How Much is a Taxi in Christchurch?
Sometimes public transport just won’t do! For those times that you need to take a taxi in Christchurch, take a look at the prices compiled below so you get no nasty surprises when it comes to the taxi and Uber fares in Christchurch.
Although there are plenty of great things to see in Christchurch’s city centre, some of the best attractions are scattered around the outer city, such as the wildlife reserves, beaches and the Port Hills. So, we’ve made sure that the taxi prices to these main points of interest are included below. Additionally, Christchurch Airport is the South Island’s hub for flights, so a taxi trip between the airport and the CBD is a super common addition that we add to this list.
Taxi tip: Pay in cash! Although most taxi companies accept credit or EFTPOS, this usually comes with an extra charge.
Taxi Companies in Christchurch
- Blue Star Taxis
- Gold Band Taxis
- First Direct Taxis
- Corporate Cabs
- King Cabs
- Mr. Singh Taxis
Cheapest Taxis in Christchurch
- First Direct Taxis
- Mr. Singh Taxis
- King Cabs
Is Uber Available in Christchurch?
Yes, Uber is available in Christchurch (noteworthy because it still isn’t available everywhere in New Zealand). Prices are similar to budget taxi companies, so you may not necessarily make a huge saving but it’s convenient if you already use the app. And yes, you can take an Uber to the Christchurch Airport.
Taking a Taxi or Uber Between Christchurch Airport and Christchurch City Centre
As the South Island’s main international airport, Christchurch Airport is a place most travellers find themselves during their travels in New Zealand. Whether you’ve just arrived in New Zealand or have flown domestically, you’ll likely need to get into the city somehow. Taking a taxi is certainly one way to do it.
Find the airport taxi ranks outside International Arrivals (exit through Door 7).
Christchurch Airport Taxi Fare
The taxi fare between Christchurch Airport and the city centre (16 minutes) is NZ$36-$42.
Christchurch Airport Uber Fare
The Uber fare between Christchurch Airport and the city centre (16 minutes) is NZ$32-$36.
Taxi and Uber Prices Between Christchurch City Centre and Christchurch’s Main Attractions
The quickest and most direct way to get to any point of interest in Christchurch is by taxi or Uber. Here are the Uber and cab fares to expect:
Taxi and Uber Prices Between Christchurch City Centre and…
- New Brighton – Taxi NZ$35-$41; Uber NZ$22-$25
- International Antarctic Centre – Taxi NZ$36-$45; Uber NZ$27-$30
- Christchurch Gondola (Port Hills) – Taxi NZ$37-$43; Uber NZ$26-$28
- The Hub Hornby – Taxi NZ$45-$58; Uber NZ$31-$34
- Lyttelton – Taxi NZ$44-$51; Uber NZ$31-$34
- Sumner Beach – Taxi NZ$44-$52; Uber NZ$31-$35
- Taylor’s Mistake – Taxi NZ$55-$69; Uber NZ$43-$48
- Rangiora – Taxi NZ$89-$97; Uber NZ$58-$63.
Taxi Flagfall and Per Kilometre Rate in Christchurch
What is the flagfall and per kilometre rate in Christchurch? Flagfall rates vary depending on the company and the size of the vehicle used. Flagfall rates for a 2-4 passenger taxi is approximately NZ$3, while a minivan usually starts around NZ$4.20.
As for the per kilometre rate, this is around NZ$3.10 for a 2-4 passenger vehicle or NZ$4.30-$4.60 for a minivan.
Note that other fees apply for taxis in Christchurch, such as an airport fee (around NZ$5.50), a credit/debit card fee (around NZ$2.30-$3), and a waiting time rate (around NZ$1.30-$1.60).
Alternative City Transport in Christchurch
Christchurch is well connected with a nifty public transport system, which is sure to get you from A to B.
- Take the bus – the most common way to get around is to use the Christchurch bus network.
- From the airport, take a shuttle to bring you straight to your destination. The cheapest airport transfer option is to take the number 29 Metro Bus to the airport.
- Walk! Christchurch has a number of attractions worth walking to in the CBD.
And for more public transport methods in Christchurch, see our guide to the Public Transport in Christchurch.
Uber and Taxi Fares in Other New Zealand Cities
Check out the taxi prices in New Zealand’s other large cities:
And for more tips on getting around New Zealand’s cities, take a look at Public Transport Within Cities: How to Catch a City Bus in New Zealand.
More About Taxi and Uber Fares in Christchurch
That’s it for our guide to taxi and Uber fares in Christchurch. For more transport and Christchurch tips, take a look at the following guides:
- 25 Best Things to Do in Christchurch
- 10 Best Ways to Travel Around New Zealand
- Christchurch Weather & Climate: What is the Weather Like in Christchurch?
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to Christchurch.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
- Immigration New Zealand (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])
- New Zealand Customs Service (Customs and Biosecurity - Updated [2024])
- New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD online platform - Updated [2024])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
- Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2024])
- Stats NZ (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2024])
- Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
- DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
About The Author
Robin C.
This article has been reviewed and approved by Robin, who is the co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. With more than 15 years of experience in the New Zealand tourism industry, Robin has co-founded three influential tourism businesses and five additional travel guides for South Pacific nations. He is an expert in New Zealand travel and has tested over 600 activities and 300+ accommodations across the country.