Christchurch International Airport (CHC)

The airport at a glance

• Christchurch Airport (CHC) has one integrated terminal for domestic and international flights, and it opens at 3am every day. The airport has regular flights to 16 airports in New Zealand and more than 140 international arrivals and departures a week.
• There are no direct flights to Thailand. For connections towards Asia, the airport's international schedule lists Singapore Airlines to Singapore (up to 12 a week), Air New Zealand to Singapore (3 a week), Cathay Pacific to Hong Kong (up to 5 a week, 2 Nov 2026 – 27 Mar 2027), China Southern to Guangzhou (up to 10 a week, 26 Oct 2026 – 27 Mar 2027), Emirates to Dubai via Sydney (daily) and Air New Zealand to Tokyo Narita (3 a week from 28 Nov 2026).
• There are also many flights to Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Adelaide and Perth) with Air New Zealand, Qantas, Jetstar and Emirates, and to Nadi with Fiji Airways.

Connecting flights

• Domestic to international: ask your airline whether your bags are checked through. Domestic arrivals and international departures are in the same building; follow the signs to International Departures.
• International to domestic: everyone collects their bags and goes through Customs before checking in for the domestic flight.

Getting into Christchurch

• Metro buses leave from the northern end of International Arrivals, next to the Novotel (exit through Door 9). Route 3 runs via the city centre to Sumner every 10 minutes (every 15 minutes at weekends); route 29 runs to the city via Fendalton every 30 minutes. Routes 8 (to Lyttelton) and 125 also stop here.
• Pay by tapping a contactless credit or debit card (or phone) on the Motu Move reader, or with a Motu Move card. Metrocards and cash are accepted only until 23 Nov 2026.
• Taxis: the rank is outside International Arrivals (exit through Door 7). The drive to the city centre takes about 15–20 minutes. Prices vary by company, so ask for an estimate first; taxis add a NZD 6 airport charge. Super Shuttle (door-to-door vans) waits outside Door 9.

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Lounges

• Air New Zealand International Lounge: in International Departures, within CHC Duty Free, open from 2.5 hours before departure.
• Manaia Lounge: in International Departures opposite Gate 29, for selected passengers of Qantas, Emirates, Fiji Airways, China Southern, Cathay Pacific and Jetstar. You may be able to pay at the door, subject to space; it is also on Priority Pass.
• Air New Zealand also has a domestic lounge and a regional lounge (next to Gates 3–14).

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Arriving in New Zealand

• Everyone flying into New Zealand must complete the free New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD), online or in the NZTD app, at the earliest 24 hours before departure. Declared goods are inspected by Ministry for Primary Industries officers after passport control, and bags may be checked by detector dogs, X-ray or search.
• If you carry NZD 10,000 or more in cash (or the equivalent in other currencies), you must tell a Customs officer.
• Check whether you need a visa with Immigration New Zealand (immigration.govt.nz) well before you travel.

Good to know

• International flights: liquids, aerosols and gels in your hand luggage must be in containers of 100 ml or less, all together up to 1 litre, but thanks to new scanners you don't need to take them, or laptops, out of your bag. eGates are used for all international departures.
• The airport asks you to check with your airline how early to arrive.