List of Airports in New Zealand
As of 2024, there are 63 airports throughout the country of New Zealand according to IATA and ICAO. Through the table below, you can find name of each airport, its abbreviation, city location, and size. Airports in New Zealand are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that some airports serve internationally, while the other only serve domestically.
List of All Airports in New Zealand
| # | Airport | Abbreviation | Location | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alexandra Airport | ALR | Alexandra | Small |
| 2 | Ardmore Airport | AMZ | Ardmore | Small |
| 3 | Ashburton Airport | ASG | Ashburton | Small |
| 4 | Auckland International Airport | AKL | Auckland | Large |
| 5 | Blenheim Airport | BHE | Blenheim | Medium |
| 6 | Christchurch International Airport | CHC | Christchurch | Medium |
| 7 | Coromandel Airport | CMV | Coromandel | Small |
| 8 | Dargaville Airport | DGR | Dargaville | Small |
| 9 | Dunedin Airport | DUD | Dunedin | Medium |
| 10 | Fox Glacier Airport | FGL | Fox Glacier | Small |
| 11 | Frankton Airport | ZQN | Queenstown | Medium |
| 12 | Franz Josef Airport | WHO | Franz Josef | Small |
| 13 | Gisborne Airport | GIS | Gisborne | Medium |
| 14 | Glentanner Airport | GTN | Mount Cook | Small |
| 15 | Great Barrier Island Airport | GBZ | Great Barrier Island | Small |
| 16 | Greymouth Airport | GMN | Greymouth | Small |
| 17 | Hamilton Airport | HLZ | Hamilton | Medium |
| 18 | Hawkes Bay Airport | NPE | Napier-Hastings | Medium |
| 19 | Hokitika Airport | HKK | Hokitika | Medium |
| 20 | Invercargill Airport | IVC | Invercargill | Medium |
| 21 | Kaikohe Airport | KKO | Kaikohe | Small |
| 22 | Kaikoura Airport | KBZ | Kaikoura | Small |
| 23 | Kaitaia Airport | KAT | Kaitaia | Medium |
| 24 | Karewa Airport | CHT | Chatham Island | Small |
| 25 | Kawau Island Airport | KUI | Kawau Island | Small |
| 26 | Kerikeri Airport | KKE | Kerikeri | Medium |
| 27 | Koromiko Airport | PCN | Picton | Small |
| 28 | Manapouri Airport | TEU | Te Anau | Small |
| 29 | Mansion House Airport | KWU | Mansion House | Small |
| 30 | Masterton Airport | MRO | Masterton | Small |
| 31 | Matamata Airport | MTA | Matamata | Small |
| 32 | Mechanics Bay Airport | MHB | Auckland | Small |
| 33 | Milford Sound Airport | MFN | Milford Sound | Small |
| 34 | Motueka Airport | MZP | Motueka | Small |
| 35 | Mount Cook Airport | MON | Mount Cook | Small |
| 36 | Nelson Airport | NSN | Nelson | Medium |
| 37 | New Plymouth Airport | NPL | New Plymouth | Medium |
| 38 | Oamaru Airport | OAM | Oamaru | Small |
| 39 | Pakatoa Island Airport | PKL | Pakatoa Island | Small |
| 40 | Palmerston North Airport | PMR | Palmerston North | Medium |
| 41 | Paraparaumu Airport | PPQ | Paraparaumu | Small |
| 42 | Port Fitzroy Airport | GBS | Port Fitzroy | Small |
| 43 | Pukaki/Twizel Airport | TWZ | Mount Cook | Small |
| 44 | Raglan Airport | RAG | Raglan | Small |
| 45 | Rotorua Airport | ROT | Rotorua | Medium |
| 46 | Stewart Island Airport | SZS | Stewart Island | Small |
| 47 | Surfdale Airport | WIK | Surfdale | Small |
| 48 | Taharoa Airport | THH | Taharoa | Small |
| 49 | Takaka Airport | KTF | Takaka | Small |
| 50 | Taupo Airport | TUO | Taupo | Medium |
| 51 | Tauranga Airport | TRG | Tauranga | Medium |
| 52 | Thames Airport | TMZ | Thames | Small |
| 53 | Timaru Airport | TIU | Timaru | Medium |
| 54 | Tokoroa Airport | TKZ | Tokoroa | Small |
| 55 | Wairoa Airport | WIR | Wairoa | Small |
| 56 | Waitangi Airport | WGN | Waitangi | Small |
| 57 | Wanaka Airport | WKA | Wanaka | Medium |
| 58 | Wanganui Airport | WAG | Wanganui | Medium |
| 59 | Wellington International Airport | WLG | Wellington | Medium |
| 60 | Westport Airport | WSZ | Westport | Medium |
| 61 | Whakatane Airport | WHK | Whakatane | Medium |
| 62 | Whangarei Airport | WRE | Whangarei | Medium |
| 63 | Whitianga Airport | WTZ | Whitianga | Small |
Major Airports in New Zealand
1. Auckland Airport (Auckland International Airport)
Airport Code:
AKL
Time Zone:
New Zealand Standard Time (NZST) / New Zealand Daylight Time (NZDT)
Address:
Auckland International Airport, Auckland 2022, New Zealand
Nearby Cities:
- Auckland – 13 miles
- Hamilton – 79 miles
- Tauranga – 118 miles
- Whangarei – 112 miles
- Wellington – 307 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- Air New Zealand
- Qantas
- Emirates
- Singapore Airlines
- Cathay Pacific
- Jetstar Airways
Annual Passenger Traffic:
21 million passengers (approx. 2023)
Airport Location and History
Auckland Airport, located 13 miles south of Auckland’s central business district, is New Zealand’s busiest and largest airport. Opened in 1966, it has undergone numerous expansions and renovations to accommodate the increasing number of passengers and flights. The airport plays a vital role in New Zealand’s international and domestic air travel and is considered the primary gateway to the country, especially for long-haul flights from Asia, the Pacific Islands, and Europe.
