Christchurch airport hotel options

[Warks]

We fly to NZ for three weeks from 27 Dec arriving at midnight in Christchurch. We only plan on staying one night before heading north. What are the best options within a reasonable distance from the airport? Two adults, two teens. Obviously need somewhere that's open 24 hours. Don't want to spend a fortune - would prefer a family room to two rooms for that reason but they are hard to come by I think.

We are also flying home from CHC at 0630 three weeks later so will need a hotel for the return trip as well to spend a few hours. Hanging out at the airport all night is not an option.

Will be hiring a car but will depend on how late the desk stays open if we pick it up on arrival or the next morning.

I did some searches of the site but couldn't find anything recent (last 3 years) on this. Even then it was city discussion post earthquake.

Thanks!

 

[ms1]

A few years ago I stayed at the Sudima hotel which is within walking distance of the arrivals terminal. Price and rooms were reasonable.

 

[RB]

It is 5yrs ago that we stayed at the Airways Motel. There were free transfers at that time (looks like there is a charge for late arrivals now). It was a very comfortable, friendly & quiet spot.

 

[Meggsy]

Have stayed at the Airport Gateway Motor Lodge a number of times for 1 night stays with wife and 2 kids. They have 24 hr complimentary transfers, 2 and 3 bedroom rooms, meals available on site and a nice coffee shop across the road. Prices are reasonable and sits in the 3 1/2 to 4 star range.

 

[Warks]

Thanks for the recommendations and advice. I was looking to keep the cost down but as it happens these nights will be the most expensive of the whole trip and we are in the room for the shortest time. Have booked "Airport Birches Motel" - couldn't get into one of them and the Sudima wanted us to book two rooms.

If not for the dreaded late arrival and early departure we wouldn't stay anywhere near the airport. I wonder who would?

Now to see if the car rental places stay open late enough to meet that flight (2355 arrival time). Pretty silly if they don't.

 

[romney]

We flew into Christchurch at that time last year and if I remember rightly the car hire places shut at midnight. We went back in the morning to pick up our car.

 

[AdMEL]

Thanks for the recommendations and advice. I was looking to keep the cost down but as it happens these nights will be the most expensive of the whole trip and we are in the room for the shortest time. Have booked "Airport Birches Motel" - couldn't get into one of them and the Sudima wanted us to book two rooms.

If not for the dreaded late arrival and early departure we wouldn't stay anywhere near the airport. I wonder who would?

Now to see if the car rental places stay open late enough to meet that flight (2355 arrival time). Pretty silly if they don't.

We flew into Christchurch at that time last year and if I remember rightly the car hire places shut at midnight. We went back in the morning to pick up our car.

I flew into CHC at this time in February this year on VA (I'm guessing you're also flying VA). Most of the major car rental companies websites showed they were open, with Avis (who I have a corporate leisure rate with) shutting at 12.30. I was concerned that if the flight was delayed, may have missed the closing time. As a result of this (and not wanting to worry about driving in a strange city at midnight, carparking, or having a few drinks in the lounge in MEL), I opted to pick the car up the next morning, taking a taxi into the CBD to stay at Ibis. When I arrived (on time), everything was open and drive into the CBD and parking were all easy, so needn't have worried. If they accept a booking within their normal hours and you include the flight number, I suspect they will remain open if the flight is delayed. Worst case, a taxi or shuttle and collect car the next day if they do close. If you need the car and it doesn't add an extra day to the cost, I would pick up the car when you arrive - much more flexible the next day.

 

[Rugby]

Mrs Rugby and I stayed at the Sudima a couple of months ago. We picked a renovated room after seeing some poor feedback about older rooms. It was fine for a midnight arrival and then get away early back to the airport to pick up a car. Shuttle service worked well and it's very close. Not great value compared to the rest of our stay in Canterbury but it did the job.