the city centre (journey time: 30-40 minutes); shuttle buses can be shared and take travellers to their accommodation. Transport to Christchurch city centre is available outside the Domestic and International areas of the terminal building.
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Short- and long-term car parking spaces are located immediately in front of the terminal building, from where hire cars can also be collected.
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Money and communications: A full range of ATMs, banking services and bureau de change are located throughout the terminal building. Postal services are available at the travel and information centres in both terminals. Telephones are situated throughout in both terminals.
Eating and drinking: Bars, cafés and restaurants are located throughout the airport.
Shopping: Shops, including duty-free, are located in International Arrivals (before customs), the International Departures lounge and the gallery boutiques on the first floor (passengers only); there are also shops in the Domestic Terminal.
Luggage: A left-luggage service is available at the travel and information centres in the Domestic Terminal, and on the ground floor of the International Terminal (tel: +64 (0)3 353 1985). Trolleys are available in both terminals.
Other facilities: There is a hairdresser, florist and a pharmacy in the Domestic Terminal. There are children’s play areas on the first floor and in the Domestic Terminal. The visitor centre of New Zealand’s International Antarctic Centre is a five -minute walk from the terminal buildings.
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The Sudima Hotel Christchurch Airport (tel: +64 (0)3 358 3139) is a five-minute walk from the terminal building. The Copthorne Hotel Commodore (tel: +64 (0)3 962 9850) and the Russley Hotel and Villas (tel: +64 (0)3 358 6500) are located a few minutes’ drive from the airport. Staff at the airport travel and information centre can provide assistance with bookings and offer recommendations to suit travellers’ needs and budget.
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Facilities for travellers with special needs include lifts, automatic doors, wheelchair access, accessible toilets and showers, ATM machines with Braille keys and dedicated parking spaces at the front of the public car-parking area. Passengers requiring wheelchairs and special assistance should inform their airline prior to travel.
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The travel and information centres can provide fax, photocopying and postal facilities, as well as baggage storage. Conference and business facilities are also available within the airport complex at the International Antarctic Visitors Centre and the Sudima Hotel Grand Chancellor (tel: +64 (0)3 358 3139; fax: +64 (0)3 358 3029). Airline lounges are situated on the first floor of both terminals.
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