Christchurch International Airport

Christchurch International Airport (CHC) is not just the aerial gateway to the South Island of New Zealand, but also one of only five exclusive bases in the world serving as a starting point for expeditions to Antarctica. Since 1955, the airport has played a key role in supporting scientific missions, transporting researchers and cargo to the icy continent. This unique connection to the planet's southernmost pole gives the airport a special atmosphere, where a spirit of adventure and discovery hangs in the air, welcoming travellers from all over the world.

Christchurch Airport stands out favourably compared to many other air hubs. As the second busiest in New Zealand, it operates around the clock, providing flexibility in travel planning. It is one of only two airports in the country capable of handling the largest passenger aircraft, including the Airbus A380. A distinctive feature of the airport is the unique "Antarctic Walkway"—a covered transition area featuring an interactive installation that connects the terminal to the International Antarctic Centre. A single modern terminal building for both domestic and international flights makes transfers quick and convenient for passengers.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Christchurch International Airport (CHC). We recommend checking the official website for the most up-to-date data before your trip.

• Official Website: You can find the most complete and current information, including flight schedules, terminal maps, and services, on the website www.christchurchairport.co.nz.
• Information Service Phone: For general enquiries, you can call +64 3 358 5029.
• Airport Address: 30 Durey Road, Christchurch Airport, Christchurch 8053, New Zealand.
• Email: For most enquiries, the airport suggests using the online feedback forms available in the contact section of the official website.
• Social Media: It is convenient to follow news and updates on the airport's official pages on Facebook and Instagram.
• Lost Property Information: If your luggage or personal items were lost on board the aircraft, you should contact your airline's representative directly. Regarding items left inside the terminal building, you must fill out a form in the "Lost Property" section on the airport website.
• Passenger Support Contacts: The main channel for support is the telephone information service and the enquiry forms on the website, where assistance on a wide range of issues is available.

Getting to Christchurch International Airport (CHC) from the city centre of Christchurch is a simple and quick task. This important transport hub of the South Island of New Zealand is located just 10-12 kilometres from the business district, and it can be reached by several convenient methods suitable for any budget and travel style.

Public Transport. The most economical option is city buses. Several routes, including the Purple Line and Route 29, directly connect the city centre and other suburbs with the airport terminal. The journey usually takes about 30–40 minutes depending on the time of day and traffic conditions. For payment, you can purchase a ticket from the driver or use a reloadable Metrocard, which makes the fare significantly cheaper. This method is excellent for solo travellers and those travelling light.

Taxis, Shuttles, and Ridesharing. For maximum comfort and speed, you can use a taxi or ride-hailing apps (such as Uber, Ola, Zoomy). The trip from the centre to the airport will take just 15–25 minutes excluding traffic jams. This is a more expensive option, but it is ideal for families, groups, or tourists with a lot of luggage. A good alternative is shuttle buses (e.g., Super Shuttle), which offer shared rides. They are slightly cheaper than taxis and pick passengers up directly from their hotel, though travel time may be longer due to stops at other addresses.

Car Rental and Parking. If you are travelling by rental car, the drive to the airport will be straightforward thanks to clear signage. Christchurch Airport provides various parking options: from express zones for quick drop-offs and pick-ups to secure long-term car parks. It is recommended to book a parking space online in advance, as this often allows you to secure better rates. The return of rental cars also takes place at a designated car park next to the terminal.

When planning your trip, consider that Christchurch International Airport is the main hub for the region, handling the majority of flights. Other airports, such as Hokitika Airport or Nelson Airport, serve primarily local destinations and are located at a significant distance.

Christchurch International Airport (CHC) is distinguished by a well-thought-out and passenger-friendly structure. Unlike many major airports around the world, there is just one integrated terminal here, which serves both domestic and international flights. This modern building is designed to make movement between zones as simple and quick as possible, which is a great advantage for travellers arriving in New Zealand.

The terminal layout is intuitive. The building is divided into two main zones: international and domestic, located at different ends of the terminal but connected by a common space. Transferring between them is done on foot inside the building and takes just a few minutes, making transfers from domestic to international flights and vice versa extremely convenient. You will not have to go outside or use shuttles.

Departure and arrival zones are logically distributed across floors. On the Ground Floor, you will find check-in counters for all airlines and the arrivals hall. This is where passengers arrive after collecting their luggage. On Level 1, the departure zone is located. After check-in, passengers go upstairs to pass through security control and proceed to the boarding gates. The international sector on the second floor includes passport control and duty-free shops, whereas these procedures are absent in the domestic sector.

It is recommended to allocate different amounts of time for completing all formalities. For international flights, it is worth arriving at the airport 2.5-3 hours before departure. This time is usually sufficient for check-in, baggage drop, border control, and security screening. For domestic flights, the process is much faster — arriving 60-90 minutes before departure is sufficient. The airport is well-organised, and queues here are rarely too long.

For navigation throughout the terminal, clear signage in English is installed everywhere. Thanks to its compactness and unified structure, it is practically impossible to get lost here. If you have any questions, staff at the information desk, located in the centre of the arrivals hall on the ground floor, are always ready to help. Overall, Christchurch Airport leaves an impression of a very logical and passenger-friendly space.

The history of Christchurch International Airport (CHC) dates back to 1935 with the founding of Harewood Airfield, which was officially opened for flights in 1940. Initially serving as a training ground for pilots, it developed rapidly. A turning point was 18 December 1950, when the airport received its first commercial international flight from Australia, making it the first international airport in New Zealand.

