Christchurch Airport Guide

Airport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and to also find out how you can gain lounge access with just an economy class ticket!

• Air New Zealand Lounges – Multiple Locations – (1) Domestic Landside, (1) Domestic Departures and (1) International Departures.
• Manaia Lounge – Location: International Departures, Airside, opposite Gate 29. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.

Related Pages: Christchurch Airport Lounges

Airport Hotels & Sleep Pods

If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near Christchurch Airport:

With Covid restrictions constantly changing, we recommend that you confirm shuttle availability prior to booking and/or prior to your arrival.

• Sudima Hotel Christchurch Airport – (7 minute walk or 2 minute drive from the airport) Located just 700m from the airport terminal, this is the closest hotel to the airport. Free 24-hour airport shuttle is available on demand. For airport pick-up, call from the Freephone (dial 27) at the Accommodation Directory Board in the International Arrivals Lounge. Pick-up location is by the flagpoles in the Courtesy Shuttle collection area outside of the International Terminal.  » Check Rates
• Commodore Airport Hotel – (3 minute drive from the airport) Free 24-hour airport shuttle is available on demand. Pick-up location is by the flagpoles in the Courtesy Shuttle collection area outside of the International Terminal.  » Check Rates
• Airport Palms Motel – (5 minute drive from the airport) Free airport shuttle from 7:00AM – 8:00PM (Monday-Friday) and 8:00AM – 8:00PM (Saturday-Sunday and public holidays).Outside of these times, the hotel can arrange a taxi at a discounted price.  » Check Rates
• Airport Christchurch Luxury Motel & Apartments – (5 minute drive from the airport) Free airport shuttle is available from 7:00AM to 9:00PM (Monday through Friday) and 8:00AM to 9:00PM (Sat, Sun, and public holidays). For airport pick-up, collect your luggage and then call the hotel using one of the blue payphones in the Domestic Terminal baggage claim area or International Terminal Arrivals Hall. Pick-up location is by the flagpoles in the Courtesy Shuttle collection area outside of the International Terminal.  » Check Rates
• Airport Gateway Motor Lodge – (4 minute drive from the airport) Free 24-hour airport shuttle is available. For airport pick-up, call from the Freephone (dial 26) in the Arrivals Hall to the left of the main exit.  » Check Rates
• Jucy Snooze – (10 minute walk from the International & Domestic terminals / 3 minute drive from the airport) Accommodations include sleep pods with shared facilities or Twin, Queen and Family rooms with private ensuite. The pods can be rented by the hour or overnight. A free shuttle service is available (no overnight service). Dial 54 at the directory board in the arrivals area. » Check Rates

For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Christchurch Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.

Airport WiFi/Internet

Free unlimited WiFi is available at Christchurch airport. Connect to the “Unlimited FREE Airport WiFi” network.

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover At The Airport

Communications

• Post Office – Drop off your last minute postcards to friends and family from the airport’s mailboxes located in the Food Court and International Departures. Stamps can be purchased from Relay – Locations: Food Court • Domestic Departures • International Departures, Hours: 4:00AM – 8:00PM • i-SITE – Location: International Arrivals, Hours: 8:00AM – 6:00PM.
• SIM Cards – Local SIM cards are available at Vodafone and Spark kiosk. Location: Arrival hall.
• WiFi – see “Airport WiFi/Internet” above.

Family Services

• Baby Care Facilities – Change and feed your baby in privacy and comfort in the Parents Rooms, located in both Domestic and International areas of the airport.
• Family Entertainment – Make the pre-flight wait time pass in flash with the following family-friendly activities:
  • Children’s Play Area – When you want to ensure your kids burn off all their energy before their flight, take them to the Kid’s Zone. Location: International Arrivals Hall.
  • Giant Puzzle – If you want a fun challenge, make an attempt to solve the Canterbury Planes giant puzzle. Location: Domestic Arrivals, Level 1.
  • Mini Explorer Passport Activity Book – Pickup an activity book and pencil crayons from one of the information desks. The book has drawings to colour in, fun facts and a postcard; all of which will help keep your little one preoccupied while waiting for a flight!

