Christchurch International Airport CHC Airport Traveler Guide

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

At CHC, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at designated areas outside of the terminal buildings. Curbside parking is strictly prohibited, and vehicles left unattended will be towed. It is important to follow the airport's regulations to ensure the safety and efficiency of the pick-up and drop-off process.

For those waiting to pick up passengers, the airport offers a cell-phone waiting area located near the domestic terminal. This area allows drivers to wait in their vehicles until their passengers have arrived and are ready to be picked up. This helps to alleviate traffic congestion and ensures a smooth flow of vehicles in and out of the airport.

Parking Facilities & Options

If you're flying out of CHC Airport, you'll find a variety of parking options available to suit your needs. The airport offers both covered and uncovered parking in several lots and garages located near both the Domestic Area and International Terminal.

For those who are picking up arriving passengers, there are cell phone waiting areas available near both terminals. These areas allow you to wait in your car until your party has arrived and is ready to be picked up.

If you require handicapped parking, there are designated spaces available in all parking areas. These spaces are located close to the terminals and are clearly marked for easy identification.

For those looking for a more economical parking option, off-airport parking is available near the airport. These lots offer shuttle service to and from the airport, making it easy to get to your terminal without the hassle of finding a parking spot.

Transportation Options

Christchurch International Airport offers a variety of ground transportation options for travelers arriving at the airport:

• Car Rentals: Car rental facilities are available at Christchurch International Airport with major providers such as Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, and Thrifty. These providers offer a range of vehicles to suit different needs and budgets. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during peak travel times, to ensure availability.
• Taxis: Taxi services are available at the airport, with drop-off areas located outside the terminal building. Fares are metered and vary depending on the destination. It is recommended to confirm the fare with the driver before starting the journey. The average fare to the city center is approximately NZD 45-65, and the travel time is around 15-20 minutes.
• Ride-Share Services: Shared ride services such as Uber and Ola are available at the airport, with pickup areas located outside the terminal building. These services have some restrictions, such as the number of passengers and luggage allowed per ride. It is recommended to check with the service provider for more information.
• Airport Shuttles: Airport shuttles provide a convenient and affordable option for travelers. These shuttles operate on a fixed schedule, and pickup areas are located outside the terminal building. Fares vary depending on the destination and number of passengers. It is recommended to book your shuttle in advance to ensure availability.
• Public Transportation: Public transportation options include buses and trains. The airport is well connected to the city center and surrounding areas by bus routes and trains. Bus stops and train stations are located outside the terminal building. The Metro Bus service provides regular routes to the city center, with fares starting at NZD 8.50 for a single adult ticket. Additionally, the Christchurch Airport Link bus service offers direct connections to key locations in the city.

Airport Hotels

Traveling can be a tiring process, and finding a comfortable and convenient place to stay near the airport can make your journey much more enjoyable. Whether you're in transit, arriving late, or departing early, staying near the airport can help make your travel experience smoother and less stressful. This guide provides an overview of some of the best hotel options, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly accommodations. These hotels are conveniently located near the airport, with some offering additional amenities such as in-house restaurants, free WiFi, airport shuttle services, and more. Whether you're looking for a place to rest before a flight, a convenient base for exploring the city, or a comfortable spot to recover from jet lag, these hotels offer a range of options to suit your needs. Read on to discover the perfect hotel for your next trip. For a full list of options, view all Christchurch Airport Hotels.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

If you're looking for a quick bite or a place to sit down and enjoy a meal before your flight, the airport has plenty of options. In the Domestic Area, you can grab a coffee and a pastry at Joe's Garage or a burger at Burger King. For a sit-down meal, try the Mediterranean-inspired dishes at Coriander's or the classic pub fare at Speight's Ale House.

In the International Terminal, you'll find even more dining options. If you're in the mood for Asian cuisine, check out Little India or Noodle House. For something a bit more upscale, try the seafood and steak at The Rocks. And if you just need a quick snack, head to Hudsons Coffee or Krispy Kreme.

