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Vaping BansSmoking at Christchurch International Airport (CHC)
Airport Rating
Vaping Restrictions can be read about here
Before Security Smoking
Smoking is permitted before security in 3 designated areas at the international terminal.
After Security Smoking
2026, June update from Dan: Previous information is correct, smoking area located across from gate 30. Not labelled on airport signs, but easy to find and there is a sign on the door saying “Smoking and Vaping area.” Decent size with benches and ashtrays. Enclosed, but well ventilated.
Update from Codes, February 2023: Smoking area still available on 'viewing deck' across from gate 30
Update from Viv, October 2022: Smoking still allowed in viewing deck near gate Oct 2022.
Update from Shane, April 2022: Viewing area is still open for smokers. No signs saying smoking area but signed for Viewing Platform.
Update from Jessica, Oct 2019: Viewing deck by gate 30 still
smoking area.
Update from Jonathan, Aug 2019: Just confirming that the Viewing
Deck opposite Gate 30 is still here.
Pat just wanted to confirm that as of the 12th July 2018, CHC Christchurch International Airport - there are 3 outdoor (covered) smoking areas before security (1 is directly outside main entrance). Also airside at departures - across from gate 30 is still a viewing platform and smoking area. All have seating.
Confirmation from AMC747 on the 20th Feb 2018 - Just confirming that the viewing deck by gate 30 in the international terminal airside is still operational and is in face a smoking terrace (covered).
There is a smoking room called "Viewing Deck" which is near to gate 30 international departure. Feedback provided by Furrid on the 9th May 2017.
Images below provided by May L on the 17th May 2017.
Further Information
Vaping Restrictions can be read about here
Christchurch International Airport (IATA: CHC, ICAO: NZCH) is the largest international airport on New Zealand’s South Island and the country’s second‑busiest aviation hub, located 12 km northwest of central Christchurch in the suburb of Harewood. Opened in 1940, it became New Zealand’s first official international airport in 1950, and today operates 24 hours a day with a modern single terminal serving both domestic and international flights. Its primary 3,288‑m asphalt runway (02/20) and secondary 1,741‑m runway (11/29) allow it to handle aircraft up to the Airbus A380, one of only two airports in the country capable of doing so. CHC handled over 6.5 million passengers in 2025, functioning as a major hub for Air New Zealand, with additional service from Jetstar, Qantas, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Fiji Airways, Cathay Pacific, and seasonal long‑haul routes such as United Airlines’ Christchurch–San Francisco service. The airport has undergone significant terminal upgrades (completed in 2013) and hosts the International Antarctic Programme, making it a key gateway for scientific expeditions.