Air travel is an essential component of New Zealand's transportation system, ensuring connectivity across the islands and to international locations. Although geographically isolated, New Zealand's aviation infrastructure effectively facilitates the movement of tourists, business professionals, and residents. Explore major airports in New Zealand for smooth travel. Don’t forget to apply for your NZ eTA before arrival to ensure a hassle-free journey through immigration.
Because New Zealand is an island nation, air travel is essential because it provides the fastest and most effective means of connecting the North and South Islands. It is an essential component of the nation's transport system since it guarantees easy domestic transit between major cities.
Additionally, as the primary entry point to international tourism, a significant economic driver, air travel stimulates the economy. It makes it easier to get to remote areas, particularly in the South Island where there aren't many other ways to get about, and it's crucial for fostering business, trade, and regional development.
New Zealand is divided into the North Island and the South Island. Due to this separation, air travel remains the fastest and most reliable method for reaching key cities across both islands.
Each year, a large number of overseas visitors enter New Zealand by air. Tourism holds a central place in the national economy, and air transport supports this by handling nearly all international arrivals.
Some parts of New Zealand, especially in the South Island, are difficult to reach by land. Air routes offer necessary access to these areas where road and rail links are limited or unavailable.
Airports assist in moving goods and people, strengthening business operations and trade activity. They also help promote regional growth by linking smaller centres with larger economic hubs.
Key Features of New Zealand’s Air Travel Network
|
Feature |
Description |
|
Number of Commercial Airports |
Over 25, including 5 international hubs and multiple regional airfields. |
|
Main Air Operators |
Air New Zealand, Jetstar, Sounds Air, and several charter flight services. |
|
Most Connected City |
Auckland, the main international gateway and domestic hub. |
|
Domestic Flight Coverage |
Extensive, linking major cities and regional centres. |
|
Safety Standards |
High, maintained by the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA). |
What Travelers Should Expect
|
Aspect |
Description |
|
Efficient Security and Check-in |
New Zealand airports maintain organised and timely procedures for security screening and check-in. |
|
Accessibility |
Airport terminals are designed with modern infrastructure to accommodate all passengers, including those with mobility needs. |
|
Biosecurity Awareness |
Due to the country’s unique natural environment, travelers must comply with strict customsregulations. |
Airports that receive international flights in New Zealand allow people to enter the country by air. These airports are set up to manage both travellers and goods, and they provide the services needed to help people complete their arrival steps without delay.
The airport is located in the North Island, 20 to 21kilometres south of Auckland’s city centre. Travellers can reach the airport from the city by using the SkyBus or by taking a taxi.
A bus runs between the international and domestic terminals every 15 minutes, from 5:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily. Travellers can also follow the marked walkway between the two terminals, which takes around 10 minutes on foot.
A shuttle travels between Auckland Airport and the city, and the journey takes about 1 hour. It usually carries more than one group of passengers and may offer lower rates for people travelling together. The time taken depends on road traffic and the number of stops for pick-up or drop-off. Travellers should plan for extra time when going to the airport for a departing flight.
Passengers will find taxi and shuttle ranks near door 8 at the international terminal and near the Jetstar forecourt at the domestic terminal. The trip between the airport and the city centre may take more time during busy traffic hours. Those using a taxi to reach the airport should allow enough time. Taxis that have permission to pick up passengers at the airport follow fixed rules for fare and service quality.
Licensed car rental companies at Auckland Airport operate either within the terminal buildings or in nearby locations.
Travellers can search and compare these companies or make bookings directly online. Many companies offer international and New Zealand freephone numbers for enquiries.
Users who book through the car rental search and comparison tool receive points and tier credit, subject to applicable terms and conditions.
