Christchurch International Airport (CHC)

Overview

A small facility located 7.5 miles (12km) outside of Christchurch, Christchurch International Airport is a tidy little airport serving roughly six million passengers each year. New Zealand's second largest airport, Christchurch International hosts mostly flights to destinations in New Zealand and Australia, with a few flights to cities in Asia like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Tokyo.

Christchurch International Airport is currently undergoing massive renovations after it was damaged in several earthquakes in early 2011. The construction process will include several upgrades allowing the airport to increase its capacity as its numbers continue to grow year after year.

Christchurch International Airport is a fairly basic facility with a good selection of shops and restaurants, and services like a hairdresser and florist. One popular point of interest is the International Antarctic Centre across the road, offering interactive exhibitions and activities the whole family will enjoy.

Location

The airport is situated eight miles (12km) from Christchurch.

Getting to the city

The Airport Flyer offers a public bus service to and from the city centre. It costs NZ$7 and is a 30 minute journey. There is also a door to door shuttle bus that travels to all areas within Christchurch and costs NZ$15-20. Taxis go to the city centre for NZ$30.

Time

Local time is GMT +12 (GMT +13 from the last Sunday in October to the last Sunday in March).

Contacts

Tel: +64 (0)3 358 5029.

Car rental

Car rental companies include Avis, Budget, Hertz, Maui rentals and Thrifty.

Airport Taxis

Taxis are available from outside the domestic terminal or to the left of customs in the international terminal. It takes 20 minutes to get to the city centre and taxis charge between NZ$30 and NZ$40 for the trip.

Transfer between terminals

The two terminals (domestic and international) are joined to one another and within walking distance of one another.

Facilities

There are shops, bars and restaurants, banks, ATMs and bureaux de change at the airport. Other facilities include left luggage (NZ$5 to 8/day), mobile and sim rental, showers, a business centre, a post office, and a hotel reservations desk. Disabled facilities are good, those with special needs should inform their travel agent or airline in advance.

Parking

There is covered and uncovered parking available at varying rates. Short-term parking is NZ$5 per hour up to NZ$25 per day, and long-term parking has similar charges with a weekly maximum of NZ75

Departure Tax

Airport tax is NZ$25, except for children 12 years of age and under and transit passengers of up to 24 hours. Credit cards are accepted.

Website

www.christchurchairport.co.nz

Airlines

Flights to Christchurch International Airport are available on AirAsia X, Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, and Virgin Australia.

Internet

Wifi is available throughout the airport. The first 30 minutes are free, after which you can buy more browsing time with a credit card.

Business Lounges

There are no conference facilities at Christchurch International Airport, however the Travel and Tourism Centre offers copying and fax services, and there is a post office in the terminal; internet kiosks are scattered throughout the airport. There are also business services in airline lounges for passengers of Air New Zealand, Qantas, Emirates and Singapore Airlines.

Christchurch International Airport Taxis: the taxi fares above are intended as a guideline only.