Christchurch Airport Parking

Christchurch International Airport (CHC) is the main airport serving New Zealand’s South Island. Its single terminal building and innovative perpendicular runways accommodate over a dozen domestic and international airlines, with upwards of one thousand flights to and from over 30 locations around the world taking place each week.

CHC was the first international airport in New Zealand and remains the second-busiest in the country, with over six million visitors passing through each year. Christchurch Airport is one of only two major airports in New Zealand and the only one on the South Island capable of accommodating the largest category of long-haul aircraft, including the Boeing 747 and Airbus A380, which makes it a vital economic and cultural gateway for the city of Christchurch and the south of New Zealand.

Location of Christchurch Airport

CHC is situated in the suburb of Harewood, just over seven miles (12 kilometres) north west of Christchurch city centre. The main access road into the airport is linked to both Memorial Avenue, which leads directly to central Christchurch, and State Highway 1, which runs the entire length of both islands and serves as the backbone of New Zealand’s road network.

The airport can be reached from downtown Christchurch via taxi in 20 minutes or by a number of convenient bus routes that run every half an hour and take between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on where you get on. Although CHC has no dedicated rail facilities, Christchurch Railway Station Addington is located on the edge of Christchurch city centre, just six miles (10 kilometres) away, making it a quick taxi ride to check-in.

History of Christchurch Airport

In 1935, the local council picked Harewood as the best site for a new aerodrome and, two years later, the 561-acre (227-hectare) site held a 3,000-feet (915-metre) runway and a small terminal building. In 1940, the airfield became RNZAF Station Harewood and grew steadily for 10 years until the airport became the first in New Zealand to receive government clearance for international operations. Following the boom in international air traffic and visitors in the 1950s, a new and considerably larger terminal building was designed by famous New Zealander architect, Paul Pascoe, who took inspiration from some of the world’s most successful and iconic airports. The new terminal building opened in 1960.

Since then, the investment, development and expansion of CHC’s access routes, parking facilities and runways has been almost constant and the recent completion of a major terminal upgrade has allowed Christchurch Airport to welcome even more international visitors to New Zealand.

Car

Christchurch International Airport is easily accessible, only 20 minutes’ drive from Christchurch city centre via Memorial Avenue and only five minutes from State Highway 1, which runs from the north of New Zealand to the south and provides direct access to CHC from anywhere in the country. Wherever you’re driving from, you can use the postcode Christchurch 8053 to make your way there.

Bus

Christchurch Airport is connected to three different bus routes – 29, 125 and the Purple Line – that run through downtown Christchurch and numerous surrounding suburbs, giving you plenty of bus stop options. The bus journey to CHC will take anywhere from half an hour to an hour depending on which route you choose and where you get on, so make sure you leave enough time to check-in before your flight.

Train

Christchurch Airport does not currently have its own rail station, but Christchurch Railway Station Addington is only 10 minutes’ drive away and is conveniently located between the airport and the city centre, making it a quick and affordable taxi ride in either direction if you’re getting the train.

Leave plenty of time before your flight

Responsible for the majority of the South Island’s international travel and a major hub for domestic flights, CHC can quickly become busy, especially during peak hours. The airport recommends that you leave at least 40 minutes to check in for domestic flights and between two and three hours if you’re flying internationally. You can keep track of your flight using CHC’s live arrivals/departures page.

Opening times

While Christchurch Airport stays open 24 hours a day to serve international travellers, the domestic terminal is closed to the public after the last domestic flight at around 11pm. If you’re flying domestically first thing in the morning or last thing at night, it’s a good idea to check with your airline in advance when check-in for your flight opens and closes.

24-hour food

If you’re taking off first thing and hankering after something to eat or struggling with thirst after a late-night flight, you’ll be pleased to know that CHC has a 24-hour café located landside in the international terminal, serving a limited selection of food and drink.

Stay fresh with a free shower

There is a suite of free showers in the international arrivals hall at CHC, ideal if you’re looking to freshen up after a long-haul flight A number of the nearby shops also sell towels and a range of bathroom essentials if you’ve forgotten yours.

Executive lounges for everyone

For a one-time daily fee, some of the executive lounges at Christchurch Airport permit entry to all visitors, regardless of the airline you’re flying with or the type of your ticket. So, if you want to get away from the noise of the terminal and get on with work or have some sleep, it’s worth checking if there’s room.

Know where to pick up and drop off

Whether you’re picking people up or dropping them off, you can use the Express Park for 15 minutes completely free. Located just one minute away from the terminal, it’s perfect for wishing friends and family a happy trip and for welcoming them back.

