Facilities at Christchurch Airport

[Homer]

Next weekend I am attending a conference in Christchurch, flying SYD-CHC-SYD on EK. I understand that EK doesn't have a lounge at Christchurch airport, so I imagine I will just need to hang around the terminal...it has been many many years since I have had to do that...

If I had QF WP status, or if I was flying QF, I would be able to use the Qantas lounge at CHC, but it's hard to beat EK's price/service on this route. Has anyone flown this route on EK and do you have any tips? For example, is it safe to minimise my time at the terminal by arriving, say, only 60 minutes before the flight?

 

[Mr_Gimlet]

Next weekend I am attending a conference in Christchurch, flying SYD-CHC-SYD on EK. I understand that EK doesn't have a lounge at Christchurch airport, so I imagine I will just need to hang around the terminal...it has been many many years since I have had to do that...

If I had QF WP status, or if I was flying QF, I would be able to use the Qantas lounge at CHC, but it's hard to beat EK's price/service on this route. Has anyone flown this route on EK and do you have any tips? For example, is it safe to minimise my time at the terminal by arriving, say, only 60 minutes before the flight?

I have generally found check-in etc at ChCh to be pretty relaxed. The airport is quite small, and there's not much to do apart from a couple of not bad retro pinball tables. On a couple of occasions, I have checked in early and then gone for lunch.

 

[QF WP]

Homer, although I'm sure you may have already checked it out, here's the Terminal Map.

Whilst I've been through CHC (a couple of years ago), I was ensconced in the QP for a couple of hours sampling a couple fo excellent NZ beers (Macs, I think also Speights) and some good NZ cheeses.

I'm sure that your wife will remind you to fly QF next time (or even LAN J ex-AKL, as I advised this afternoon)...now I understand that on the company coin, that's harder to justify the differential in cost (even in your position).

Bring on that DONE4 for WP qualification

 

[serfty]

I had a very reasonably priced meal and a couple of ales at a 'pub' style venue (can't recall the name) there earlier this year. It's upstairs in the Domestic part of the terminal.

You can also go outside and have a look at the aircraft from the top of the Air NZ pier should you desire.

 

[Homer]

I just thought I should "round off" this thread by reporting that CHC now has an Emirates Lounge. It is the old NZ lounge (NZ having upgraded its facilities at CHC) and while it has been refurbished it is very small and also seems to be operated by a third party. Still it has local and imported beers, wines and a small amount of food.

 

[docjames]

Was in CHC last november.

While it's all a bit tired and small, best bet to kill time is head to the upstairs bar - cable TV + cold beer + view of runway. Probably your best bet.