Getting Around Ōtautahi Christchurch

Airport

Christchurch Airport is New Zealand’s second-largest airport. As the gateway to the South Island, the airport services 11 different airlines connecting Christchurch with domestic centres and 10 international airports.

Christchurch city centre is a short 20-minute drive from the airport, and several transport options are available from the terminal, including buses, rental cars, taxis and shuttles.

Buses from Christchurch Airport

Regular Metro bus services connect the airport to the city centre and many other locations in Christchurch.

• Route 8 Port to Port/Airport to Lyttelton
• Route 29 Airport to City
• Route 3 Airport to Sumner via City
• Route 125 Redwood to Westlake

On Route 29, you can pay with a contactless debit or credit card, including digital payments such as Google Pay and Apple Pay. Other routes require a MetroCard or cash.

The Metro bus service is a good way to travel around and familiarise yourself with Christchurch city and its surrounds, with buses regularly departing from the Bus Interchange.

Find out more about fares and routes from Christchurch Airport.

Alternative transport from the airport

• Super Shuttles provides door-to-door service around Christchurch using multi-passenger vans. Shuttles can be booked in advance here.
• Uber ridesharing
• Taxi companies as listed below

Getting Around the City

Walk

A flat city built – and recently redeveloped – through careful urban planning, Christchurch is an easy city to navigate. The Ōtākaro Avon River, which bisects the CBD, provides a beautiful, tree-lined promenade for strolling amongst the city’s cafes, restaurants and attractions. Distinctive laneways and pedestrian precincts make for an intriguing way to explore the centre city on foot.

Our conference venue – Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre is conveniently located near a number of inner city hotels and amenities.

E-Scooters and E-bikes

Another way to reduce your emissions while at the conference is to jump on an e-scooter or e-bike. Simply unlock the scooter nearest to you, and away you go! Once you’re done, hop off and park it to the side for the next person

Find and book your e-scooter or e-bike via your Uber app or download Lime https://www.li.me/

Cycle routes map: https://smartview.ccc.govt.nz/data/cycle-routes

Bus

You can find the Christchurch Bus Exchange on the corner of  Colombo and Lichfield Street. Buses come and go regularly with a variety of travel routes. See the bus network map to plan your journey. The Christchurch bus service also has several all-electric vehicles.

Bus fares can be paid in cash or by using a MetroCard, which allows you to preload your fare. This also reduces the cost of a trip.

More information can be found here https://www.metroinfo.co.nz/travel-and-fares-info/

Taxi

There are several taxi companies available in Christchurch.

• Blue Star Taxi’s +64 3 3799 799
• First Direct Taxi +64 3 377 55 55
• Gold Band +64 3 3795 795
• Corporate Cabs +64 9 632 0641

Rental car

There are several rental car options if you wish to explore the region while you are here. Details of companies based at Christchurch Airport can be found here.