Car Rental Companies at Auckland Airport
Auckland Airport provides travellers with several useful facilities. These include 2 hours of free Wi-Fi, baggage storage, and shower areas.
|
Service Category |
Details |
|
Shopping |
Duty-free shops, tax-free stores, souvenir outlets, over 100 retail shops. |
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Health & Personal Care |
Pharmacy, baby change facilities, nursery rooms. |
|
Dining |
Cafés, restaurants, bars, fast food options. |
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Banking & Currency |
Banking services, currency exchange, ATMs. |
|
Connectivity |
Public telephones, internet access. |
|
Accessibility |
Wheelchair access. |
|
Children’s Facilities |
Children’s playground. |
Christchurch International Airport runs direct flights between the city and Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney, and Melbourne throughout the year. During the summer period, it also runs flights to and from Perth. Flights between Christchurch and Guangzhou, Fiji, and Singapore run on a regular basis.
Airlines that fly internationally to and from Christchurch include Air New Zealand, China Southern Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Fiji Airways, Jetstar, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, and Virgin Australia. These airlines handle routes linking Christchurch with other countries.
On domestic routes, Air New Zealand, Jetstar, and Air Chathams run flights from Christchurch. These flights reach different places across the North Island, South Island, and the Chatham Islands.
Christchurch Airport stands approximately 12 kilometres north-west of the city centre.
2 public bus services operate between Christchurch Airport and the city: the number 29 and the Purple Line. These buses stop at various points along the way, and the journey takes about 35 minutes. Travellers may need to walk or take another bus to reach their final destination.
Passengers can buy tickets directly from the driver. One-way and return fares are available, and return tickets may be used on different days.
Buses depart from 2 locations. One bus stop is directly outside the terminal building. Another is about five minutes away on foot from the airport.
Shuttles operate as shared taxis, carrying passengers travelling to different destinations. The fare depends on the number of people in the group. This service usually takes about 30 minutes and offers door-to-door pick-up and drop-off.
Taxis are also available at Christchurch Airport, including services from several companies and rideshare operators such as Uber. Travel time by taxi is generally between 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Taxis licensed to operate from the airport follow service standards set by the airport company. Passengers heading to the airport by taxi should allow extra time for the journey.
Travellers can purchase duty-free and tax-free goods at this store when flying internationally. It remains open for all arriving and departing international flights and is located in both the International Arrivals and International Departures areas.
Travellers can browse a collection of New Zealand-made clothing, including merino and possum merino garments, t-shirts, hoodies, and a wide range of accessories and gifts.
|
Location |
Opening Hours |
|
Level One, Food Court |
7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. |
|
International Departures |
Open for all departing international flights. |
The counters at check-in remain open for all arriving and departing international flights. The counter in the international arrivals area remains open for all arriving international flights, while the counter in the international departures area stays open for all departing flights. These services are located at check-in, International Arrivals, and International Departures.
Travellers can use storage facilities for items such as luggage, sports gear, bicycles, and other travel-related belongings.
Machine wrapping is available for firm, securely packed items. For soft, large, or fragile items, including car seats and prams, staff provide strong plastic bags fitted with heat-sealed straps.
Travellers must detach the wheels on large prams themselves, and these will be strapped to the pram before packing. Additional services include wine boxes, bubble wrap, and bicycle packing. Relay can provide further information and current rates.
ATMs at the airport include a raised dot on the number 5 key to help users locate the centre of the keypad by touch. All doors at the airport are automatic and wide enough to allow access for wheelchairs.
Travellers with hidden disabilities can access support and facilities designed to assist with their journey. All relevant information is provided in one central place.
Travelling with children requires extra time and preparation. Key information is available in one place to assist families.
Arrive early, especially during busy hours. Time is needed for check-in and, for flights from Gates 16-34, security and immigration. Contact your airline for exact check-in times. Each infant or child may bring 2 items, such as a pram, car seat, or bassinet, in addition to their baggage allowance.
Children on child fares get the same baggage as adults. Infants may bring one carry-on bag. Some strollers can be used up to the gate.
Travellers can take care of their cash and currency needs at several locations inside the airport terminal. These include services for withdrawing money and exchanging foreign currency. At Christchurch Airport, Travelex runs 3 stores that remain open every day of the year. Travellers can buy or exchange more than 60 widely used foreign currencies at these locations.
