Electric vehicles are generally cheaper to run than petrol models, especially when you’re lucky enough to find a free charger. When EVs were first rolled out in New Zealand, many networks installed free EV chargers across the North and South Islands to encourage drivers to switch. However, many of these networks, such as ChargeNet, have transitioned to a pay-to-use model.
You can still find some free EV charging stations in Christchurch, but many of them are AC slow chargers and require you to bring your own cables. If you time it right, you can charge up while you shop, eat, or take in one of the many amazing sights in Christchurch. Whether you are energised for a GO Rentals Tesla hire or you are looking to save on electricity in your own EV, we have a current collection of free chargers in Christchurch. Watt a resource!Â
How many free EV charging stations are there in Christchurch?
There are over 10 charging stations in Christchurch offering free charging with multiple ports. All free charging stations are slow-speed AC plugs with bring your own cables (BYOC). Some shops and hotels also offer free charging for customers only.
Tower Junction Shopping Mall
Ngai Tahu Property partnered with Meridian Energy to install two Type 2 AC chargers. Electric vehicle drivers must bring their own cable to access the free charging session, and should allow time for the low-level 1 speed. The ports are in two different locations; one is in the Whiteleigh Avenue parking area, and the other is in the large car park. The awesome thing is that you can park up and enjoy many restaurants and shops while your car is charging!
Christchurch Adventure Park
Get juiced up for free charging and thrilling activities at Christchurch Adventure Park! BYOC to use the free type 2 AC plugs and allow a few hours to recharge. Explore the rugged mountain bike trails and adrenaline-inducing zip lines or enjoy a relaxing chairlift ride for spectacular views.
Bush Inn Shopping Centre
Bush Inn offers six free Type 2 AC chargers, but you must bring your own cable! Located in the lower ground car park, the height restriction is low, so be careful with SUV EVs. This car park is only available during the day, so plan your trip right. You could fuel your car while you fuel yourself in one of the many restaurants in the shopping centre.
Nga Puna Wai Sports Stadium
The sports stadium offers two free Type 2 AC slow chargers with BYOC. Located in their car park, the chargers are free to use while you get amped up in their sports facilities with tennis, rugby and hockey courts.
The Hub Hornby Shopping Centre
Offering three type 2 AC chargers with BYOC, The Hub Hornby is a great place to get free EV charging in Christchurch. The Hub has many restaurants, shops and services so you can energise your day while you fuel up.
Te Pou Toetoe Linwood Pool – Customers Only
Time up a gym or swimming session with a charging session at Te Pou Toetoe Linwood Pool. With two type 2 AC chargers, you should allow time for your EV to charge at a slow speed.
FreshChoice Supermarket Prebbleton – Customers Only
With six type 2 BYOC chargers, FreshChoice is offering free charging for its customers. Plan a power trip to the supermarket for free fuel.
The Tannery Boutique Shopping Centre
Charge up for free and spend your savings in the luxury boutique shops. With two type 2 AC chargers, you can BYOC, plug in, and then shop till you drop.
Northlands Mall
On the second floor of the Langdons Road car park, you will find two Type 2 wall socket chargers. BYOC and juice up your EV while you cruise the shops, restaurants and cafes.
Northwood Supa Centa
The car park offers two Type 2 EV chargers, but you need to bring your own cable. You can park up and enjoy the retail park with everything from shops to a gym and restaurants. Note that the gates shut between 11 pm and 5 am.
Woolworths Belfast
You can find six Type 2 EV AC chargers in this supermarket car park. Bring your own cable to enjoy the free electricity while you do your food shopping.
Woolworths Waimakariri Junction
Offering twelve type 2 BYOC chargers, the Woolworths in Waimakariri Junction is a great place to load up on free electricity.
Opuke Thermal Pools and Spa
The spa offers two Type 2 Zero AC chargers, which are free for a limited time, and it’s just a short drive from Christchurch. To use it, you simply need to download the Zero App and bring your own cable. With hot pools and wellness treatments, you can energise in a tranquil location while enjoying free EV charging.
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa
Located outside Christchurch, but worth a visit is the Hanmer Springs thermal pools. Partnering with Meridian Energy, Hanmer Springs offers two Zero AC chargers, which are free for public use. Plan a Christchurch to Hanmer Springs road trip and relax in the spa while you fuel up on free electricity!
