Located in Harewood, New Zealand, Christchurch Airport (CHC) is the main airport serving Christchurch. It is the first international airport in New Zealand and the second busiest in terms of freight. This airport is free of any curfew and hence operates all through the week. Additionally, it is also known for its customer-friendly services and improved facilities. Christchurch Airport (CHC) is one of the main airports in New Zealand that serves Boeing 747 and Airbus A380 aircraft.
These accommodations at the airport can be properly utilized when you have a clear understanding of the proceedings conducted. Hence, it is vital to have full information about the airport.
General Information about Christchurch Airport
Christchurch International Airport is owned by Christchurch City Council and serves as both a public and military airport. More details about the airport are as follows:
| Christchurch airport address | Christchurch International Airport |
| Airport Type | Public |
| Owner | Christchurch City Council (75%)NZ Government (25%) |
| Operator | Christchurch International Airport Limited |
| Built In (Year) | 1937 |
| Serves | Christchurch |
| Hub For | Air New Zealand Limited, Virgin Australia Airlines, MORE |
| Christchurch Airport Code | CHC |
| Christchurch Airport Terminals | Single Terminal |
| Christchurch New Zealand Airport Coordinates | 43°29′22″S 172°31′56″E |
| Christchurch New Zealand Airport Runway | 3 |
| christchurch airport address | 30 Durey Road, Harewood, Christchurch 8053, New Zealand |
| Distance from the City | 10 km (6.2 mi) |
| Official Website | christchurchairport.co.nz |
| Official Phone Number | 64 3 353 7777 |
| Elevation | 37 m / 123 ft |
Christchurch Airport Code
CHC is the popular airport code by which the Christchurch Airport is identified on an international level. Christchurch International Airport Code is CHC. This three-letter IATA code is derived from Christchurch City in New Zealand. Christchurch Airport (CHC) serves this majestic city located in the heart of New Zealand’s South Island about 12 kilometers from the city center. Its elevation is 37 meters above sea level.
Along with the CHC Airport code, the other codes given to this airport are as follows:
| IATA CODE | CHC |
| ICAO CODE | NZCH |
| FAA CODE | N/A |
| WORLD AREA CODE | 851 |
| COUNTRY CODE | NZL |
| ZIP CODE | 8051 |
| IATA METROPOLITAN CODE | CHC |
Christchurch Airport Map
The Christchurch International Airport map offers a snapshot of the airport’s layout, highlighting key areas such as terminals, parking, and transportation options. It provides a clear overview of the airport’s facilities, helping travelers navigate with ease. This map also shows the location of all the gates of the airport.
Below is the official map of CHC Airport:
Christchurch International Airport CHC Runways
Here’s a table summarizing the runways at Christchurch International Airport, highlighting their dimensions and directions:
| Runway Number | Length (meters) | Length (feet) |
| 02/20 | 3,288 | 10,785 |
| 11/29 | 1,741 | 5,712 |
| 02/20 | 515 | 1,690 |
Airlines at Christchurch International Airport CHC
Christchurch New Zealand Airport welcomes a range of airlines, connecting travelers from various parts of the world to New Zealand. Some of the major airlines serving CHC include:
- Air New Zealand
- Qantas
- Emirates
- Etihad Airways
- Singapore Airlines
- China Airlines
- Cathay Pacific
- Jetstar Airways
Airports Near Christchurch New Zealand Airport
There are some airports located at a considerable distance from Christchurch Airport. These include the following:
| Airport | Distance from CHC |
| Nelson Airport (NSN) | 409 km or 254 miles |
| Wellington Airport (WLG) | 442 km or 274 miles |
| Blenheim Airport (BHE) | 315 km or 196 miles |
Christchurch Airport Terminals
There is only one main Christchurch Airport Terminal that handles both domestic and international flights. Check-in halls for both operations are the same. There are 58 check-in desks, self-service check-in kiosks, and a retail area for several outlets and lounges in the terminal building. This terminal consists of 37 gates in total. The terminal has two levels, that is, the ground floor and level one. Parking facilities are also offered near this main terminal.
