Uber has been operating in Christchurch since March 2016, providing locals and tourists with a safe, affordable and reliable transport option to get from A to B in the Garden City.

From today, it’s even easier to get around as you can now catch a ride to and from the airport. A new dedicated ridesharing pick up area, and access to the public drop-off area at the Christchurch Airport, means travellers can get a ride in minutes at the touch of a button before or after their flight.

Via the Uber app, riders will be connected with driver-partners who hold a Passenger Endorsement licence issued by the NZ Transport Agency.

Amanda Gilmore, NZ Country Manager, Uber, says “Our goal is to make transport as streamlined as possible for New Zealanders and visitors, and working with airports is a crucial part of this. It means travellers can move from plane to terminal to Uber with ease – and locals have an alternative to driving and parking at the airport. We’re pleased to now offer a world-class transport experience at Christchurch Airport, which was this year recognised in the World Airport Awards.”

The partnership means driver-partners can now pick-up riders from the ‘Ride Share Pick-up Zone’, located a very short walk from the terminal and behind the purple Express Park (car parking building).

Justin Watson, the airport’s Chief Aeronautical and Commercial Officer, says the airport company is very pleased to welcome Uber as its first rideshare partner.

“We like to offer our visitors choices, so adding ride-share for people coming to and from the airport is alongside buses, shuttles, taxis, motorcycle and cycle access, free drop-off/pick-up in The Loop  and 30 minutes’ free parking in the Orchard Road car park. Uber customers will be dropped off on one side of the car park building right by the terminal, and collected on the other side of it. All very easy.”

Christchurch is the latest airport to partner directly with Uber, joining Wellington and Tauranga airports which already allow pick-up and drop-offs for rideshare passengers.