Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or are just quickly passing through, our Christchurch Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
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They are charging folks 5 dollars to sit in a chair and don’t allow blankets.
– Alexander
CHC Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Christchurch International Airport.
What to Expect
Christchurch Airport (Code: CHC) has a single terminal with a combined check-in hall for domestic and international flights. There are more than 34 retail stores and a dozen or so eateries, though most eateries are located in the landside food court. Some reviewers found the food expensive and of poor quality. Free WiFi is available to help pass the time. For added comfort, economy-class passengers can pay to enter one of the airport lounges.
Sleeping in Christchurch Airport
The terminal currently opens at 3:00 AM daily and closes after the final scheduled flight. The airport’s rules state that there is “no sleeping at the airport” and that “there are no sleeping facilities at the terminal and visitors are not permitted to set up bedding or lie on the floor or furniture. Staff may ask you to provide your flight booking details. If you can prove that you have arrived after 10:30 PM and will depart before 8:30 AM, you will be allowed to sit (not sleep!) in a chair for the duration of your wait. Otherwise, you will be asked to leave the airport. Should you be granted a stay, seating is said to be cold metal chairs near the automatic doors, which allow exposure to the elements all night.
Furthermore, air-conditioning is set to “Arctic,” making the terminal frigid. Come prepared with warm clothes and a travel blanket! Those not wishing to face such restrictions may want to consider one of the nearby airport hotels. There are hotels within a 5-minute walk away and nearby hotels with shuttles. See Airport Hotels in the guide below.
Read some recent traveller reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Christchurch Airport Guide.
To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.
Airport Hours
The terminal is open from 3:00 AM until the last departing flight of the day. Overnight access is not permitted once the terminal closes.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
No dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones exist. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.
Cots
The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.
Airport Hotels & Sleep Pods
If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near Christchurch Airport:
- Novotel Christchurch Airport – Located outside International Departures. » Check Rates
- Sudima Hotel Christchurch Airport – Within walking distance of the terminal. A free 24-hour airport shuttle is available on demand. For pick-up, call from the Freephone (dial 27) at the Accommodation Directory Board. » Check Rates
- Lylo Christchurch – Offers hourly or overnight sleep pods with shared facilities, as well as Twin, Queen, and Family rooms with private ensuite. Located about a 10-minute walk from the terminal. » Check Rates
- Commodore Airport Hotel – Free 24-hour airport shuttle available on demand. For pick-up, call from the Freephone (dial 59) at the Accommodation Directory Board. » Check Rates
- Airport Palms Motel – Free airport shuttle available 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Mon–Fri) and 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Sat, Sun & public holidays). Outside these hours, the property can arrange a taxi at a discounted rate.» Check Rates
- Airport Christchurch Luxury Motel & Apartments – Free airport shuttle available 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Mon–Fri) and 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Sat, Sun & public holidays). » Check Rates
- Airport Gateway Motor Lodge – Free 24-hour airport shuttle available. For pick-up, call from the Freephone (dial 26) in the International Arrivals Hall. » Check Rates
An Accommodation Directory Board is located in International Arrivals. Courtesy shuttle pick-up is by the flagpoles in the Courtesy Shuttle collection area.
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 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 elite status, paying at the door, prepaid lounge passes and/or a lounge membership program.
- Air New Zealand Domestic Lounge – Location: Airside, Domestic Departures, Level 2 after security screening. Hours: Opens 1 hour before the first flight and closes at the last departure. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (NZD $35 for up to 4 hours • NZD $55 for 4 hours or more) • Lounge membership programs (Airpoints Elite, Gold, Elite Partner, Koru) • Eligible Air New Zealand passengers.
- Air New Zealand Regional Lounge – Location: Airside, Regional Departures (Gates 3–14). Hours: 5:30 AM until the last departure from Gates 3–14. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs (Airpoints Elite, Gold, Elite Partner, Koru) • Eligible Air New Zealand passengers.
- Air New Zealand International Lounge – Location: Airside, International Departures, within the duty-free area in the International Terminal. Hours: Opens approximately 2.5 hours before the first international departure and closes after the last departure (based on flight schedules). Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (NZD $35 for up to 4 hours • NZD $55 for 4 hours or more) • Lounge membership programs (Airpoints Elite, Gold, Elite Partner, Koru) • Elite Status (Star Alliance Gold) • Eligible Air New Zealand passengers.
- Manaia Lounge – Location: Airside, International Departures, Level 1, opposite Gate 29. Hours: varies, approx. 2 hours prior to flight. Showers: Yes (available for an additional fee). Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs • Business-class passengers on partner airlines such as Qantas, Emirates, Fiji Airways, Cathay Pacific, China Southern, and Jetstar.
