Ready, set, go go go!

Allow extra time

Give yourself plenty of time to get here, especially if you’re crossing town at peak travel times.

If your flight departs from Gates 16-34, you’ll need time to go through security screening and immigration. To find out your exact check-in time, please contact your airline directly. 

 

What can you bring?

Most airlines will allow you to include two items from this list for each infant and child in your group:

• Pram, stroller or buggy
• Car seat
• Bassinet or port-a-cot

These items are in addition to their normal baggage allowance:

• Child fares have the same baggage allowance as adult fares
• Infant fares include a carry-on bag but no checked-in baggage
• For your convenience, some strollers can be used right up to the boarding gate.

For more information on baggage allowances, please visit your airline's website.

 

Little Explorers Base Camp

Hit pause and let them play before you fly

Located Level 1, adjacent to the Food Court

A climbable ‘iceberg’ hill, sensory play walls, stepping rocks and a C17 model aircraft are helping young families expend some energy and lessen the stress before boarding – turning any pre-flight nerves into moments of play.

Encouraging families to “play before they fly”, Christchurch Airport’s newly opened Little Explorers Base Camp transforms the airport’s role as the Gateway to Antarctica into an imaginative, hands on experience for young travellers.

With original characters and artwork by Christchurch illustrator Kyla K, the Antarctic themed space invites children to climb, jump, slide and explore, while three digital touch-screens with a great array of games, enable young travellers to immerse themselves in the experience.

Click here for location maps.

Parent rooms & all gender bathroom facilities

A suite of parent rooms and bathroom facilities are available in each area of the terminal. Including full-service parent rooms complete with microwaves, change tables and private feeding rooms.

Our newly refurbished bathrooms featuring stunning West Coast photography by John Doogan now include all-gender options, supporting a more inclusive and equitable experience for all passengers, including for families and older children.

Parent Room – full-service facilities located:
Services: Microwave, Private Feeding Chairs, Change Tables, Child-sized toilet.

• Level 1 of the terminal, adjacent to the playground and food court.
• Domestic Departures, adjacent to RELAY
• International Departures – Parent Room also includes an enclosed play area.
• Regional Departures, adjacent to Urban Pantry

Baby Change Only facilities:

In addition to the 4 full-service Parent Rooms, we also have fold-down change tables available in 9 other bathroom facilities across the terminal.

All-gender bathroom facilities located:

• First Floor, adjacent to the playground and food court.
• Domestic Departures
• International Departures

Showers available:

• Ground Floor – by Door 4, 6 and 7
• First Floor – adjacent to Fern & Co
• International Departures

Other facilities

For information on the full range of facilities, information and services at the airport, please click here.

Need to make a call? You can find details about our phone services here.

Cuddly toy gone walkabout? Contact lost and found services here.

From necessities to niceties…

Whether you’re passing time, buying gifts for whānau or stocking up on travel essentials, you’ll find a range of shops here at Christchurch Airport.

• Kids toys and souvenirs – Aelia Duty Free, Explore, The Gift Company, Relay
• Clothing – Global Culture, Explore, Naturally NZ
• Books and games – Relay
• Baby products – Unichem Spitfire Square, Woolworths Spitfire Square

See our full range of airport shops here.

Child friendly activities

We have lots of child-friendly spaces and activities while you’re here, giving you plenty of ways to keep children entertained while they’re here.

• Check out our Antarctic themed Playground, first floor, adjacent to the food court
• Splash some colour with our Colouring Wall. Ground Floor, adjacent to International Arrivals
• Have a game of table tennis, outside in the Plaza
• Play a tune on our piano, outside in the Plaza
• Check out our street art or events
• Pick up a free Mini Explorer Activity Book and pack of pencils at one of the airport information desks
• Enjoy pats, cuddles and paw-fives with our team of P.A.W.S pet therapy dogs and handlers, who sometimes visit the airport during busy times and public holidays. Check here for visiting hours.

For more ideas and details, head to our Discover page.

Staying safe

Our top priority is for you to have a safe journey with us.

If you’re departing from Gates 16 - 34 you must go through a security screening process. Be sure to allow extra time for this and, if your child is old enough, help them understand what to expect and why it’s an important part of the process.

Parents of young children will be pleased to know they can take extra food, drink, baby powder and formula, in amounts considered reasonable for the flight.

You can take:

• formula (powder or liquid form)
• milk (all types)
• fruit drink
• sterile water (in refillable flasks)
• baby food (commercial or homemade)
• wet wipes
• Vaseline/nappy cream
• talcum/baby powder
• Pamol (or other child-specific pain reliever)
• teething gel
• soft toys containing granular material
• medical prescriptions including creams, lotions, balms, gel solutions, pills, tablets, and powders, prescribed by a registered medical practitioner 

Please check the full list of restrictions and information here.

Happy travels!

We hope that you feel fully equipped for your journey ahead, whoever is part of your crew. If you have further questions about travelling with kids or helpful feedback for us, please contact us here.