Planespotting at New Zealand's Airports and Airfields

Planespotting at New Zealand's Airfields and Airports

Spotting locations, viewing areas, the best spotting hotel rooms and advice on access for plane spotters travelling to airports and airfields in New Zealand. Use the hotlinks above or scroll down for spotting information on spotting locations, airfield hangar access, aviation museums, preserved aircraft. Plus all the information has been plotted as Points of Interest and can be downloaded to your SatNavs, Google Earth and Google Maps to make planning your spotting trips abroad so much easier and helping you log many more

Aviation is an essential part of life in New Zealand, and is greatly encouraged by everyone. There are many, many friendly people, so whenever you visit an airfield, they are often very willing to strike up a conversation, and a polite request will often grant you airside and hangar access

Planespotting at New Zealand's Airports & Airfields has been plotted on Google Maps, Google Earth, and can be added to your SatNav - click to download
All 48 New Zealand locations - where they are, viewing spots, hotels and preserved aircraft, plus 6 wrecks and relics, can be seen on detailed satellite images, making planning your spotting trip exceptionally easy. All these spotting points of interest can be added to your SatNav to give you another excellent resource to make your trip that much easier and more enjoyable. Please read the Download Instructions for example screenshots and further details

PRESERVED & STORED AIRCRAFT IN NEW ZEALAND - their locations are marked in the Spotting in New Zealand download

ARDMORE AIRFIELD (NZAR)

Spotting Info
Northeast of Papakura town, entrance is off Hamlin Road, north of the Papakura-Clevedon Road. Very friendly, ask at each hangar and each company for access. A large airfield with hangars spread out all around the perimeter, lots of residents too so make sure you allow a lot of time to get round. The southern side is the main part, with lots of different side roads to drive down and don't forget Dwen Airmotive on the other side of the road, where you'll also find Bristol Freighter ZK-EPG stored out the back. After you've visited the southern side, head back out the way you came in and turn right to head round the western perimeter. After you pass the end of the runway, you'll come to the western hangar area, still with half a dozen or so hangars and companies - again ask at each for access. Then continue along this road, turn right at the T-junction to run along the northern perimeter, and you'll come to the smaller northern parking areas. Again, ask for access at each.
Last reported May 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

ASHBURTON AIRFIELD (NZAS/ASG)

Spotting Info
On the eastern edge of Ashburton town, entrance is off Seafield Road. Lots of hangars housing lots of residents but they're usually closed up. Friendly, ask for access. The Ashburton Aviation Museum is open Monday-Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday 1300-1500, Wednesday & Saturday 1000-1500, admission is NZ$10. They sometimes extend their opening hours to cater for potential visitors heading down to the Warbirds Over Wanaka airshow. ZK-BXG F27 is preserved outside with the museum.
Last reported January 2013. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

AUCKLAND AIRPORT (NZAA/AKL)

International Terminal Spotting Info

For the Skydeck observation deck in the International Terminal, head into departures, past the shops and food area and up the escalator. On your way to the viewing area you'll pass the Spinnaker Bar and the Jean Batten story. The viewing area is just around the corner and up the stairs, though there are no facilities. Once up there you get a decent panoramic view of the International apron, the even numbered gates and the runway 05R/23L (05L/23R is only certified for use when 05R/23L requires maintenance or for emergencies due to the short distance between the two runways), but you can't see any tails of anything parked on the odd numbered gates and the western pier and western remote stands due to the roof. Anything arriving or departing will pass this point at some stage. There's no seating, but the seating area below gives the same views. Quiet in the mornings, it starts to get interesting around 11.00am when the first of the international flights arrive and will continue for about 2-3 hours. The Spinnaker Bar also provides good views.

Airside there are views from the seating areas between gates.

ZK-DPR Percival marked "G-ADPR" is displayed, hanging from the ceiling, in the arrivals hall of the International Terminal.

Other Spotting Areas & Info

To travel between terminals, you can either follow the footpath between the two terminals, marked by a blue line or there is a free bus that shuttles back and forth every 20 minutes. The walk is better as you have the chance of seeing what action there is.

