WHEELCHAIR TAXI CHRISTCHURCH.
A more considered way to arrange accessible transport for medical appointments, everyday trips, airport travel and family visits.
Tell us about the passenger, chair, boarding needs and trip details before we confirm a suitable wheelchair-accessible vehicle. Our priority is agreeing the right transport arrangements, not making assumptions about accessibility.
Accessibility starts before the pickup.
Wheelchairs and accessible taxi vans are not all alike. A few details help us assess the journey appropriately.
Wheelchair taxi Christchurch bookings need more than a pickup address. They require the right entry system, compatible wheelchair restraint equipment and enough space for the passenger and companions.
Whether you use a manual chair, powered wheelchair, mobility aid or need an easier transfer into a vehicle seat, explain this when you call. Please do not assume a standard maxi taxi is wheelchair accessible.
We can discuss accessible travel around Christchurch, Selwyn and North Canterbury subject to the right vehicle and operator being available.
Accessible transport for everyday life.
Service requirements differ between health appointments, airports, daily activities and longer journeys.
Medical appointments
Christchurch Hospital, Burwood Hospital, specialist clinics and rehabilitation visits. Tell us when you need to arrive, not only your appointment time.
Airport access
Pre-arranged accessible pickups and drop-offs at Christchurch Airport (CHC), with flight, equipment and luggage information confirmed ahead.
Community & shopping
Transport requests for shopping, family visits, work, study, libraries and community activities across the city.
Care and support travel
Arrangements for passengers travelling with family members, carers, support staff or walking aids.
Events and social occasions
Accessible journeys for restaurants, celebrations, community events and functions, with return-pickup planning.
Greater Canterbury
Trips from Christchurch to Selwyn or North Canterbury addresses where a suitable vehicle and schedule can be arranged.
Five questions to answer before travelling.
Sharing these details early reduces the risk of a vehicle arriving that cannot safely accommodate the passenger.
- Is the wheelchair manual, powered or a mobility scooter?
- Will the passenger remain seated in the chair during transport?
- What are the overall dimensions and relevant weight limits?
- How many accompanying passengers or support people will travel?
- Does the journey involve an airport, appointment time, special equipment or an extended pickup?
Total Mobility taxi cards & accessible journeys
Environment Canterbury runs the Total Mobility scheme for eligible passengers. Discounts depend on programme rules and using an approved participating operator. A wheelchair-accessible vehicle alone does not establish Total Mobility approval.
Ask us whether the specific trip can be supplied through an approved operator and how the card would be handled before travel. Do not assume a subsidy, funded fare or ACC arrangement automatically applies.
Environment Canterbury — official Total Mobility information ↗Wheelchair hoist taxi? Tell us if you specifically require a hydraulic lift rather than a ramp, since these are different vehicle configurations.
Describe the traveller
Wheelchair, boarding and accompaniment needs, including any required tie-down system.
Share the itinerary
Pickup location, destination, appointment or flight time and return-travel plan.
Confirm suitability
Check the accessible vehicle, service availability, pricing and agreed assistance before the trip.
Across Christchurch and surrounding communities.
When organising a wheelchair taxi, a clear meeting point matters as much as the address itself. Let us know whether pickup is from a driveway, supported-living entrance, care facility, clinic or hospital collection area, and whether a companion needs to accompany the passenger.
For a return journey, please provide the expected finish time and any appointment delays to discuss ahead of time. Because an accessible taxi is a specialised vehicle, a pre-booked return arrangement is often simpler than assuming a vehicle will be waiting nearby.
Where can we arrange your trip?
Trips beyond the city can be discussed in advance. Coverage, timing and vehicle type depend on booking availability.
Hospitals & medical centres
Christchurch Hospital, Burwood Hospital, St George’s Hospital, medical specialists and local health services.
Christchurch neighbourhoods
Riccarton, Ilam, Merivale, Papanui, Halswell, Cashmere, Woolston, New Brighton and the CBD.
Beyond the city
Rolleston, Lincoln, Prebbleton, Rangiora, Kaiapoi and other areas by prior arrangement.
Questions people ask
Clear, practical answers. For availability, vehicle dimensions and the cost of your own journey, call our team.
How do I book a wheelchair taxi in Christchurch?
Call 027 587 2835 with the date, time, pickup and destination, whether the passenger remains in the chair, and any help or equipment needs. A suitable vehicle must be confirmed before travel.
Do wheelchair taxi vans have a ramp or hydraulic hoist?
Accessible vehicles can differ. Tell us whether a ramp or hoist is needed, plus wheelchair dimensions and combined passenger/chair weight where relevant. We will check the specific vehicle capability before confirmation.
Can I remain in my wheelchair during the journey?
This depends on the chair and vehicle. A vehicle must have suitable approved wheelchair restraints and occupant protection for travel while seated in the chair. Please discuss the equipment before booking.
Does a support person or caregiver travel too?
Please give the number of companions and caregivers when booking. Passenger seating in an accessible vehicle varies depending on wheelchair space and equipment.
Can you arrange transport to Christchurch Hospital or Burwood Hospital?
You can request journeys to Christchurch Hospital, Burwood Hospital and other medical appointments. Please provide appointment time, pickup address, any escort arrangements and whether additional assistance is required.
Is Christchurch Taxis an approved Total Mobility operator?
Total Mobility fares can only be processed by approved providers. Please confirm the eligibility of your specific booking before travelling. See Environment Canterbury’s Total Mobility guidance for the latest approved-operator and card rules.
Can I book a wheelchair-accessible airport transfer?
You can request an airport transfer with an accessible vehicle. Share your flight number, wheelchair or mobility requirements and luggage details so the pickup can be considered.
Do you help older passengers who do not use wheelchairs?
Tell us about mobility, walking, steps and boarding needs. Accessible transport or a suitable taxi can be discussed; assistance should be agreed before the trip.
Can I bring a mobility scooter?
Not every scooter can be transported or occupied during travel. Provide dimensions, approximate weight and whether the passenger can transfer into a vehicle seat. We will check suitability.
Are disability, ACC or funded trips automatically covered?
No. Funding, purchase orders and provider approvals differ. Please check the relevant agency approval and whether your requested operator accepts that payment arrangement before booking.
Can I book from Rolleston, Lincoln, Rangiora or Kaiapoi?
Wheelchair-accessible travel to or from surrounding Christchurch, Selwyn and North Canterbury locations may be arranged subject to vehicle availability and journey requirements. Advance enquiries are recommended.
How early should I reserve a wheelchair taxi?
As early as possible, especially for medical appointments, airport travel or trips during busy periods. Suitable vehicles are more limited than ordinary taxis; confirmation is required.
Let’s plan your accessible journey properly.
Call with your pickup point, destination, date and any vehicle or accessibility requirements. We’ll discuss a suitable service subject to availability.