Christchurch Airport
2011 Best Airport
REGION: SOUTH PACIFIC
Runner-Up
Traveller Comments....
"This airport would have got a full 5-star rating if not for the frequent announcements....They were lound and came on every half hour or so." - bp23
"would sleep here again no problem." (daniel)
"Get in early for the best spots in the arrivals area. " (?)
Recent Review
by JainaSJedi
Since my flight from OZ arrived at 1:30 AM and I had to catch a bus at 7:30 AM, there was no way I was booking a hostel for 25-30, plus the 40 cab fare to the city center. So I decided to stay at the CHC airport for the rest of the night.
For the first part of the night, I bunked down in international arrivals by the restrooms/payphones since the designated 'rest area' was pretty much full by the time I cleared customs. The rest area states that you may rest until 5:00 AM in a small cordoned off area by the doors. However, there were people sleeping on the few chairs that were in the section as well. And it wasn't just backpackers that were sleeping at this airport!
Around 3:00 AM, a security guard came around and said that the international departures area was opening up, so I ran for that because there is more comfortable seating there. HOWEVER, you are not allowed to lay down on it! You must remain seated if you want to sleep.
In retrospect, I should have stayed at international arrivals until 5:00 AM; I might have gotten some sleep then.
I understand that CHC airport wants to improve its international image, but there is no affordable accommodation located near the airport. The hostels are downtown, which is a 40 cab ride away. They would do better to offer an airport hotel for transit passengers like airports in SE Asia.
The last review for this airport was in 2011. Have you been there recently? Tell us about it!
Christchurch Airport Guide
Airport Lounges
- Air New Zealand Lounge - Domestic and International Departures
- Qantas Lounge
- Emirates Lounge
- Singapore Airlines Lounge
Airport WiFi / Internet
- Free wireless internet access is available at the Christchurch airport for 30 minutes. After that, you need to pay a fee of NZ$7.95 per hour or or NZ$24.95 (time valid for 4 months). Connect to the "Public" network. Service is available in the international and domestic departures areas.
- Internet kiosks are available in the International departures and arrivals halls (landside) and the International departures lounge (airside).
Airport Hotels
If sleeping in the Christchurch Airport does not appeal to you, there are hotels near the airport....
- Copthorne Hotel Commodore - free 24-hour airport shuttle
- Airport Christchurch Motel - 5 minutes from airport
More Services, Facilities and Things to Do at the Airport
- Food / Dining
>>>Landside: Underground Coffee Kiosk (open 24 hours - International Terminal), Plains Bar & Grill, Outlook Espresso, illy Coffee Cart, Cityside Cafe and more
>>>Airside: Underground Coffee, Grab & Fly, and more - Showers
Free showers are available. For a fee of $5 (+$5 refundable deposit) you will be provided with soap and towel. Location: International Arrivals Hall, landside, washrooms, - Baggage Storage
Available - KidZone
Play area for kids (to age 6). Location: Domestic Terminal, Landside, ground floor - Time Out and Time Zone
Three family entertainment centres with interactive games are located in the domestic and international terminals. Fun for the whole family. Location: Domestic Terminal - landside, ground floor. International Terminal - airside, first floor and landside, ground floor. Hours: open 24 hours - Antarctic Attraction
Travel to Antarctica without travelling all the way to Antarctica! The International Antarctic Centre has penguin encounters and Hagglund terrain vehicle rides. Location: across from from the airport terminal
Airport Hours
Open 24 hours. The Domestic Terminal closes after the last flight. The International Terminal remains open throughout the night.
Airport Sleeper Policy
The Christchurch Airport has drafted a list of rules for airport sleepers. They start off by reminding us that "This is an international airport, not an accommodation centre." View the Rules.
Quick Terminal Tips
- According to Matt "The arrivals hall is unsuitable for sleeping and only certain areas permit resting."
Christchurch Travel Sites
- Christchurch Hotels - search for deals, check availability and read reviews
>>>Read All Christchurch Airport Reviews
Last Updated: 14 Nov 2010 | Sources: Christchurch International Airport
The information in this Airport Guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airport's and their web sites. When you see "information not available" and "unknown", the airport has a lousy web site and/or has been uncooperative in providing information. The information above is subject to change without notice. Use it for informational purposes only to help you during your stay. To report errors, or to add/change any items quoted in the guide, please email me.
