By Air in Christchurch & Canterbury

By Air

Christchurch Airport (CHC) is 10 km (6 mi) northwest of the city. The domestic terminal is at the left-hand end of the complex (the entrance is under the clock), and the international terminal is at the other end. Shops and cafés linking the two sections close after the last flight. The banks can be found at the international end (they keep flight hours), and the travel center is at the domestic end.

International flights to Christchurch are on the rise. Air New Zealand flies direct from Los Angeles to Christchurch four days a week, and the addition of Freedom Air and Pacific Blue (Virgin Air) to the skies alongside Air New Zealand and Qantas has boosted the flight options between Christchurch and Australia.

Origin Pacific, Qantas, and Air New Zealand all link Christchurch with domestic cities on both North and South islands. Flying time between Christchurch and Auckland is an hour and 20 minutes; the flight to Queenstown takes just over an hour.

Airport

Christchurch International Airport (Memorial Ave., Harewood. 03/358-5029. www.christchurch-airport.co.nz).

Carriers

Air New Zealand (03/374-7100 or 0800/737-000. www.airnewzealand.com). Freedom Air (0800/600-500. www.freedomair.com). Origin Pacific (03/547-2020 or 0800/302-302. www.originpacific.co.nz). Pacific Blue Airlines (0800/670-000. www.flypacificblue.com). Qantas (0800/808-767. www.qantas.com.au).

Airport Transfers

A never-ending line of taxis queues up at the airport to offer $32 fares to city hotels. A less-expensive option is the Super Shuttle (reservations recommended). The van and its trailer often wait outside for incoming flights or can be called once your flight has landed. They charge about $15 per passenger to city hotels and depending on the number of people traveling, the fare is reduced. The cheapest transit between the city and airport are two $5 options: Sunshine Shuttle runs a transfer service, and Metro buses go between the airport and Cathedral Square from 6 AM to 11:35 PM daily.

Contacts

Blue Star Taxis (03/379-9799). Metro (Lichfield and Colombo Sts. 03/366-8855. www.metroinfo.org.nz). Sunshine Shuttle (03/379-1699). Super Shuttle (03/357-9950).