Fitness

• Gym – Anytime Fitness operates 24/7. Location: Spitfire Square.

Food & Drinks

• Food & Drinks – Food concessions throughout the airport operate with varying schedules. At the time of this update, the only available 24 hours food concession is AirGo Convenience Store (International Arrivals, landside, ground floor). The Subway at Spitfire Square is open 6:00AM – 2:00AM (see Spitfire Square below for more details).
• Water Stations – Thirsty? Drinking water fountains are available free of charge landside and airside throughout the airport.

Information

• Information Desk – If you have any questions, there are information desks available. Locations: Landside, Ground Floor, Check-In Hall • Landside, First Floor, next to Food Court • International Arrivals, Ground Floor. These desks are staffed by the airport ambassadors who are happy to provide assistance from 8:00AM – 5:00PM.You can also head to i-SITE, while their main focus is tourism, they do provide other services such as towel rentals, driver’s license translation services, etc. Location: International Arrivals Hall. Hours: 8:00AM – 6:00PM.

Luggage

• Baggage Trolleys – Need a hand with your luggage? Baggage trolleys are available free of charge.
• Luggage Storage & Lockers – Luggage, keys, bikes, sport equipment and other travel-related items can be stored at Luggage Solutions, located on the ground floor. Sample Rates: Small item (Keys, etc.) for $8.00/1st 4 hours or $12.00/day • Carry-on bag for $10.00/1st 4 hours or $14.00/day • Golf bag for $18.00/day. Hours: 4:00AM – 6:00PM (Mon, Tues, Thurs & Sat) and 4:00AM – 8:00PM (Wed, Fri and Sun).
• Luggage Wrapping – Protect your luggage, pram, wine, etc. with services provided at Luggage Solutions (see above). Rates: Standard bag for $15.00 • Over-sized (Golf bag, etc.) for $20.00 • Wine Box Sealing for $6.00.

Medical Services

• Pharmacy – Unichem Pharmacy can assist with prescription needs. Location: Spitfire Square. Hours: 9:00AM – 6:00PM (Mon – Sat) • 10:00AM – 5:00PM (Sun).

Mobile Charging

• Mobile Charging – USB ports and power outlets are located at the charging stations available throughout the airport. Additionally, wireless charging is available in the airport Digital Innovation Zone, located in the Domestic Arrivals Hall, Level 1.

Money

• ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Machines are operated by ANZ and BNZ. Fees may apply, so be sure to check your bank’s fee schedule and your daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: unknown. Foreign currency ATMs are also available (see Currency Exchange below).
• Currency Exchange – Travelex kiosks are available in these locations: Check-in Hall (landside) • International Departures (before Customs & Security Screening Area, 1st floor) • International Departures lounge (airside) • International Arrivals (airside, after Customs & Security Screening) • International Arrivals Hall (landside). Hours: Open for all International flights. Travelex ATMs dispense AUD, NZD, USD, and Euro 24-hours a day from these locations: Check-in Hall • International Departure Hall • International Arrivals Hall.

Prayer Rooms

• Multi-Faith Prayer Room – Prayer rooms are available for visitors of any faith. Location: Ground Floor, next to the domestic baggage collection point. Hours: according to the Domestic Terminal hours of operation.

Rest & Relaxation

• Hotels – see “Airport Hotels” above.
• Lounges – see “Airport Lounges” above.
• Rest Zones – There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Shopping

• Duty-Free & Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available to both departing and arriving passengers in the International Terminal. In addition, there is a MAC cosmetics, Relay newsstand, and two gift shops.
• Spitfire Square – Located on Memorial Avenue at the entrance to the airport, this retail hub offers a variety of dining options (some open late night!), a pharmacy, a supermarket, a 24-hour fitness center and limited shopping.

