1 Oct 2021

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A drive-through vaccine clinic is being set up at Christchurch Arena in Wrights Road to help speed up the vaccine roll-out in Canterbury.

The drive-through clinic will open on Monday 4 October and will operate throughout October between 1.30 and 7.30pm on weekdays and between 11am and 5pm at the weekend.  Anyone can attend the clinic and no appointment is necessary. 

People can have their first or second dose vaccinations at the drive-through clinic. Those attending are asked to cancel any existing vaccination appointments they have booked. 

The clinic is being set up as part of the Canterbury District Health Board's efforts to get as many eligible people as possible their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by Labour weekend.

People who receive the first dose before Labour weekend will be able to have their second dose before Christmas, meaning the community will have a high level of protection heading into the summer.

Canterbury’s Senior Responsible Officer for the COVID-19 response, Dr Helen Skinner,  says the region’s roll-out has picked up significant pace over the past few months with over 80 percent of our eligible Canterbury population either fully vaccinated, having had a single dose or booked to receive one.

“We want to keep this momentum going and this convenient drive-through option is open late to make it easier for people to get protected against COVID-19. Everyone is welcome – bring a friend or the whole whānau.

“It’s easy: drive in, wind down the window, roll up your sleeve and get your vaccination,” says Dr Skinner.

Most clinics throughout Canterbury are now accepting drop-ins with no bookings required.

Cantabrians are urged to make use of the current capacity and receive their vaccination as soon as possible. Everyone aged 12 and over can now book a vaccination appointment or visit one of our drop-in clinics.

View a full list of vaccination clinics.

Take a free bus to your vaccine appointment

As part of a national campaign, Metro is offering free travel for booked COVID-19 vaccination appointments in Greater Christchurch.

Caregivers and dependents can also travel for free, to and from booked COVID-19 vaccination appointments. 

In Greater Christchurch, customers can simply show their appointment letter, text or email appointment confirmation (either in paper or on a mobile phone) and the driver will welcome them on board for free. 

Customers can travel free on the date stated on their booked appointment confirmation. Metro asks that customers please do not use public transport if they have cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms, are travelling to get a test, or awaiting results, or if they need to self-isolate. 

Face coverings and registering travel with the COVID-19 app (or by phone) remains mandatory when using Metro bus and ferry services, at bus stops, the bus interchange and ferry terminals. Customers can call 03 366 88 55 in Greater Christchurch to register their travel.