Ground Floor
The ground floor of the terminal has shopping, eatery, and relaxation facilities. It offers lounges, car rental services, and duty-free stores. This level also has a check-in hall and an international arrival hall. Customs and border screening also take place here.
First Floor
The first floor of this terminal mainly undertakes domestic flights with the provision of domestic departure and arrival zones. It houses the transfer Gates 3-15. Other services similar to the ground floor are offered here as well like shopping and dining.
Christchurch Airport Arrivals
Both domestic and international Christchurch Airport arrivals are facilitated by the main terminal of the airport. The ground floor of this terminal has a common baggage claim area. Passengers can head to this station upon arriving at the main terminal.
Christchurch Airport Departures
For departures, travelers will have to head to the official boarding gates as mentioned on their boarding passes. To find your gates within the airport, you can review the departure map. Generally, the ground floor of the main terminal undertakes departures at Christchurch.
How to Get To and From CHC Airport
When visiting Christchurch International Airport, you can use any of the following transportation options:
- Shuttle Services: Various shuttle companies provide shared ride services to and from the airport, offering a convenient and cost-effective way to reach your destination.
- Taxi Services: Taxis are readily available at the airport, offering a quick transportation option to various parts of Christchurch.
- Public Transport: Metro Red Bus services connect the airport to the city center, making it easy for travelers to access the heart of Christchurch.
- Car Rentals: Several reputable car rental companies have offices at the airport, allowing passengers to rent vehicles for their journeys.
Christchurch Airport Parking Facilities & Options
To enable passengers to halt their vehicles at the airport without any hassle, CHC offers a variety of parking options. Bike, bus, and car parking at Christchurch Airport can be availed either by booking online or by visiting the airport directly. These parking options include:
- Express Park: This is the parking lot located closest to the main terminal of the airport and offers premium parking facilities.
- Orchard Road Car Park: This option can be selected if you just need to pick up or drop off passengers. It is about a short walk from the main terminal.
- Park and Ride: Free electric shuttle services are provided from the main terminal to this lot. It mainly offers uncovered parking.
- Short Stay Parking: This is a short-term parking facility located about 3 minutes from the terminal.
- Long Stay Parking: Located 5 minutes by walk from the terminal, this offers uncovered parking on a long-term basis.
The parking fee depends on the type of option selected and the duration. It can range between USD 2 and USD 105. The exact amount can be viewed on the airport’s official site.
Christchurch Airport Lost and Found
To report any Christchurch Airport lost property, you can visit the lost and found office at the main terminal of the airport. If any item matching your description is retrieved, you will be called to officially claim it.
- Operating Hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday
- Contact details: +64 3 353 7749
- Email: lostandfound@cial.co.nz
Lounges at Christchurch Airport
Getting access to the Christchurch Airport lounge will enable you to enjoy facilities like free WiFi, complimentary food and drinks, and a space to relax. The following are the various domestic and international airport lounges offered at CHC:
- Air New Zealand Domestic Lounge: It is located near the domestic departures area and will be open every day.
- Air New Zealand Lounge: To reach this lounge, you will have to go to Gates 3-14 on the ground floor of the terminal. It opens at 5:30 a.m. every day.
- Air New Zealand International Lounge: This lounge will open 2.5 hours before the departure of your flight and can be accessed in the international departure area.
- Manaia Lounge: Passengers flying with Qantas, Emirates, Fiji Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Jetstar Airlines can access the lounge near Gate 29.
Christchurch Airport Security Wait Times
To complete the Christchurch Airport security process, it might take you about 10-15 minutes on normal days. On crowded days, this time can be extended. If you are present early at the airport, you will be able to avoid long extensions of the security wait times.
Facilities and Amenities at Christchurch International Airport
CHC Airport has a wide range of facilities and amenities available at its main terminal. These include:
- Currency exchange bureau
- Post office
- Business center
- Retail area
- Food and beverage outlets
- Free Wi-Fi
- ATMs
- Play areas for children
- Showers
- Baby changing facilities
- Accessible facilities for people with disabilities
Christchurch International Airport is a modern and well-equipped airport, with a wide range of facilities and services available to passengers. It is a major hub for both domestic and international flights and is the gateway to the South Island of New Zealand.