Drinking Water
Free water fountains and bottle-refill stations are available both landside and airside throughout the terminal.
Food & Drinks
Food outlets operate on varying schedules. Most open from around 4:00 AM, with limited options available during late evening hours.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Luggage, keys, bikes, sports equipment and other travel-related items can be stored at Luggage Solutions, located on the ground floor. Hours: 4:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
Sample Rates: Small item (Keys, etc.) for $8.00/4 hours or $12.00/day • Carry-on bag for $10.00/4 hours or $12.00/day.
Mobile Charging
Power outlets and USB ports are available at charging stations throughout the terminal. Wireless charging is also available in the Digital Innovation Zone, located in Domestic Arrivals, Level 1.
Showers
Free showers are available. Travellers must provide their own toiletries. Locations: International Arrivals • International Departures • Domestic Departures • Check-in Hall
Additional showers are available in the Manaia Lounge. [see Airport Lounges above]
WiFi/Internet
Free, unlimited WiFi is available at Christchurch Airport. Connect to the “ FREE Unlimited Airport WiFi” network.
Security & Safety
Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
More Airport Information
Family Services
- Baby Care Facilities – Parent Rooms are available in both the Domestic and International areas, providing private spaces for feeding and changing infants.
- Family Entertainment – A few family-friendly options can help pass the time before a flight:
- Giant Puzzle – A large Canterbury Planes-themed puzzle offers a simple, hands-on activity. Location: Domestic Arrivals, Level 1.
- Mini Explorer Passport Activity Book – Activity books and pencil crayons are available from information desks to keep young travellers occupied.
Gym – Anytime Fitness operates 24 hours a day in Spitfire Square.
Hair Salon – Astonish Hair and Beauty offers hair and beauty treatments in Spitfire Square. Opening hours vary by day.
Information Desk – Information desks are available to assist travellers at several landside locations, including the Check-in Hall, near the Food Court, and in International Arrivals. Hours are typically 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
Luggage
- Baggage Trolleys – Free baggage trolleys are available throughout the terminal.
- Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
- Luggage Wrapping – Protective luggage wrapping services are available through Luggage Solutions.
Money
- ATMs / Cash Machines – ATMs operated by ANZ and BNZ are available. Fees may apply, so check with your bank before travelling. Foreign currency ATMs are also available.
- Currency Exchange – Travelex currency exchange kiosks are located throughout landside and airside areas of the International Terminal. Services operate in line with international flight schedules. Travelex ATMs dispensing major currencies are available 24 hours a day.
Multi-Faith Prayer Room – A prayer room for visitors of all faiths is located on the Ground Floor near domestic baggage claim. Open from the first flight of the day until the last domestic arrival.
Pharmacy – Unichem Pharmacy is located in Spitfire Square and offers prescription and over-the-counter services. Opening hours vary by day.
Post Office – Mailboxes are available in the Food Court and International Departures for posting letters and postcards. Stamps can be purchased from Relay stores.
Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available to arriving and departing international passengers.
Spitfire Square serves as the main landside retail and dining area, with a mix of food outlets, a pharmacy, a supermarket, a 24-hour fitness centre, and limited shopping.
SIM Cards – Local SIM cards are available from One NZ and Spark kiosks in the Arrivals Hall.
Things to do & see
- Antarctic Attraction – The International Antarctic Centre offers interactive exhibits, including snow and ice experiences and vehicle rides. Located a short walk from International Arrivals.
- Art in the Airport – Murals, sculptures, and themed air bridges are displayed throughout the terminal.
- Digital Innovation Zone – An interactive technology space featuring touchscreen flight displays and digital installations. Located in Domestic Arrivals.
- Ping Pong Table – A free-to-use table tennis table is available landside near the terminal entrance.
- Play Me Piano – A public piano, marked “Play Me,” is periodically moved to different indoor and outdoor locations for travellers to use.
Bus
Metro Red Bus services connect the airport to the city centre and other Christchurch locations using three lines:
- Number 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 seven days a week.
- Number 8 travels to Lyttelton seven days a week.
For route maps, schedules, fares and more, visit the Metro website.
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 • Sixt.
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 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 centre is approx. 15-20 minutes. Shuttle services can be pre-booked online at the Super Shuttle website.
Taxis
Taxis are 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 for 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
Regional transport companies, such as Great Sights and Knight Rider, provide various transportation options to extend your journey to South Island cities and towns. Christchurch Airport’s Regional Transport Hub is located at the northern end of the International Arrivals Hall.
Rideshare
Rideshare apps Uber, Ola and Zoomy can be used for pick up and drop off at Christchurch Airport. The rideshare pick-up and drop-off zone is signposted and located behind the Express Park building.
Last updated: 2026-01-26
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.