To the right of the Domestic Terminal is where the Great Barrier and Air Post fleet reside. From the Domestic Terminal, you have the chance to walk or drive along the various roads and car parks to log the many different types of aircraft parked on the remote stands, outside the hangars and inside if the doors are open. Following the main road to the west, keeping the hangars and airport on your right, you'll pass Air New Zealand's maintenance hangars and aprons on your right, shortly followed by DHL's hangar and apron, and then the GA area. At this point, you're right by the Pukaki Bridge, with the Runway 23 Viewing car park detailed below on the other side.

A great viewing area for runway 23 ops is off airport, by the roadside and with the best view of all. To get here a car is preferable as there are no facilities of any kind and it's a good 30-40 minute walk otherwise. You could probably get a taxi from the terminal area, with a couple of stops along the way at the various hangars, and then make arrangements to be picked up later or take a phone number to call. The area is just over the Pukaki Bridge. To get here from the domestic car park, go back to the roundabout and turn right. You'll go past the ANZ maintenance hangars, another chance to log as you go past. At the DHL building turn left up to the roundabout and turn right. As you go over the bridge the best side to go is on the left as it is higher than the one on the right. This viewing area is great if 23 is in use, but not much good for 05 as the aircraft turn off too soon on landing and are too high to read by the time they reach you on take off.

South of the runway and slightly offset from the 23 threshold is the fuselage of ZK-NBJ B767 in use as a rescue trainer. Further south, across the water, is the fire dump area containing G-1159 VH-FLO, almost complete bar clipped wings. Due to the distance involved, the G-1159 may not be visible from the elevated viewing car park, and may only be visible on arrival or departure, or when overflying the airport.
Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

AUCKLAND-MUSEUM OF TRANSPORT AND TECHNOLOGY (MoTaT)

Spotting Info
In Western Springs in AUckland, not far from North-Western Motorway 16 and signposted. The Museum of Transport and Technology is open daily 1000-1700, admission is NZ$14. There are two separate sites, so it's best to visit the main site on Meola Road first plus there's plenty of parking here. You can then take a complimentary tram ride to the Great North Road site. If you didn't already visit it, enquire about their restoration hangar as there are a few more aircraft in there.
Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

AUCKLAND-WAR MEMORIAL MUSEUM

Spotting Info
In Auckland Domain and signposted, the Auckland War Memorial Museum is open daily 1000-1700, donations are very much appreciated. Amongst many other galleries, the museum houses 3 aviation exhibits: Spitfire TE456, Zero INST113 and unmarked Fi-103.
Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

BALCLUTHA AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
In the southeast of Balclutha, alongside the River Clutha.
Last reported December 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

BLENHEIM-OMAKA AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
In the southwest corner of Blenheim and home of the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. Open daily 1000-1700, admission is NZ$25 for adults, NZ$10 for children. On approaching the airfield, you'll see The Vintage Aviator Ltd museum (and a car museum) are signed to the left but instead, turn right and park adjacent to the first hangar, walking the rest of the way calling at each hangar in turn - there are some gems to be found. A line of single hangars continue on past a barrier - these are probably best visited at weekends. Return to the museum and allow plenty of time, there is much to see and learn. Adjacent to the museum are four more hangars - speak to the museum staff to arrange a visit as there are more gems in here.
Last reported August 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

BLENHEIM-WOODBOURNE AIRPORT

Spotting Info

West of Blenheim on State Highway 6. The main airport serving Blenheim but also home to the RNZAF. Drive in off the highway, straight ahead to the second roundabout and scan the area to the left for what's parked on the main apron.

Returning to the highway, turn right and continue towards Blenheim for about 0.5km and take first turn left, then park. Opposite the left turn there is a farm entrance and track and it may be possible to note any stored aircraft, NZ7272 B727 (minus its tail) and any other visitors parked on these eastern aprons. VT-NED F27 all grey fuselage is also stored, parked out on the airfield.

Heading west along Highway 6 away from the airport, you'll find ZK-SAE Argosy on the right, as The Argosy Cafe.

