Access to the Antarctic
A climbable iceberg hill, sensory play walls, stepping rocks, and a C17 model aircraft are helping young travellers expend some energy and leave the tears behind before boarding, turning pre-flight nerves into moments of play.
Christchurch Airport has unveiled Little Explorers Base Camp, transforming part of the terminal into an imaginative, hands-on experience for young travellers. Located in the Gateway to Antarctica area, the new playground combines adventure, creativity, and digital technology, creating a space where children can climb, jump, hide, and explore while parents enjoy a smoother journey through the airport.
The project has been designed with a clear purpose: making travel easier for families. Any parent who has travelled with children knows the challenge of keeping little ones entertained before a flight. The new space gives children somewhere to burn off energy while creating a more enjoyable airport experience for everyone.
“We know more than 170,000 families travel through Christchurch Airport every year, which is why we’re designing every stage of our terminal transformation with families front of mind,” says Christchurch Airport Chief Commercial and Technology Officer David Cooper.
The playground forms part of the airport’s wider investment in family-friendly facilities and reflects a long-term commitment to improving the passenger experience. Alongside the new play area, the airport has refreshed key public spaces, including family and parent rooms, creating a more welcoming environment for those travelling with young children.
The space also showcases local creativity. Christchurch illustrator Kyla K, known for her whimsical and character-filled artwork, has brought the walls of the playground to life with colourful murals featuring penguins, gulls, and other Antarctic-inspired characters. Her illustrations add a distinctly local flavour while encouraging imagination and storytelling.
“I see the world with so much imagination, and it would be awesome to celebrate that sense of adventure,” she says. “Creating characters and spaces that help children feel excited – and maybe even a little braver – before they fly has been so much fun.”
The opening marks another milestone in Christchurch Airport’s ongoing terminal transformation programme, helping ensure the journey begins long before passengers step onto a plane.