Travelex also offers a prepaid money card. This card can be loaded with up to nine currencies at the same time, providing a practical option for international travel.
Travellers may pre-order currency online to secure better rates. They can then collect their order from a Travelex store at the airport before their flight. Travelex ATMs are placed throughout the terminal. Some machines issue New Zealand dollars, Australian dollars, US dollars, and Euros.
Travellers can relax, work, or enjoy refreshments at several lounges within Christchurch Airport. These lounges provide quiet settings and comfortable spaces to take in the surrounding views before departure.
Christchurch Airport hosts 4 well-maintained lounges. These include 2 operated by Air New Zealand and one independent lounge, the Manaia Lounge.
Air New Zealand Lounge for regional departures is located on the ground floor of the terminal, behind Fly Thru Cafe and next to Gates 3-14. It operates daily from 5:30 a.m. until the last regional flight departs.
Air New Zealand International Lounge is situated in the International Departures area, inside Aelia Duty Free. It opens each day starting 2.5 hours before the scheduled international departure time. Manaia Lounge serves international passengers flying with Qantas, Emirates, Fiji Airways, China Southern Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Jetstar. It is located in international departures, directly opposite gate 29.
Christchurch Airport provides unlimited free WiFi throughout the terminal. This service allows all travellers to stay connected, work, or access entertainment during their time at the airport.
Charging stations are available across the terminal for those needing to charge their devices. These stations include usb ports and standard power sockets. Wireless charging options are also available within the digital innovation zone.
How to Access the Free WiFi:
Wellington International Airport is located on the southern tip of New Zealand’s North Island, approximately 8 kilometres from the capital city, Wellington.
Several airlines operate trans-Tasman flights from Wellington. These include Air New Zealand, Qantas, VirginAustralia, and Jetstar. Fiji Airways also runs international services connecting Wellington with Nadi, Fiji.
The airport also offers frequent domestic connections to destinations across the country. Domestic flights are operated by Air New Zealand, Jetstar, Golden Bay Air, and Sounds Air.
Wellington International Airport provides several transport options for travellers leaving or arriving at the terminal. Passengers can choose from public buses, shuttles, taxis, or rideshare services to reach the city or nearby areas. Each option is available to meet different travel needs and schedules.
Buses depart from the southern end of the terminal on Level 0. Passengers should exit through the baggage claim doors on Level 0 and turn right to reach the stop. The route travels through the city centre and extends to Lower Hutt. The amount you pay depends on how far you go.
A shuttle is a shared transport service that provides travel between the airport and the city. This option is commonly used by passengers heading to different destinations within the city.
Travellers often share the vehicle with other groups, and additional time may be required due to multiple stops. The total travel duration can extend up to 40 minutes during busy traffic periods or when several drop-offs are scheduled.
When travelling to the airport for a departing flight, it is important to allow sufficient time to accommodate possible delays.
Taxis queue just outside the baggage claim zone on the main terminal’s ground level. Passengers should proceed to door g to access the taxi area.
Multiple taxi companies are authorised to collect passengers without prior bookings from Wellington International Airport. These operators are permitted to provide on-demand services from the terminal.
Wellington International Airport provides on-site car rental services through several authorised operators. Car rental counters are located on the ground level, adjacent to the domestic baggage claim area. These facilities offer travellers convenient access to vehicle hire directly from the terminal.
Duty Free WLG provides international travellers with a premium duty-free shopping experience at Wellington Airport. The stores offer a curated range of globally recognised brands and New Zealand-made products.
Travellers can browse a wide selection of items, including fragrances, cosmetics, wines and spirits, confectionery, electronics, souvenirs, local produce and gifts. The shop and collect service allows passengers to make purchases in the departures store and collect them from the arrivals store upon return.
Duty Free WLG maintains dedicated locations in both the international arrivals and international departures areas. These stores remain open for all international flights, offering personalised assistance and product guidance from the in-store team.
The satellite store of Te Papa at Wellington Airport features a carefully chosen collection of items that represent the museum’s cultural identity.