Showers, Salon & Spa

• Hair Salon – Astonish Hair and Beauty offers hair and beauty treatments. Location: Spitfire Square.
• Showers – Free showers are available.You need to provide your own toiletries. Location: International Departures and Arrivals Hall. Additionally, there are showers in the Manaia Lounge. [ see Airport Lounges above ]

Things to do & see

• Antarctic Attraction – Travel to Antarctica without hopping on a plane! Real snow and ice, Hagglund rides, and a simulated 4D cruise are just some of the fun and interactive experiences available at the International Antarctic Centre. Location: 8 minutes walk from the International Arrivals Hall. Follow the blue footprints! Hours: 9:00AM – 5:30PM.
• Art in the Airport – Christchurch Airport features many murals and sculptures, so be sure to keep an eye out for these stunning pieces. Additionally, the airport has many themed air bridges which are covered from the floor to the ceiling with an image to temporarily immerse passengers in a unique landscape.
• Digital Innovation Zone – Discover new forms of technology at the airport! The zone allows travellers to interact with unique touchscreen flight trackers, 3D holograms and robots. Location: Domestic Arrivals, Level 1.
• Ping Pong Table – A game of ping pong is a great way to pass the time before a flight. The table is accessible 24 hours a day, and the best part, it is free to use! Location: Landside, outside the airport’s entrance/exit.
• Play Me Piano – For all the piano virtuosos, or even novices, there is a piano which is moved to various locations in and outside the airport. With the words “Play Me” painted on it, travellers are welcomed to play a piece.

Airport Hours

The Domestic terminal closes around 11:00PM, around the time of the last domestic flight of the day. The International terminal stays open 24 hours, but overnight “resting” is only permitted in certain areas. Report to Airport Security for information on the location of these areas.

Airlines

Christchurch airport is served by the following airlines: Air Chathams • Air New Zealand • Cathay Pacific • China Southern Airlines • Emirates • Fiji Airways • Jetstar • Korean Air • Qantas • Singapore Airlines • Sound Airlines • Virgin Australia.

Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Airport Hopper

The Airport Hopper is a free 24-hour shuttle that transports passengers between the terminals and the EconoPark every 15 minutes. The ride length is about 10 minutes and it travels between stops every half hour.

Bus

Metro Red Bus services connect the airport to the city centre and other Christchurch locations using three lines:

• The Purple Line, Route 3 travels from the airport to Sumner via Avonhead and back, every 30 minutes, seven days a week.
• Number 29 travels from the airport to the city via Fendalton and back, every 30 minutes, seven days a week.
• Number 125 travels from Redmond to Westlake via Christchurch Airport. Available 7 days a week.

For map, schedules, fares and more, visit the Metro web site.

Car Rentals

The following car rental companies are available at Christchurch Airport in the International Arrivals area: Avis • Budget • Europcar • Enterprise • Ezi Car rental • Hertz • Thrifty.

Hotel Shuttles

Several hotels near Christchurch Airport offer shuttle service: Aarburg Airport Motel   •   Airport Birches Motel   •   Airport Delta Motel   •   Airport Gateway Motor Lodge   •   Airport Lodge Motel   •   Airport Palms Motel   •  Airways Motel   •   Commodore Airport Hotel Christchurch   •   Quality Hotel Elms   •   Sudima Hotel Christchurch Airport.

See also Airport Hotels above.

Shuttles

Shuttles provide a door-to-door service to all parts of Christchurch using multi-passenger vans. Prices vary based on the provider, so please check the rates before beginning your journey. While a shuttle service will likely be cheaper than a taxi, you will share it with other passengers so expect additional stops.Travel time from the airport to the city center is about 15-20 minutes. Shuttle services can be booked from the Airport i-SITE team located in the International Arrivals Hall.

Taxis

Taxis are located outside the International Arrivals Hall (exit through door 7). Travel time from the airport to the city centre is 15-20 minutes. It is recommended that you ask the rate before beginning your journey. If you are taking a taxi to/from the airport, the fare will be an additional $5.50.

Regional transport

To extend your journey to South Island cities and towns, regional transport companies, such as Great Sights and Knight Rider, provide a variety of transportation options. Christchurch Airport’s Regional Transport Hub is located at the northern end of the International Arrivals Hall.