A special role in the airport's history was played by the American Antarctic programme "Operation Deep Freeze", launched in 1955. Since that time, Christchurch has become the main logistics base for US research missions, and later for New Zealand and Italy, heading to Antarctica. This status turned the airport into one of only two in the world from which regular flights to the frozen continent are operated.

Over the decades, the airport has been constantly modernised to meet the growing demands of aviation. In 1960, a new runway capable of handling modern jet liners was commissioned, and in 1966 a new terminal building opened. The most large-scale transformation occurred in the 21st century: in 2013, the construction of a new integrated terminal costing 237 million dollars was completed. This project united domestic and international flights under one roof, significantly increasing comfort for passengers.

Among the notable facts from the airport's history is its innovative approach to ecology. CHC became the first in the world to offer landing discounts for less noisy aircraft, thereby encouraging airlines to use more modern and quieter planes. Today, Christchurch Airport is not only a key transport hub for the South Island but also a symbol of the region's connection with the rest of the world, including its unique role as a gateway to the Antarctic.

Christchurch International Airport offers passengers a modern and comfortable environment with everything necessary for a pleasant wait for their flight. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and numerous charging stations allow you to stay connected at all times. ATMs and currency exchange points are provided for financial transactions. In case of need, you can visit the pharmacy or medical centre located within the airport building.

The choice of places for dining and shopping will delight any traveller. Here you will find numerous cafes where you can enjoy coffee with fresh pastries, restaurants serving local and international cuisine, and lounges. In the departure zone, there are Duty Free stores with a wide range of perfumes, cosmetics, and confectionery, as well as souvenir shops where you can purchase unique goods from New Zealand, wool products, and traditional treats.

For those who value enhanced comfort, lounges such as the Manaia Lounge are available. Access can be obtained via airline loyalty cards or for a separate fee. Travellers with children will appreciate the presence of special parents' rooms equipped with everything necessary for baby care, as well as play areas to help entertain young passengers before the flight.

The airport is fully equipped for passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps, lifts, and specially equipped restrooms. Airport staff are always ready to provide necessary assistance upon prior request. If you need rest between flights, the Novotel Christchurch Airport hotel is located directly opposite the terminal. Additionally, there are several other hotels to suit any budget in the immediate vicinity.

For business travellers, the airport and nearby hotels provide business centre services and conference rooms. This is a convenient solution for holding meetings or working in a quiet environment without leaving the airport territory.

At Christchurch International Airport (CHC), travellers will find diverse dining options capable of satisfying any taste and budget. Whether you are looking for a quick snack before departure or a full dinner, there is plenty to choose from. Most establishments are concentrated in the single terminal, making navigation simple and convenient.

Before Security (Landside): In the public area, before check-in and screening, several cafes and a food court are located. This is an ideal place for those seeing off or meeting passengers. Here you can drink excellent New Zealand coffee, have a snack with fresh pastries, or order dishes from quick-service menus. Prices here are generally slightly lower than in the departure zone.

After Security (Airside): The main part of the restaurants and cafes is located in the departure zone, after passing through passport and customs control. Here the selection is significantly wider. You can relax in one of the lounges with a refreshing beverage, have lunch at a restaurant with a view of the runway, or grab a sandwich and a drink for the journey. This is a great opportunity to try dishes for which New Zealand is famous, such as lamb or fresh seafood.

Regarding special dietary needs, many establishments at Christchurch Airport offer Halal, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes. It is recommended to pay attention to the menu or ask staff directly about available options. The opening hours of most cafes and restaurants are aligned with the flight schedule; many open early in the morning and close after the departure of the last aircraft.

For a quick snack, coffee shops and bakeries are perfect, where you can order the famous New Zealand "flat white" coffee and pastries. If you have time for a full lunch or dinner, it is worth paying attention to the restaurants in the departure zone, offering a more refined menu and a comfortable environment for waiting for your flight.

To ensure your journey through Christchurch Airport goes smoothly, make use of several useful tips. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive 3 hours before departure, and for domestic ones — 90 minutes. This time will be enough to check in, drop off luggage, and pass security control without rushing. To save time, check in for your flight online and save the boarding pass on your phone. Self-service kiosks are also available at the airport.

When choosing a seat on a plane departing from or arriving in Christchurch, prefer a window seat. If you are lucky with the weather, stunning views of the Southern Alps will open up to you. As for hand luggage, the rules are standard: liquids in containers up to 100 ml must be packed in a transparent bag. However, New Zealand is known for its extremely strict biosecurity rules. It is categorically forbidden to bring in fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, honey, and even camping equipment (tents, boots) that has not been thoroughly cleaned without declaring them. Fines for violations are very high.

Customs control is the most important stage for arriving passengers. You will be issued a passenger declaration card, which must be filled out as honestly as possible. If you have even the slightest doubt about whether to declare a product or item — declare it without fail. This applies to food (even packaged snacks), medicines, and sports equipment. Security staff will check the declared items and decide if they can be brought in. Honesty will save you from serious fines.

Passengers with connections should note that when transiting from an international flight to a domestic one, it is necessary to pass customs and passport control, collect your luggage, and re-check it for the next flight. Allocate sufficient time for this. In case of a flight delay, contact your airline representative. In the terminal building, there are cafes, shops, and free Wi-Fi to brighten up the wait. To save money, bring an empty reusable water bottle with you — there are drinking water fountains in the airport, and it is better to book airport transport and parking online in advance.