The multi million project, funded by the airport and its operators, has taken 20 months to complete. It has reimagined food, retail and family spaces across the terminal, increasing choice, boosting comfort and convenience, and supporting the airport’s continued growth. It marks the first major transformation since the terminal opened in 2013.

The redevelopment includes:

• A fully redesigned food court,
• 10 brand new food and beverage outlets,
• Upgraded bathrooms,
• Three dedicated parent rooms
• Expanded and new retail spaces
• Improved seating and enhanced passenger flow throughout the terminal.
• Two gender neutral facilities created
• New flight information boards

Retail has been a major focus, with larger stores, new brands and a flexible pop-up space creating a more dynamic environment. Giving travellers more choice to shop, dine or relax in the terminal.

Chief Executive Justin Watson says the project reflects a focus on customer experience and growth.

‘We’ve worked hard to design this around what our customers told us they wanted, more choice, more comfort and a smoother journey.’

‘We’re seeing passenger numbers really take off, and this project is all about keeping up with that and then going a bit further. It’s about making it easy for people to arrive early, enjoy the terminal, and have a great start to their journey.’

Global food and beverage partner SSP has played a key role in delivering the airport’s expanded hospitality offering.

SSP Australia & New Zealand Managing Director Dominic Cain says the Airport stood out as a place to invest.

‘Christchurch Airport is growing quickly and has a clear vision for the future. We’ve invested here because of the opportunity to be part of a terminal experience that blends quality, efficiency and a strong sense of place for travellers.’

Local flavour is at the heart of the revamp, with Canterbury produce and businesses bringing a strong sense of place to the terminal. From locally made Adelphi chocolates and Lyttelton pottery in gift stores, to the arrival of iconic favourite FUSH in departures, the terminal now reflects the best of our region.

FUSH co-founder Anton Matthews says the move into the airport is a natural extension of their brand.

‘Fush is all about fresh kai, generous hospitality and top-notch service. Being in the terminal means we can give manuhiri a real taste of Ōtautahi, and locals something familiar and high quality as they travel.’

The final part of the project is the new children’s play area, located in the food court and geared around feedback from customers traveling with children.

The Antarctic-themed play area sits alongside a new, fully equipped parent room right next to the regional departure gates, giving parents the convenience of keeping children entertained while staying close to their journey. The space includes a unique C-17 play plane, giant interactive digital screens, sensory features and was developed with advice from Antarctica New Zealand.

Carl Ballantine whose family was one of the first to use the play area said,

‘It’s awesome, I can keep an eye on Ethan and Archer, grab a coffee or a bite to eat, use the changing facilities and we’re only a few steps from the domestic departure gates. It just makes the whole traveling with kid’s thing a bit easier’.

Cutting the ribbon of the play area, Justin Watson says the opening brings the entire project together.

‘The play area is the final part of the jigsaw, it completes a project that has transformed how people experience our terminal, creating a more inclusive, family friendly space where great customer experience is at the heart of everything we do.”

‘This is about creating a space that works for everyone, especially families, and reflects our strong links to Antarctica,  with around 100 flights a year departing from our airport to the ice.’

The upgrade has also improved how passengers move through the terminal, with smarter layouts and the introduction of LiDAR technology to anonymously understand people flow and help refine the experience.

New, larger and more visible flight information screens have been installed throughout the terminal, helping reduce congestion and create a smoother, more intuitive. Wayfinding digital signage also incorporates te reo Māori.

Since the project began, just under 11 million passengers have travelled through the terminal, with work carefully staged to minimise disruption.

David Cooper, the airports Chief Commercial & Technology Officer, says the focus now shifts to what comes next.

‘Our terminal is always evolving. While we’ve completed this major upgrade, we already have our eye on future improvements, including some more retail and digital developments. We’ve already made a start on a new bar and eatery in international departures.’

‘This is about building a gateway that people love, one that reflects the pride we have in our city and Te Waipounamu the South Island and one that delivers a world class customer experience.’