Travellers can explore a variety of items, including beautiful prints of artworks from the national collection and merchandise inspired by Te Papa’s latest exhibitions. The store offers visitors a chance to take home a piece of New Zealand’s cultural heritage.
Whether travellers are preparing for a journey abroad or planning an active experience, Icebreaker offers reliable warmth and comfort through naturally sourced materials.
Passengers should follow best practices when packing for both domestic and international travel to prevent unnecessary delays or issues.
Specific limits apply to aerosols, liquids, and gels in carry-on luggage for international travel.
Some exemptions to the liquid and aerosol restrictions include:
Self-service lockers are located on Level 1 of the Multi-Level car park near the motorbike parking area.
Larger items, such as bicycles and surfboards, that cannot be placed in standard lockers can be stored separately.
Passengers can access the Air New Zealand International Lounge after completing customs and security checks. After exiting the duty-free store, turn right to locate the lounge.
Lounge Features
Opening Hours
The lounge is open for all international departures. It opens 90 minutes before the scheduled flight departure.
Steps to Connect
Troubleshooting Tips
Payphone Access
A payphone is located near Door E in the International Arrivals area on the Ground Floor. This payphone accepts credit card payments.
Queenstown Airport is situated in Frankton, approximately 8 kilometres from Queenstown’s central business district. The drive from the city centre to the airport typically takes around 10 minutes.
4 commercial airlines currently operate from Queenstown Airport. These include Air New Zealand, Jetstar, Qantas, and Virgin Australia. The airport functions as a direct domestic and international gateway to the lower South Island. It offers convenient access to major destinations such as Queenstown, WÄnaka, Fiordland, and Central Otago.
Queenstown Airport Corporation (QAC), established in 1988, manages the operations of Queenstown Airport. The corporation acts on behalf of its shareholders and is overseen by a Board of Directors.
Queenstown Airport provides several transport options to meet the varying needs of travellers. These options include public buses, airport shuttles, taxis, ride-share services, and luxury transport providers.
All transport services are conveniently located directly outside the terminal. Travellers can choose the most suitable option to reach their destination.
Queenstown Airport provides three Travelex ATMs that accept domestic and international cards and dispense New Zealand and Australian dollars. They are located in the main terminal, International Arrivals, and near the domestic baggage claim.
Queenstown Airport offers accessible facilities to support passengers with mobility challenges and special requirements. The terminal features ramps, wide automatic doors, accessible toilets, and designated parking spaces. Airport staff provide assistance for mobility-related needs when requested. Clear signs throughout the terminal help all passengers move around with ease.
The airport terminal offers a variety of retail stores to enhance the traveller experience. Passengers can explore duty-free shops for international brands, gift shops featuring local products, stationery outlets for travel essentials, and stores offering handmade jewellery. These shopping options provide both convenience and memorable souvenirs for those departing or arriving.
Airports across New Zealand help people move between cities and countries with ease. Each location provides clear transport options, essential facilities, and practical support to meet the needs of all travellers.
Which domestic airport is closest to popular tourist attractions in the South Island?
Queenstown Airport is the primary domestic gateway for travellers heading to Fiordland, WÄnaka, and Central Otago. Its location makes it ideal for accessing New Zealand’s renowned alpine landscapes and adventure tourism spots.
Which are the main domestic airports in New Zealand?
Key domestic airports include Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown, Dunedin, Invercargill, Nelson, Hamilton, and Tauranga. South Island airports such as Christchurch, Queenstown, Dunedin, and Invercargill connect to major destinations nationwide.
Which city is the most connected for domestic air travel in New Zealand?
Auckland is the most connected city, serving as both the main international gateway and a central hub for domestic flight connections.
What happens at customs and immigration in New Zealand?
You must show your passport, New Zealand ETA, and arrival card. Declare all food and restricted items. Biosecurity checks are strict, and undeclared goods can lead to fines.
Content Disclaimer: As of April 2025, the details provided were accurate. For the latest updates, confirm directly with relevant authorities before you travel.
