- Website
- www.metroinfo.co.nz ↗
- Address
- Christchurch International Airport, Christchurch, NZ
- Serves
- Redwood, Westlake, Halswell, Hornby, Avonhead, Bishopdale, Northlands
- Pick up
- Northern end of International Arrivals hall, next to Novotel Hotel
Single $2 Metrocard fare gets you from CHC to Hornby
Bus 125 Northwood–Hornby via Airport runs straight past Christchurch Airport’s terminal T, giving workers and budget travellers a cheap link to the retail and industrial zones instead of a $35–$45 taxi. The bus stops on Orchard Road, a short 3–5 minute walk (about 250–300 metres) from the main arrivals area, so you’re not waiting at a random roadside stop with no idea where to stand.
The 125 operates roughly every 30 minutes on weekdays during daytime hours, with reduced frequency in the late evening and on Sundays; typical span is around 6:00 to 23:00, but always check the current Metro timetable before planning a 22:30 clock‑out. It runs between Northwood (north of the city) and Hornby (southwest) via the airport, so it’s useful if you work shifts in those industrial or retail blocks and don’t want to rely on a car.
Fares are capped at about $2 per adult trip with a Metrocard, versus around $4 cash, and you can buy or top up a Metrocard at Christchurch bus interchange in the CBD at 47 Lichfield Street before you fly. The 125 accepts contactless only via that Metrocard system, so don’t expect to just tap a random credit card on boarding. Kids pay less again, and transfers within a 2-hour window on Metro services are free, which helps if you’re connecting from the 125 to another route at Northlands or Hornby.
The route stops at several named points useful for staff and budget travellers: Northlands Mall on Main North Road, Church Corner in Upper Riccarton, and Hornby Mall on Main South Road. From the airport stop on Orchard Road, the ride to Hornby usually takes about 20–25 minutes in light traffic, while Northwood can be closer to 30–35 minutes during afternoon peaks. Drivers expect airport bags, but there’s no underfloor luggage hold, so keep big suitcases by the designated pram/luggage area near the centre doors.
Practical tip: land with at least 20–25 minutes to spare before the last scheduled 125 of the night, because if you miss it after 23:00 you’re into $40 taxi territory from T to Hornby or Northwood.