Christchurch International (NZCH)
Primary CPAS base. Busy Class C international airport on the Canterbury Plains.
Overview
Christchurch International is the primary CPAS base and the busiest airport on the South Island. It sits on the Canterbury Plains, bounded to the north-east by the Waimakariri River and to the south by the Port Hills. Expect Class C controlled airspace, heavy airline traffic, and frequent nor’wester wind shifts.
Christchurch International
Runways
| Designator | Length | Surface | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02/20 | 3,288 m | Asphalt | Main jet runway. ILS on both ends. |
| 11/29 | 1,741 m | Asphalt | Crosswind runway, used by GA. RNP approaches only. |
| 02/20 | 515 m | Grass | Canterbury Aero Club circuit runway. |
Frequencies
| Service | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ATIS | 127.2 | |
| Delivery | 128.2 | IFR clearances |
| Ground | 121.9 | |
| Tower | 118.4 | Also 119.65 (secondary) |
| Approach | 126.1 | Primary Christchurch Approach/Departure |
| Approach | 124.1 | Secondary |
| Approach | 120.9 | Christchurch Approach / Departure |
Elevation
123 ft AMSL.
Local Procedures
- GA parking: Canterbury Aero Club (CAC) apron is the main GA hub.
- VFR departures: Expect a clearance to track via the Waimakariri River or the coast.
- Noise abatement: Runway 02/20 is the primary runway used for approximately 97% of flights. Runway 11/29 is the crosswind runway, primarily used by smaller aircraft during strong nor’wester conditions.
- Circuit directions: Runways 20 and 29 use right-hand circuits.
- Port Hills transition: Remain inside the CTR if cleared; contact ATC. Do not use CTAF while inside Class C airspace.
Hazards
- Strong nor’wester crosswind on 02/20 (not 11/29, which is aligned with nor’westers).
- Airline wake turbulence on 02/20.
- Downwind turbulence over the Port Hills in a nor’wester.
- Frequent low-level agricultural aircraft to the south-west.
Recommended Approaches
- Runway 02 (ILS): From the south-west over the suburbs - expect vectoring.
- Runway 20 (ILS): Straight-in from the north-east over Pegasus Bay, minimal terrain.
- Runway 11/29: VFR circuit joins, watch for helicopter traffic. RNP approaches only.
Nearby Airfields
Related Routes
For flight simulation use only. Always check weather, minimum altitudes and your aircraft limits before flying these routes.