Auckland’s geographical location makes it an important hub for international connections between Oceania and the rest of the world. The airport is well-connected by road, rail, and public transport to Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand, and serves as a major economic, cultural, and tourist center. Over the years, the airport’s capacity has been upgraded, with new terminals and facilities being added to meet the growing demand for both domestic and international services.
Auckland is also a major hub for Air New Zealand, which operates a wide range of domestic flights from the airport. The airport has a significant role in tourism, business, and freight operations. As New Zealand’s principal international gateway, it serves as the first point of contact for many travelers arriving in the country.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Auckland Airport has two main runways and a modern terminal structure to handle its large number of flights.
- Runway 1: Length 10,171 feet (3,100 meters)
- Runway 2: Length 6,655 feet (2,030 meters)
The airport is capable of handling wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 777 and Airbus A380, which regularly use Auckland as a transit point for long-haul international flights. The main runway is long enough to accommodate large aircraft, making it suitable for international flights from the United States, Europe, and Asia.
The airport’s facilities include two terminals: one for international flights and the other for domestic travel. The terminals feature a range of amenities, such as duty-free shopping, lounges, restaurants, and a variety of transportation options, including car rentals and shuttle services. Auckland Airport has also invested in improving its sustainability and environmental practices, with initiatives aimed at reducing its carbon footprint.
Additionally, the airport’s modern cargo facilities and its position as a major logistics hub make it essential for freight traffic, connecting New Zealand’s agricultural and manufacturing industries to global markets.
2. Wellington Airport (Wellington International Airport)
Airport Code:
WLG
Time Zone:
New Zealand Standard Time (NZST) / New Zealand Daylight Time (NZDT)
Address:
Wellington International Airport, Wellington 6022, New Zealand
Nearby Cities:
- Wellington – 4 miles
- Porirua – 13 miles
- Lower Hutt – 9 miles
- Upper Hutt – 18 miles
- Palmerston North – 85 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- Air New Zealand
- Jetstar Airways
- Qantas
- Sky Express
Annual Passenger Traffic:
6 million passengers (approx. 2023)
Airport Location and History
Wellington Airport is located just 4 miles south of Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city. The airport has a rich history dating back to the 1920s, though its current terminal opened in 1959. It has played a pivotal role in connecting Wellington to other parts of New Zealand and internationally, offering essential services for both passengers and freight.
The airport serves as the main gateway for travelers visiting the capital, which is a hub for government, business, and culture. Over the years, Wellington Airport has experienced steady growth, particularly in the areas of tourism and business travel. With its compact size, it has continued to evolve to handle increased passenger volumes through regular upgrades and expansions.
In recent years, Wellington Airport has focused on improving its international connections, expanding services to Australia, and increasing its capacity to serve regional and international routes. As the national political and cultural heart of New Zealand, Wellington attracts thousands of tourists and business travelers every year, contributing to the airport’s busy traffic.
Wellington also plays an important role in New Zealand’s tourism sector, with easy access to national parks, vineyards, and coastal areas, making it a popular destination for domestic and international visitors.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Wellington Airport has a single runway, but it is long enough to accommodate both regional and international flights.
- Runway: Length 6,828 feet (2,080 meters)
The runway is capable of handling narrow-body aircraft, such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, and the airport is primarily used for domestic flights and regional international services. It is not equipped to handle large wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 747 or Airbus A380. However, the airport’s modern terminal has been designed to handle high volumes of passengers with excellent facilities, including duty-free shops, lounges, and a wide range of dining options.
