Plan ahead

• When travelling with kids, it pays to be organised to make your trip a stress free one. Whether you’re parking for a long time or just dropping in, we have an option for you. Make sure to book online – it’ll save you time, and money.
• Consider pre ordering your foreign cash to pick up at the airport.

Arriving at the airport early is essential so you can get checked in and settled before you fly. But we know that comes with the task of keeping young minds entertained while you wait. We have loads of attractions and activities to help fill in the time, check them out below.

Little creators

• Grab a free Mini Explorer Activity Book and a pack of colouring pencils from one of our information desks. They’re designed to keep kids busy with colouring-in pages, fun facts and even a postcard to send to friends and family around the world.

Games and puzzles

• Discover fun on a whole new scale. Challenge the kids to a game of giant chess, located at Domestic Departures, or keep them busy with the giant Canterbury Planes puzzle, located at Domestic Arrivals.
• Kids bouncing off the walls? Channel that youthful energy into a ping pong battle. Our tables are free to use and you’ll find them just outside the terminal.

Explore and discover

• Flying internationally? Check out our brand new Parent Room in International Departures complete with play area, change tables, private feeding rooms, microwaves and junior toilet.
• Like colouring in? Get creative on our colouring wall. Complete with all things quintessentially Ōtautahi Christchurch, Kiwi and our airport, you'll find it in the Food Court on Level One.
• Play with light and sound in the interactive Antarctic Walkway. Located outside Door 9, sensors throughout the walkway transform real life movement into light and sound. It’s fun all day and especially dazzling at night.
• Canterbury is brimming with talented local artists. Check out the art trail map to explore some of their amazing artworks.
• Find all the ‘mini-me’s’ – our collection of bollards dressed up as various characters. From firefighters to pilots to All Blacks, kids love spotting them and guessing what they are. Located outside Doors 2 and 7.
• Make some furry friends through our P.A.W.S (Pups Assisting With Stress) programme. Pet therapy dogs will be visiting the terminal for cuddles and plenty of “paw-fives”. Check out the programme here.
• The sky is a busy place. Check out all the planes that are in the air around the world on the live flight radar, located in the Digital Innovation Zone on the first floor, near Domestic Arrivals.

Shop and eat

• A number of our terminal shops have great gear for kids, from puzzles to books, gadgets to goodies. Have a browse and discover some cool finds!
• Why not treat the kids to a special snack while they’re here. Think sushi, donuts, fluffies, hot chips, fresh fruit smoothies… while you enjoy a well-deserved flat white.

From tots to tweens there are tonnes of fun things to do at the airport these school holidays. With so many ways to keep busy, time is sure to fly – so don’t forget to keep an eye on the arrivals and departures screen too!

We hope you have a wonderful holiday, fun travels and look forward to seeing you at the airport soon.