Being the South Island’s major domestic and international hub, Christchurch Airport is responsible for the comfort, sustenance and entertainment of over 16,000 visitors every day and, as the airport has grown in size and capacity over the years, so has its range of facilities.

CHC’s site now features many high-street shops, many of which are housed in the airport’s purpose-built Spitfire Square retail complex, selling everything from travel essentials to luxury cosmetics and cutting-edge technology. The airport has a mouthwatering selection of fresh and fast food from a range of international outlets and local favourites and even its own small cinema.

If you have any special requirements for your visit to CHC, you can find all the information you need on the airport’s special assistance page.

Facilities at Christchurch Airport include:

• Business facilities

• Car rental

• Cash machines/ATMS

• Collection points

• Currency exchange

• Family facilities

  • Change tables

  • Children’s play area

  • Family entertainment zone

  • Nursery rooms

• Food and drink

  • Bars

  • Cafés

  • Fast food

  • Pre-packaged food

  • Restaurants

• Gym facilities

• Hospitality ambassadors

• Information desk

• Internet access

  • WiFi

  • Kiosks

• Lost and found

• Lounge

• Luggage services

  • Storage

  • Wrapping

• Medical services and first aid

• Meeting rooms

• Parking facilities

  • Express park

  • Long-stay

  • Park and ride

  • Pick-up/Drop-off

  • Short-stay

• Pay phones

• Pharmacy

• Phone and laptop charging

• Post office

• Prayer room

• Shopping

  • Convenience stores

  • Duty free

  • High-street brands

  • Luxury goods

  • Retail park

• Showers

• Smoking areas

• Special assistance facilities

• Toilets

The world on a plate

Whether you’re in the mood for noodles or fancy a freshly ground coffee to go, CHC’s terminal building is packed with a wide variety of food and drink. From familiar fast food outlets to New Zealand’s unique twist on Japanese sushi, Christchurch Airport houses a range of international eateries along with its in-house bars, cafés and restaurants. The range provides breakfast, lunch and dinner menus throughout the day, including a number of vegetarian, dairy free and gluten free options.

Retail details

Christchurch Airport’s retail hall is fitted out with shops that provide all your travel and holiday essentials, whether it’s factor 50 sunscreen or a brand-new bestseller. The airport also features outlets offering luxury cosmetics and world-renowned skincare collections, as well as cutting-edge technology, disposable cameras and those all-important spare batteries.

Taking pride in its rich Kiwi heritage, CHC is also home to a selection of shops selling some of New Zealand's best local produce. From high quality souvenir t-shirts to locally-made jewellery and homeware, there’s sure to be something to remind you of your trip or inspire someone else at home to visit.

To make shopping even easier, Christchurch Airport operates a convenient collection service that means you can leave all your purchases behind and enjoy your travels, safe in the knowledge that everything you bought will be ready for you to pick up on your return.

Pop-up paradise

Situated only 2,300 feet (700 metres) away from the terminal building is CHC’s brand-new entertainment complex, Spitfire Square. Featuring even more restaurants, cafés and bars from around the world, as well as a 24/7 gym and a huge supermarket, Spitfire Square also has space for a number of pop-up shops selling everything from freshly baked cakes to handmade clothes and contemporary lifestyle accessories.

Whether you’re after a certain something or just stretching your legs, Spitfire Square is a great way of getting out of the bustle of the airport while remaining just a few minutes away from your departure gate.

South Island on screen

If you’re looking for something completely different, Christchurch Airport has its very own 54-seat cinema, located on level 1 in the terminal building. Flying South, an emotive 23-minute film that tells the story of three generations of a New Zealand family as they journey across the spectacular South Island, is shown every half an hour, giving you the opportunity to experience the famous warmth of the South Island people and its breathtaking landscape in a completely unique way before you fly.

Top the leaderboard

CHC is also home to a fun-filled video games arcade featuring a selection of all-time classics to bring out the retro gamer in you, alongside some of the latest cutting-edge releases to keep today’s generation of gamers entertained.

Sit back and relax

If that all sounds like too much hard work and you’d rather just catch up on that book you're reading, check your emails or even top up your sleep, you’ll be pleased to know that, for a daily charge, many of the executive lounges at Christchurch Airport will let you in regardless of the airline with which you’re flying. With complimentary refreshments, free high-speed WiFi, a wide selection of magazines and newspapers, business facilities and even showers, all away from the noise of the check-in hall, you can get everything done in peace or just enjoy doing nothing at all before take-off.