Christchurch Airport (CHC) · Harewood · Gateway to the South Island
Christchurch Airport
transfers from NZ$55.
Private door-to-door transfers from Christchurch Airport to the CBD, Hanmer Springs, Methven and Mt Hutt, Akaroa, Kaikōura, and across Canterbury. Fixed NZD fares, real-time flight tracking, meet and greet — gateway to the South Island.
Popular routes from Christchurch Airport
Fixed NZD fares to every destination.
Pricing — all fares in New Zealand dollars
All NZD fares, upfront.
| Destination | Economy | Business | First Class | Van / Group | Est. Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christchurch CBD / Cathedral Sq | NZ$55 | NZ$89 | NZ$135 | NZ$109 | ~20 min | Book → |
| Riccarton / Addington | NZ$59 | NZ$95 | NZ$145 | NZ$115 | ~22 min | Book → |
| Sumner / Lyttelton | NZ$75 | NZ$119 | NZ$179 | NZ$139 | ~35 min | Book → |
| Methven / Mt Hutt base | NZ$129 | NZ$209 | NZ$309 | NZ$245 | ~75 min | Book → |
| Akaroa / Banks Peninsula | NZ$149 | NZ$239 | NZ$359 | NZ$279 | ~90 min | Book → |
| Hanmer Springs | NZ$159 | NZ$255 | NZ$379 | NZ$299 | ~90 min | Book → |
| Kaikōura | NZ$199 | NZ$319 | NZ$479 | NZ$369 | ~2.5 hr | Book → |
| Timaru / Ashburton | NZ$149 | NZ$239 | NZ$359 | NZ$279 | ~90 min | Book → |
All fares in New Zealand dollars (NZD), GST inclusive. Long-distance South Island routes (Queenstown, Dunedin) on request — call +61 448 588 156.
Canterbury & beyond
Gateway to the South Island.
Every direction covered.
New Zealand's most popular alpine thermal resort, approximately 140 km north of Christchurch via SH1 and SH7. The Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa offers outdoor hot pools, private thermal baths, and spa treatments year-round. The alpine village has excellent accommodation, restaurants, and walking trails into the Hanmer Forest.
Methven is the ski town servicing Mt Hutt — one of New Zealand's largest and most reliable ski areas, with a wide vertical and often the longest season in New Zealand. The village has excellent après-ski, lodge accommodation, and direct access to the Rakaia Gorge. A private transfer from the airport lets you arrive with ski gear without car hire stress.
Akaroa is New Zealand's only French-founded town, set in a stunning drowned volcanic crater on Banks Peninsula. The harbour is home to the world's smallest and rarest dolphin — the Hector's dolphin. The 85 km drive over the Summit Road is spectacular. Little River, Duvauchelle, and Barry's Bay are all on the route.
Kaikōura is one of the world's great marine wildlife destinations — sperm whales, dusky dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, and royal albatross are all seen year-round. The Kaikōura Range rises dramatically behind the town. Whale Watch Kaikōura and Dolphin Encounter are the main operators. Approximately 185 km north of Christchurch.
Christchurch continues its remarkable post-earthquake rebuild — the Tūranga Library, the new Town Hall, the Margaret Mahy Playground, Re:START Container Mall, and the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor are among the city's new landmarks. The rebuilt Cathedral precinct, Arts Centre, and Botanic Gardens make the central city well worth exploring.
Sumner is Christchurch's most popular surf and swimming beach, with cafes and bars along the esplanade. Lyttelton — the port town in the volcanic crater behind Christchurch — has one of the country's best Saturday farmers' markets and a thriving bar and restaurant scene. Both are approximately 35 minutes from the airport.
Southern Alps transfers
Ski season and thermal
transfers from CHC.
Mt Hutt ski transfers
Mt Hutt is one of New Zealand's premier ski areas — sitting above the Canterbury Plains with dramatic views stretching to the Pacific. The access road from Methven to the Mt Hutt base is steep and winding, and ice-covered in winter. A private transfer removes the need to drive it in a hire car.
We transfer from Christchurch Airport directly to Methven village (~75 minutes), and from Methven to the Mt Hutt base lodge (a further 25 minutes up the access road). The return is the same in reverse. Pre-booking ski transfers 48 hours ahead is strongly recommended during peak season — July through September.
Mt Hutt's ski season is typically June through October, and the mountain often has the longest season of any New Zealand ski area. Rainfall and nor'west winds are the primary weather risk — check conditions before booking mountain transfers.
- Airport to Methven village NZ$129
- Airport to Mt Hutt base lodge NZ$149
- Methven to Mt Hutt base NZ$45
- Hanmer Springs (alpine thermal) NZ$159
- Return pickup — any alpine destination Same fixed fare
Hanmer Springs thermal resort
Hanmer Springs is New Zealand's most visited inland resort — a year-round destination drawing visitors for the thermal pools, mountain biking, walking trails, bungy, and jet boating on the Waiau River.
The thermal pools complex offers over 20 outdoor and indoor pools, private thermal pools, and a full spa. The alpine village has cafes, restaurants, and accommodation ranging from campsites to boutique hotels. In winter, the Hanmer Springs Ski Area offers a small but family-friendly snowfield above the village.
Hanmer Springs is approximately 140 km north of Christchurch Airport via SH1 to Waipara and then SH7 through the Hanmer Range — a drive of about 90 minutes. We offer direct airport-to-resort transfers with no transfers or waiting.
Pre-book Hanmer Springs transfers: call +61 448 588 156 or book online.
Terminal information
Christchurch Airport
arrivals guide.
Single integrated terminal — Harewood
Christchurch Airport is at Harewood, approximately 12 km northwest of the Christchurch CBD. The single terminal handles both domestic and international flights, with the international terminal opening to a shared arrivals hall on the ground floor. Your driver waits in the arrivals hall with a name board.
Christchurch is New Zealand's second-largest city and the main gateway to the South Island. International flights arrive directly from Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast), Singapore, and Dubai (Emirates A380). After clearing customs and biosecurity, allow 30–45 minutes for processing before meeting your driver.
Christchurch sits on the Canterbury Plains — a flat alluvial plain stretching to the Southern Alps. The city itself is low-lying and unobstructed, meaning the aircraft approach gives spectacular views of the Alps on clear days.
Key facts
Airlines at Christchurch Airport
Every airline. Every flight.
Verified reviews
What Christchurch passengers
say about us.
Ski trip to Mt Hutt — driver met us at CHC arrivals, drove straight to Methven. No hire car stress, no alpine road nerves. Arrived relaxed with all our gear. This is the only way to do it.
Flew from Sydney for a Hanmer Springs spa weekend. Fixed NZD fare, driver was waiting, 90 minutes and we were soaking in the outdoor thermal pools. Perfect door-to-door service.
Long-haul Emirates from London. Tired, excited, overwhelmed. Driver was calm and professional, CBD hotel in 20 minutes. Lovely welcome to Christchurch after 24 hours of travel.
Frequently asked questions