Christchurch Airport is an approximate 20-minute drive from the city centre.
International flights to Christchurch depart from Melbourne, Sydney, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Nadi, San Francisco, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Dubai. Regular domestic services operate between Christchurch and 15 airports throughout New Zealand.
You can get from the airport to the city centre using the Metro Bus public transport service.
Buses depart from the northern end of International Arrivals, next to the Novotel Hotel.
To find out more visit the Christchurch Airport website.
The taxi rank is located outside International Arrivals (exit through Door 7).
For rideshare, exit the terminal and follow the signs to the rideshare Pick-up and Drop-off Zone, located behind the Express Park building.
Christchurch is easy to get around, with a network of cycleways, public transport, roads, and footpaths.
Christchurch bus and ferry services and routes are managed and provided by Environment Canterbury (ECan), operating under the branding of Metro.
For more information visit the Metro website.
Christchurch is well-serviced by taxis and rideshare services including Uber are available.
Christchurch’s dining scene is nothing short of extraordinary. There are options galore at Little High, which comprises of eight eateries under one roof in an alternative modern-style food court. If you are after a meal with a view, head along to the Terrace – take your pick of the spectacular restaurants – and watch the sunset over the river.
For recommendations and to view restaurant options, please click here.


“Riverside Market” – Experience christchurch’s bustling food scene with a visit to the riverside market in the heart of the city. Fresh produce, artisan bakeries, bars and bustling eateries are only an example of what’s on offer. Grab some lunch and sit outside where you can listen to the buskers and look out onto the ōtākaro avon river.

“Christchurch Art Gallery” – No trip to christchurch is complete without a stop at the christchurch art gallery. Showcasing pieces from both new zealand and international artists, the everchanging exhibitions ensure that each visit will be unique.

“Dine in Stranges Lane” -With a new array of restaurants and cafes on offer in stranges lane it is the perfect place to eat out and soak up the atmosphere. This re-imagined selection fine-dining experiences is well worth a visit.

“Christchurch Adventure Park” – For the thrill seekers, the christchurch adventure park is the place to be. Located in christchurch’s port hills, the city proves to be a breathtaking backdrop to those wanting to try out one of the four ziplines or one of the best mountain biking trails in new zealand. If you are feeling peckish, stop in at the café on site before heading back down the hill.

“Port Hills” – For those seeking exercise – there is no better place to get the blood pumping than the port hills. With numerous tracks to choose from, every skill level is catered for. Walk up the locals favourite – rapaki track – for views of the city on one side and banks peninsula on the other. If you are seeking something closer to the city, hagley park is a great option.

“Botanic Gardens” – Located in hagley park, the botanic gardens receive over 500,000 visitors each year. Sprawling over 21 hectares and housing some of the largest trees in the country and only the finest native and exotic flora, the gardens are an unforgettable experience.

“International Antarctic Centre” – Experience this world of ice and snow without leaving christchurch city. The international antarctic centre is packed with interactive experiences to suit all ages. Learn about antarctica in 4d, survive a snow storm, take an amphibious hagglund ride, and see little blue penguins.

“Ko Tane Waka” – Experience the team and skill building of paddling a hand-crafted waka down the ŌtākaroRiver Avon, and learn about the importance of the waka to the early Māori culture. Enjoy early stories of Canterbury’s Ngāi Tahu Iwi and the earliest European settlers, and the positive things they achieved building the city of Christchurch together.
© Photo credit to ChristchurchNZ Toolkit

“Amiki Cultural Tours” – Discover the stories of the past and present, connect with local culture, share moments and create unique memories to take home with you. Our culture and food tours showcase the hidden gems of Ōtautahi Christchurch, combining natural beauty, exquisite dining experiences, unique trails and our own Māori and multi-cultural storytelling.
© Photo credit to ChristchurchNZ Toolkit
When you arrive, your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date, and if required, have a valid New Zealand visa.
From 1 October 2019, visitors from visa-waiver countries must request an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) prior to coming to New Zealand. You may also have to pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). For more information on the ETA and IVL, visit Immigration New Zealand.
Before travelling to New Zealand, you need to make sure your passport is valid for at least three months longer than your expected departure date. If you come from a country that needs a New Zealand visa to enter, please be sure to apply in advance.
If you have a biometric ordinary passport (or electronic passport) and are over 12 years old, you may be able to use New Zealand Customs eGate service. This allows you to complete your Customs and Immigration checks faster so you can get on with enjoying your visit to New Zealand.
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