When it comes to shopping, Christchurch International Airport has a variety of stores to choose from. In the Domestic Area, you can pick up some last-minute souvenirs at The Loop Duty Free or browse the selection of books and magazines at Whitcoulls. In the International Terminal, you'll find everything from luxury fashion brands like Hugo Boss and Michael Kors to New Zealand-themed gifts at The Great New Zealand Shop.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at Christchurch Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map.

Passenger Services

• Free Wi-Fi: Christchurch Airport provides complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the terminal. Simply connect to the ‘CHC Free Wi-Fi’ network and follow the prompts to access the internet.
• Lost and Found: If you misplace an item during your journey, the lost and found office is located in the International Terminal. The friendly staff will assist you in locating your lost item.
• Children's Play Area: To keep young travelers entertained, Christchurch Airport features a dedicated children’s area located in the Domestic Area. This area is equipped with toys, games, and a TV.
• Special-Needs Services: The airport offers a range of services for passengers with special needs, including wheelchair assistance, accessible toilets, and hearing loops. It’s recommended to notify your airline in advance if you require any assistance.
• ATM: ATMs are available throughout the airport in both the Domestic and International Terminals, providing access to banking services while you’re at the airport.
• Medical Center: In case of a medical emergency, a medical center is located in the International Terminal. The center is staffed with qualified medical professionals and equipped to handle a range of medical situations.
• Airport Lounges: Christchurch Airport features several lounges, including the Air New Zealand Lounge and the Manaia Lounge. These lounges offer amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, beverages, snacks, and comfortable seating areas to relax before your flight. Access is available for a fee or through membership programs.

Flight Status Info

As an air traveler, it's important to stay informed about the status of your flight, especially if there are any delays, cancelations, or gate changes. Fortunately, there are several ways to get flight status updates at CHC.

One of the easiest ways to check your flight status is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS). These displays can be found throughout the airport and provide real-time information about flight departures, delays, and gate information. Simply locate your flight on the display and check the status.

Another way to get flight status updates is by using airline mobile phone apps. Most airlines have their own apps that allow you to track your flight status, receive push notifications about delays or gate changes, and even check in for your flight. Simply download the app for your airline and set up notifications to stay informed.

In addition to mobile apps, airlines also offer text, email, and push notifications for flight status updates. Check with your airline to see if they offer this service and how to sign up.

Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at CHC Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Airport Facts & Stats

• Location: Christchurch International Airport (CHC) is located in Christchurch, New Zealand.
• Terminals: The airport has two terminals: Domestic Area and International Terminal.
• Airlines Served: Major airlines include Air New Zealand, Qantas, and Jetstar Airways. For a complete list of airlines, visit the CHC Airlines Served page.
• Passenger Traffic: The airport handles approximately 6 million passengers annually, averaging around 16,000 passengers daily.
• Daily Flights: There are about 130 daily flights at CHC.
• Top Destinations: The most popular destinations served from CHC are Auckland, Wellington, Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne.
• Hub Status: Christchurch International Airport is a hub for Air New Zealand, Jetstar Airways, and Virgin Australia.

Airport History

Christchurch Airport, located in the South Island of New Zealand, has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:

• 1935: The airport was officially opened as Harewood Airport, named after the nearby Harewood Estate.
• 1953: The first international flight from Christchurch to Sydney, Australia was operated by TEAL (Tasman Empire Airways Limited), which later became Air New Zealand.
• 1960s: The airport underwent major expansion and modernization, including the construction of a new terminal building and runway.
• 1970s: The airport became a hub for Air New Zealand and saw an increase in international flights to destinations such as Fiji and the United States.
• 2010-2014: The airport underwent further expansion and renovation, including the construction of a new domestic terminal and parking facilities.
• 2019: The airport was renamed to its current name, CHC, to better reflect its status as a major international gateway to New Zealand.

Today, CHC Airport serves over 6 million passengers annually and offers direct flights to destinations around the world.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Christchurch International Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

• IATA Code: CHC
• Airport Website
• Phone: +64 3-358 5029
• Email: [email protected]
• Mailing Address: Christchurch International Airport, PO Box 14-001, Christchurch 8544, New Zealand

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

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