Christchurch International Airport

Airport Information

Christchurch International Airport

Christchurch Airport is the main airport that serves Christchurch, New Zealand. It is located 12 kilometres to the northwest of the city centre, in the suburb of Harewood. Christchurch Airport officially opened on 18 May 1940 and became New Zealand’s first international airport on 16 December 1950.

Christchurch Airport began life as an aerodrome at Harewood in 1936, an era when wooden biplanes were a common sight and a flight from Fiji to Brisbane took a full 20 hours!

By 1946 the terminal was starting to take shape, with hangars, a small terminal, the water tower and some barracks. The two runways and parallel taxiway concept was established in the early 1950s and in 1960 a new terminal building was in operation.

Since then, there has been continuous development of airport buildings, parking, roading and runway/taxiway/apron systems – and it’s a journey which continues to grow and unfold.

Airport News

Kōwhai Park solar farm reaches ‘Golden Row’ milestone, marking major step in delivery
05/08/2025

Kōwhai Park solar farm reaches ‘Golden Row’ milestone, marking major step in delivery

Construction of one of New Zealand’s largest solar projects has reached a major milestone, with the installation of the first row of solar panels – known in the industry as the ‘Golden Row’ – now …
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Christchurch Airport leads the way with New Zealand’s first electric fire truck.
17/02/2025

Christchurch Airport leads the way with New Zealand’s first electric fire truck.

Christchurch Airport has taken another significant step in its commitment to operational excellence and sustainability, taking possession of New Zealand’s first electric fire truck today. The Rosenbauer RT (Revolutionary Technology) is also the first electric …
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Fabrum Launches Hydrogen Testing Facility at Christchurch Airport to Accelerate Zero-emission Aviation
11/02/2025

Fabrum Launches Hydrogen Testing Facility at Christchurch Airport to Accelerate Zero-emission Aviation

Christchurch-based hydrogen test facility to support decarbonisation projects in aviation and industry. Image: Christchurch Airport Fabrum, a New Zealand company leading the world in zero-emission transition technologies, has unveiled a hydrogen testing facility in partnership with Christchurch …
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DHL invests in Christchurch Airport’s freight precinct
10/12/2024

DHL invests in Christchurch Airport’s freight precinct

Christchurch Airport is strengthening its position as a key driver of the South Island economy, with global logistics leader DHL Express committing to a NZD42 million state-of-the-art gateway facility at the airport’s Dakota Park freight …
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Christchurch Airport delivers big on freight
29/10/2024

Christchurch Airport delivers big on freight

Christchurch Airport has signed a significant deal with Fulton Hogan to expand its existing freight aircraft parking area, effectively doubling the airport’s freight handling capacity. The project is part of the airport’s 2040 Master Plan …
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Construction to begin on one of NZ’s largest solar farms
19/08/2024

Construction to begin on one of NZ’s largest solar farms

Christchurch Airport’s clean energy hub is a step closer to reality with our development partners Contact Energy and Lightsource bp confirming their investment to build the Kōwhai Park solar farm. With around 300,000 panels spanning 230 …
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Major terminal upgrade to see Christchurch Airport fresh for summer
21/06/2024

Major terminal upgrade to see Christchurch Airport fresh for summer

Christchurch Airport’s unveiled plans for a revamp of its terminal offering with the new facilities expected to be ready for a busy summer of international visitors. The project will deliver 12 new eateries, new retail …
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Contact

Christchurch International Airport
30 Durey Road
Harewood
Christchurch 8053
New Zealand
  • +64 3-353 7777

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