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Airports in New Zealand are as important as any other tourist attractions in the region. These airports provide easy transit and all necessary facilities for travellers to explore New Zealand’s various regions. These airports also serve as a gateway for both domestic and international flights. The best airports to visit in New Zealand cater to the travel needs of every individual guest, offering an immersive experience. They also play a significant role in expanding the tourism of New Zealand.
10 Best Airports In New Zealand
Given below is a list of a few of the airports in New Zealand which lists the major international airports and regional ones to access the marvelous sights:
1. Auckland Airport
Photo: Ingolfson / Wikimedia Commons
Auckland Airport in New Zealand is the biggest and most popular gateway for passengers. This airport is stated to have recorded high traffic volumes of passengers flying to the country. Auckland Airport serves as the main international and intercity gateway. This airport is strategically located within Auckland’s urban area. There are many services provided to guests at this airport which include food and drink, shopping, and relaxation in lounges for premium travel experience services. Today, Auckland Airport has well-designed and well-equipped facilities for travellers. It is also a principal hub for the famous ‘Air New Zealand’.
Major Attractions: Auckland city center, Waiheke Island, Rangitoto Island
Best Time To Visit: November to March (summer season)
Nearest Railway Station: Papatoetoe Station
Location: 20 km south of Auckland City Center
Timings: 24*7
2. Wellington International Airport
Photo: Phillip Capper / Wikimedia Commons
Wellington International Airport is located in Rongotai in Wellington which is the capital of New Zealand. This airport lies at a distance of 5.5 kilometres from the city centre. Wellington Airport is not a large airport, so it has the basic facilities that any user requires, including eating places, shops, etc. This airport is also a hub of other small aviation clubs and businesses including the famous one, Wellington Aero Club. In 1977, Wellington Airport was announced as an international airport.
Major Attractions: Te Papa Museum, Mount Victoria Lookout, Wellington Zoo
Best Time To Visit: October to April (mild weather)
Nearest Railway Station: Wellington Station
Location: 5.5 km southeast of Wellington CBD
Timings: 24*7
3. Christchurch International Airport
Photo: Schwede66 / Wikimedia Commons
Christchurch International Airport is one of the major airports in New Zealand. This airport is located at a distance of 12 kilometres from the city centre. Christchurch Airport became New Zealand’s first international airport in 1950. A variety of services provided at this airport include restaurants, boutiques, shopping places and lounges. Christchurch airport is described as a gateway airport to the south of the Southern Island and such attractions as Canterbury Plain, the Southern Alps, etc.
Major Attractions: Canterbury Museum, Hagley Park, Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Best Time To Visit: December to February (summer)
Nearest Railway Station: Christchurch Railway Station
Location: 12 km northwest of Christchurch city center
Timings: 24*7
4. Queenstown Airport
Photo: Elisfkc / Wikimedia Commons
Queenstown Airport is located in Frankton, Otago, New Zealand. Frankton serves as one of the resort towns of New Zealand. This airport is the fourth busiest airport in New Zealand. It mainly engages on domestic routes and only provides some intercontinental connections, with a focus on Australia. This airport is renowned for its scenic beauty and terrain views as people can start viewing them from the moment they arrive. Queenstown airport has nine gates and is also used to see sightseeing flights to the nearby region.
Major Attractions: Lake Wakatipu, Skyline Queenstown, Coronet Peak
Best Time To Visit: June to August (winter) for skiing, November to March for summer activities
Nearest Railway Station: Not available
Location: 8 km from Queenstown
Timings: 24*7
5. Dunedin Airport
Photo: CHCBOY / Wikimedia Commons
Dunedin Airport is an international airport and is also known as Dunedin International Airport and Momona Airport. This airport is located in the Otago district and is the second international airport in Otago. The first international and renowned airport in Otago is the Queenstown Airport. It is considered the fifth busiest airport in New Zealand. Being not so large compared to other international airports, it offers daily flights to New Zealand’s biggest cities and several connections worldwide. There are five gates at this airport and a charter service also operates from the region beside the terminal of Dunedin Airport.
