Is it still the case that Metrocard holders still pay the normal fare ex-Airport? I remember getting a Metrocard just for this many years ago. Probably not useful if you can't get one at the Airport itself though.

You can get the Purple Line or 29 into the city. The cash fare from the airport is $8.50. People who have a metro card (mostly people who live in the Christchurch) only have to pay $2.55. But unfortunately, you can't get one of those at the airport.

There is also the 125 bus which goes to Northlands and Redwood from the airport, At Northlands, you can change onto other northbound services, like the Blue Line.

So you don't pay the airport surcharge for the bus if you're using a Metrocard?

sbiddle:

 

So you don't pay the airport surcharge for the bus if you're using a Metrocard?

 

 

 

Yes, that's right. Something like $7 vs $2.60. 

Cash customers can avoid the airport surcharge by avoiding the stop right outside the terminal - if you wander down to the Antarctic Centre or Shopping Centre then you'll pay the usual cash fare of $3 or so

sbiddle:

 

So you don't pay the airport surcharge for the bus if you're using a Metrocard?

 

 

 

Yep. It really is a case of gouging the tourists