Airport Guide to Christchurch International (CHC)

Airport Overview

Terminal Transfer | Getting into Town | Car Parking | Information Desks | Airport Facilities

Christchurch International Airport (CHC) is a small, clean, lovely airport, full of first-rate facilities and amenities. Currently, the airport building is being restored after earthquake damage, and its Domestic Terminal is being upgraded to cope with increases in passenger traffic. This work is all scheduled to be completed by 2012.

Flights to Christchurch International Airport are operated by local and foreign carriers, offering connections to many New Zealand destinations, as well as cities in Australia and Southeast Asia.

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Terminal Transfer

Christchurch International Airport consists of two terminal buildings: International and Domestic. The buildings are connected by walkways and moving walkways, and are very easy to access on foot.

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Getting into Town

Just 12km (7 miles) outside of town, Christchurch International Airport offers passengers easy, quick transportation options for accessing the downtown area.  

Airport taxis: Taxis can be found near the Regional Lounge, between the terminal building and the multi-level car park building, or at the northern end of the international arrivals hall, between the terminal building and the long-term car park. It should cost NZ$ 45-65 for the 20-minute trip into town.  

Bus: Public bus services between the airport and downtown Christchurch are available, departing from right outside the terminal building. Any one of the No. 29 (via Fendalton), the No. 10 (via Merivale) or the Airport Flyer buses will get you into town. A ticket will cost you around NZ$ 7, and the trip will take about 30 minutes.

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Car Parking

There are three parking options available at Christchurch International Airport: short-term (uncovered), long-term (uncovered), and premium (within the multi-storey parking garage). All parking is free for the first 10 minutes: thereafter, fees for short-term parking are NZ$ 5 for 10-90 minutes, NZ$ 10 for 90-120 minutes, and NZ$ 5 per hour after that (with a maximum daily charge of NZ$ 25, and a maximum weekly charge of NZ$ 100). For long-term parking, it costs NZ$ 10 for 10-90 minutes, NZ$ 20 for 90-120 minutes, and NZ$ 10 per hour after that (with a maximum daily charge of NZ$ 25, and a maximum weekly charge of NZ$ 75). For premium parking, the charges are NZ$ 6 for 10-20 minutes, NZ$ 8 for 20-90 minutes, NZ$ 16 for 90-120 minutes, and NZ$ 8 per hour after that (with a maximum daily charge of NZ$ 30 and a maximum weekly charge of NZ$ 150).

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Information Desks

Tourism and Travel Centres – one located in the Domestic Terminal, one in the International – provide excellent travel information and enthusiastic advice on suggested activities and itineraries for your time in New Zealand.

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Airport Facilities

Money and communications: ATMs and currency exchange offices are located throughout the International Terminal building.

Luggage: Baggage storage is provided by Luggage Solutions, whose offices are open from 4:30am to 7:30pm daily (and until 11:30pm on Fridays and Sundays). Luggage trolleys are freely available throughout the airport, and there is a lost and found office located at the Travel and Tourism Centre.

Conference and business: Although there are no formal conference facilities available at Christchurch International Airport, Air New Zealand, Qantas, Emirates and Singapore Airlines all have lounges at the airport available to their passengers. There are also fax and photocopying facilities at the Travel and Tourism Centre, a postal shop, and internet kiosks dotted everywhere.

Other facilities: Other facilities at Christchurch International Airport include baby-changing facilities, medical facilities, TVs, a hairdresser, florist and a pharmacy (Domestic Terminal), and full access and facilities for disabled passengers.

Wi-Fi: High-speed Wi-Fi access is available throughout the airport. The first 30 minutes is free, thereafter you’ll be prompted to purchase browsing time using your credit or international debit card. Fees are NZ$ 7.95 per hour (after the first 30 minutes), or NZ$ 24.95 (for 4 hours, valid for a 12-month period).

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