Christchurch Airport or Christchurch International Airport serves South Island in New Zealand. It is the 2nd largest airport in New Zealand and receives over 6 million passengers every year. If you have car hire at Christchurch Airport, it is an easy 12 km drive to the city, with a journey time of 22 minutes. Flights arrive daily, from Australia and south east Asia as well as domestic flight from New Zealand.
Christchurch Airport has a new main terminal building, where you will find plenty of facilities for travellers on business or pleasure. There is a visitor assistance desk to help you with any questions you may have about the airport and a tourist information office to advise you on the best attractions in the area. For all your money needs, there are ATMs located around the terminal and currency exchange counters, if you need extra dollars. If you want to check your emails, there is Wi-Fi available for a charge. For those last minute buys, head for the landside retail and food precinct which has 11 shops including duty free stores and there is also a pharmacy and entertainment centre. If you missed lunch, you can choose from 10 outlets selling everything from noodles and sushi to fast food. Opposite the airport, you will find the Antarctic Attraction, an interactive experience that teaches you about this unique environment.
Christchurch is known as the ‘Garden City’ and has a very English feel to it, especially the cathedral and Worcester Boulevard and you can even punt along the River Avon. It is a city that is still recovering after shocking earthquakes in 2011, although many utilities are now fixed, there are still some areas that are inaccessible. The Christchurch Cathedral has been damaged severely and there are now plans to build a transitional ‘Cardboard Cathedral’ which will become an attraction in itself. To find out more about the city’s heritage, visit the Canterbury Museum and for fine art, visit the Christchurch Art Gallery. For something a little different, head for the Air Force Museum which highlights the history and work of the New Zealand Royal Air Force. Drive out the Summit Road for great views of the city, Alps and Lyttleton Harbour, but watch out for the sheep! Out and about with car hire in Christchurch, swim with dolphins and try the hot springs at Akaroa or visit the Ferrymeade Heritage Park.