Major Attractions: Larnach Castle, Otago Museum, Dunedin Botanic Garden
Best Time To Visit: December to February
Nearest Railway Station: Dunedin Railway Station
Location: 22 km west of Dunedin city center
Timings: 24*7
6. Hamilton Airport
Photo: Jeffry S.S. / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Hamilton Airport is located at a distance of 14 kilometres from the city of Hamilton. Hamilton is located in the Waikato Region of New Zealand. Travellers with a certain number of attractions in mind including the Hobbiton Movie Set and the Waitomo Caves, prefer to land at this airport. This airport is less busy and is much smaller, making it the tenth busiest international airport in New Zealand. Hamilton Airport offers quite a number of regional services that make it efficient for trips to nearby areas.
Major Attractions: Hobbiton Movie Set, Waitomo Caves, Hamilton Gardens
Best Time To Visit: November to April
Nearest Railway Station: Hamilton Railway Station
Location: 14 km south of Hamilton
Timings: 24*7
7. Rotorua Regional Airport
Photo: Bob Linsdell / Wikimedia Commons
Rotorua Regional Airport is located in Rotorua, New Zealand. This airport is located at a distance of 6 kilometres from Roturua. The airport terminal is a two-storey building with six gates. Amenities inside Rotorua Airport include a cafe, a book store and a conference room. A number of charter planes also operate from this airport. This airport also caters to every individual’s preferences and promises a unique experience to all those travelling to and from Rotorua Regional Airport.
Major Attractions: Te Puia, Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Polynesian Spa
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Nearest Railway Station: Not available
Location: 9 km from Rotorua city center
Timings: 24*7
8. Nelson Airport
Photo: CHCBOY / Wikimedia Commons
Nelson Airport is located 6 kilometres from Nelson in New Zealand. This airport is the sixth busiest airport in New Zealand. Nelson Airport has an Air New Zealand Koru Lounge on its premises. This airport is the base of Air Nelson. It mainly operates within domestic routes, and it is often characterized by the easy-to-navigate layout and basics. This airport specifically caters to the tourism industry. Visitors planning to visit the Abel Tasman National Park or art galleries in the region should land at Nelson Airport.
Major Attractions: Abel Tasman National Park, World of Wearable Art & Classic Cars Museum
Best Time To Visit: October to April
Location: 8 km from Nelson
Timings: 24*7
9. New Plymouth Airport
Photo: Itineris55 / Wikimedia Commons
New Plymouth Airport is located in the city of New Plymouth. It is located at a distance of 11 kilometres from the city. New Plymouth Airport has proper facilities through which passengers can spend a pleasant time. It is currently serviced by Air New Zealand and operates daily flights to Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland. This airport is considered the 9th busiest airport in New Zealand. This airport was voted and considered the best regional airport in New Zealand in 2020. It has been witnessing a huge number of passengers since then.
Major Attractions: Mount Taranaki, Pukekura Park, Coastal Walkway
Best Time To Visit: December to March
Location: 11 km from New Plymouth
Timings: 24*7
10. Napier Airport
Photo: Dan Stephens / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Napier Airport is also known as Hawke’s Bay Airport. It is the commercial airport which serves flights from and to the Hawke’s Bay area. The flights often take passengers to Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington. Weekly flights are available from Nelson to both Auckland and Wellington, useful to travelers visiting Hawke’s Bay’s wineries and historical landmarks. The airport is typically sited on the former Ahuriri Lagoon. It caters to every traveller’s preferences and needs.
Major Attractions: Cape Kidnappers, Art Deco buildings, Wineries
Best Time To Visit: October to April
Nearest Railway Station: Napier Railway Station
Location: 7 km north of Napier
Timings: 24*7
There are a variety of airports in New Zealand, offered to every individual’s preferences and needs. Starting from the largest New Zealand International Airport in Auckland and further going to regional centers such as Nelson or Rotorua, every airport is beneficial. It is a gateway for the tourism of the region. Now that you have gathered information on the best airports in New Zealand, use this information to plan for your trip. Book a custom package from TripXL for an exciting holiday across the New Zealand terrain.
Cover Photo: Darcy Lawrey / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