The terminal offers both domestic and international services, with easy access to transportation options, including taxis, buses, and car rentals. Wellington’s airport is also known for its strong environmental initiatives, such as solar panels and energy-efficient systems, aligning with New Zealand’s commitment to sustainability.
3. Christchurch Airport (Christchurch International Airport)
Airport Code:
CHC
Time Zone:
New Zealand Standard Time (NZST) / New Zealand Daylight Time (NZDT)
Address:
Christchurch International Airport, Christchurch 8053, New Zealand
Nearby Cities:
- Christchurch – 8 miles
- Rolleston – 14 miles
- Rangiora – 18 miles
- Timaru – 87 miles
- Ashburton – 45 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- Air New Zealand
- Qantas
- Jetstar Airways
- Emirates
- China Southern Airlines
Annual Passenger Traffic:
6 million passengers (approx. 2023)
Airport Location and History
Christchurch Airport is situated in the South Island of New Zealand, 8 miles from the central business district of Christchurch. The airport is a key entry point for visitors arriving in the South Island, offering both domestic and international flights to a variety of destinations. It opened in the early 1940s and has undergone significant growth, particularly after the 1990s, to meet the demands of increasing passenger traffic.
The airport is an important transport hub for both tourists and locals traveling to popular destinations such as Queenstown, Fiordland, and Dunedin. Christchurch, known as the “Garden City,” is a gateway to outdoor adventures in the South Island and has a vibrant cultural and commercial scene. Christchurch Airport serves as the main gateway to the South Island’s diverse regions, including its natural landscapes, ski resorts, and eco-tourism opportunities.
The airport is a critical part of the South Island’s economy, with regular international flights to Australia and Asia, as well as strong domestic connectivity. Christchurch also benefits from being a hub for both business and tourism, with steady growth in international arrivals, particularly from Asia and Europe.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Christchurch Airport boasts a single, long runway that is capable of handling both wide-body and narrow-body aircraft.
- Runway: Length 10,171 feet (3,100 meters)
The airport is equipped to handle large aircraft, such as the Boeing 747 and Airbus A380, with its modern facilities catering to long-haul flights. The terminal has seen substantial upgrades in recent years, including the addition of international and domestic gates, luxury lounges, and duty-free shopping areas. Christchurch Airport is known for its seamless integration of sustainable design, featuring energy-efficient systems and a commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.
The airport offers comprehensive services for both business and leisure travelers, including various restaurants, cafes, and rental car options. It is well-served by taxis, buses, and shuttles, and it plays a crucial role in the tourism industry by facilitating access to the South Island’s natural wonders.
4. Queenstown Airport (Queenstown International Airport)
Airport Code:
ZQN
Time Zone:
New Zealand Standard Time (NZST) / New Zealand Daylight Time (NZDT)
Address:
Queenstown International Airport, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Nearby Cities:
- Queenstown – 5 miles
- Arrowtown – 11 miles
- Wanaka – 45 miles
- Glenorchy – 33 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- Air New Zealand
- Jetstar Airways
- Qantas
- Virgin Australia
Annual Passenger Traffic:
2 million passengers (approx. 2023)
Airport Location and History
Queenstown Airport is located in the beautiful resort town of Queenstown, in the South Island of New Zealand. It is renowned for its scenic beauty and serves as a major gateway for tourists heading to Queenstown’s world-famous ski resorts, adventure sports, and natural attractions, such as Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range.
Opened in 1935, Queenstown Airport has grown from a small regional airstrip to one of New Zealand’s busiest airports in terms of passenger traffic. It is a vital entry point for international tourists visiting Queenstown, a world-renowned adventure tourism hub. The airport has expanded to cater to the increasing number of visitors attracted by Queenstown’s outdoor lifestyle and attractions, including bungee jumping, skiing, and hiking.
Queenstown’s airport primarily handles domestic flights, but its international connections have increased significantly in recent years, with seasonal services to Australia and other international destinations.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Queenstown Airport has a single runway designed for both regional and international flights.
- Runway: Length 6,531 feet (1,993 meters)
Although it is smaller than other major airports in New Zealand, Queenstown Airport is capable of handling large regional jets such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, making it suitable for flights to and from Australia and other international destinations. The airport is equipped with modern facilities, including a small terminal with passenger lounges, cafes, duty-free shopping, and rental car services.
The location of Queenstown Airport in a mountainous area requires advanced navigational technologies, and the airport has invested in modern infrastructure to ensure safety and efficiency for its growing number of passengers.