How to find free EV charging stations in Christchurch
Google Maps’ EV Charging Stations feature is great for finding power points across New Zealand, especially when you are planning a road trip. However, the payments filter does have an option for “free to use”, so it is a little difficult to locate them easily.
We have found that PlugShare is the most user-friendly map for finding free EV charging stations in Christchurch. The filters allow you to select free charging, and they appear as green pins on the interactive map. Users can check in to the location and provide tips and reviews for EV drivers, so you can see if the charger is working, where it is located and how long it takes. The only downside is that it is not available in app format, so you would need to put the location into your route map to plan your drive in an EV.
Do supermarkets offer free EV charging in Christchurch?
Woolworths supermarkets offer free EV charging stations at numerous stores across New Zealand and are actively expanding to more stores. In Christchurch, Woolworths in Belfast and Woolworths in Waimakariri Junction offer free BYOC type 2 AC charging.
Freshchoice supermarket in Prebbleton also offers free charging stations and many shopping centres with supermarkets attached.
Do Christchurch hotels offer free EV charging?
A range of Christchurch hotels offer free EV charging for their customers, but many are BYOC low-speed AC chargers. However, charging overnight while you stay in the hotel is a great way to always ensure you have free charge while you explore Christchurch. Some hotels offering free charging include:
- The George Christchurch: 2 BYOC type 2 chargers for customers only.
- Heartland Hotel Cotswold: 2 BYOC type 2 chargers.
- Quality Hotel Elms: 2 BYOC type 2 chargers for guests only.
- Commodore Hotel: 4 BYOC type 2 chargers.
- Golden Hotel Christchurch: 1 free EV charging station.
Which charging network offers the cheapest EV charging?
If you can’t find an available and free charging station in Christchurch, then don’t stress, as some networks offer affordable pricing that won’t be a shock to your system:
Zolt: FREE 7 kWh AC charging every day! Fast DC charging starts from $0.47 per kWh.
ChargeNet: Slow AC from $0.40 per kWh. Fast DC charging from $0.80 per kWh.
Zero: Slow AC charging from $0.50 per kWh. Fast DC charging from $0.80 per kWh.
Tesla Supercharger: Fast DC charging from $0.80 per kWh.
You can use Google Maps EV charging stations filters to find charging stations on your journey and learn how much it costs to charge an EV.
Snap Happy Customers Amped Up for EVs
Our Snap Happy Photo Competition has customers revv’d up about our hybrid and electric car hire in New Zealand! Submit a cool photo of your GO travel memory and be in with a chance to WIN up to $500 back from your booking.
Sarah
Mesmerised by the view at the Tesla Supercharger station in Omarama. As Tesla is not in our country, we are thankful to GO Rentals for the opportunity to use a Tesla on our 9-day road trip to the South Island. The car is immensely useful and easy to drive.
Chris
The vastness and beauty of New Zealand can only be experienced firsthand, and the people here made it all the more memorable. Travelling over 3500km by EV over 5 weeks was hassle-free and cheap. Helping this wonderful planet of ours one journey at a time.
Hursh
For our South Island adventure, we rented a Tesla and set off to explore stunning spots like Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, and Mount Hutt. We wanted to see if driving an EV was right for us, and it didn’t disappoint! Every time we stumbled upon a breathtaking view, we couldn’t resist pulling over to capture the moment. Here’s one of our favourite shots from the trip!
Denise
We rented an environmentally friendly electric car from GO Rentals to visit the beautiful Kaikoura. It’s great to be able to easily rent a car with a smaller carbon footprint, which may, in turn, help to preserve the beautiful natural landscapes of New Zealand. We hope to be back one day to explore more of New Zealand too!
Watt’s next for your EV road trip?
With multiple options for free EV charging, you can amp up your budget for an electric vehicle hire in Christchurch. Cruise with shockingly good extras like 24-hour Tesla roadside assistance, unlimited kms and free basic car rental insurance. Juice up your New Zealand road trip with a fuel-efficient Tesla car rental.
You could even take a smooth Christchurch to Auckland road trip and check out the free charging stations in Auckland. With one-way rentals and a New Zealand trip planner, it’s never been easier to get GOing on a sustainable road trip.Â
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We recommend:
Premium EV SUV
Tesla Model Y
