Yes, Christchurch Airport (CHC) has two designated outdoor smoking areas outside the terminal building — a smoking shelter by the drop-off/car park and one outside the international arrivals hall.
Smoking Areas at Christchurch Airport
Christchurch is the South Island’s main gateway, with a single integrated terminal housing both domestic and international services under one roof. The airport runs a Clear Air Policy: smoking and vaping — including e-cigarettes and similar products — are banned inside the terminal and across the plaza area immediately outside it. That plaza ban makes CHC stricter than most New Zealand airports, so smoking is confined to two designated spots set further out.
Designated Outdoor Areas:
The airport provides two designated smoking areas outside the terminal building. It doesn’t publish their exact locations, so if you can’t find them, ask one of the Airport Ambassadors for directions.
- Smoking shelter by the drop-off / car park: Exit the terminal and head toward the drop-off zone and car park area, where there is a covered shelter — handy cover from Canterbury’s changeable weather.
- Outside the international arrivals hall: A designated area just outside the arrivals doors, convenient if you have just landed.
Vaping: Vapes and heat-not-burn devices are treated exactly like cigarettes under the Clear Air Policy, so use the same two outdoor areas.
Before Security Only:
There is no airside (post-security) smoking area at Christchurch Airport. Both designated areas are outdoors before security, so smoke before heading to your gate — once past security, you cannot smoke until you exit at your destination. On a connecting itinerary you would need to leave the secure area and re-clear screening for a smoke break.
For New Zealand airport smoking rules, vaping rules, and cigarette prices, see our New Zealand smoking guide.