South of the airport, you'll find another Argosy. Continue west past ZK-SAE Argosy cafe, past the minor crossroads with tracks in either direction and take the next left onto Godfrey Road. Follow this round a couple of bends, and after the next left bend it becomes New Renwick Road. You'll pass three entrances or tracks on the left, the fourth leads to the farmhouse where you'll find ZK-SAF Argosy fuselage. It's visible from New Renwick Road but there are often cockpits and other bits stored in their yard, though you'll have to ask for access to see these.
Last reported August 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

CHRISTCHURCH AIRPORT (NZCH/CHC)

Spotting Info

From the International terminal landside, go as far east as you can and exit the building. Walk straight through the car hire bays to the chain link fence and you will see any C130s and various other freighters belonging to the US Antarctic expedition parked on the ramp here. You can also try the third floor of the multi-storey car park for views. Airside, all viewing is through glass - you can see some of the stands and the runway. If you're taking photos inside the terminal, whether it's landside or airside, be discreet as spotters have occasionally been asked to stop by airport security.

A car is required to drive round the various parking areas:
- North of the terminals you'll find cargo, biz and ZK-JNO B737 stored outside as a ground trainer, missing its tail. There's another hangar and apron just north of the 737 to check out
- Head back to the terminals and leave via the main road. At the roundabout where TE288 Spitfire replica is on display, go right round and come back on yourself and take the next left Ron Guthrey Road. Head past a few buildings and turn right at the crossroads - this takes you past the 29 threshold with views across to the Regional Terminal and stands
- Follow the road round and you'll come to the Engineering School, who have a few frames inside and ZK-BXH F27 stored outside - you'll have to ask to see their other aircraft
- Keeping the airport on your right, follow the perimeter roads, turning right where necessary. After you drive right round the 11 threshold, you'll reach the flying club and helipad. Quite a few hangars here - ask for access at Canterbury Flying Club, very friendly. The flying club also have a public cafe with a balcony that overlooks the airport - good for views and photos. Ask for access at the two helicopter maintenance hangars, they are also very friendly.
Last reported January 2013. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

CHRISTCHURCH-FERRYMEAD HERITAGE PARK

Spotting Info
In Ferrymead in the southeast of Christchurch. Open daily 1000-1630, admission is NZ$15 on normal days, but NZ$20 on their numerous Event Days. There are around 20 aviation exhibits in the park, most of which are in two hangars that suffered earthquake damage and aren't due to reopen until 2014 at the earliest. Without entering these hangars, you should be able to log 8 of the exhibits if you know where they are and where to look.
Last reported January 2013. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

DANNEVIRKE AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
Southwest of Dannevirke town, just off Highway 2. Friendly, ask for access. There are a couple of hangars on the other side of the runway. If you can't walk over there, turn right out of the main entrance and just after the end of the runway, fork right and ask for access.
Last reported January 2013. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

DRURY AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
East of Drury village, the entrance is off Appleby Road. Ask for access, very friendly.
Last reported May 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

DUNEDIN-MOMONA AIRPORT

Spotting Info
Around 25km west of Dunedin, the airport lies just west of Momona village and is signposted off the highways. A few scheduled services using regional aircraft and there are a couple of hangars containing a number of light aircraft. Ask at each hangar for access, they are friendly.
Last reported December 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

DUNEDIN-TAIERI AIRPORT

Spotting Info
Northwest of Dunedin town, just north of Mosgiel. Friendly, a lot of hangars to ask for access at. There are a few hangars across the runway - if they're open you may be able to log them from this side, otherwise you'll have to ask if you can go over to them.
Last reported December 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

FEILDING AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
Southeast of Feilding town, the entrance is off Campbell Road, not Waughs Road - both roads run south and parallel with each to Bunnythorpe but the railway line stops you turning off Waughs Road. As you turn into the airfield, there are numerous hangars to the left and the right, ask for access.
Last reported July 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

GORE AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
A mile or two southwest of Gore town alongside the main highway. Friendly, ask for access.
Last reported December 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

GREYMOUTH AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
In the southwest of Greymouth town and alongside the coast. At the main entrance, ask for access at the flying club, very friendly but usually only someone there at weekends. The helicopter hangars are also friendly but are usually best visited during the week. South of the runway are more hangars, the entrance to these are off Water Walk Road and is opposite the hospital. Again friendly, and the rescue helicopters are based in this part.
Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

HAMILTON AIRPORT

Spotting Info
Southeast of Hamilton, the terminal entrance is off Highway 21. There may be views from the road off to the left before you drive round to the terminal, but anything on the ramp should be visible from the GA area on the other side. The entrance to the light aircraft, flying clubs and hangars on the west side is off Highway 3. Lots of different areas and hangars to ask for access at.
Last reported June 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

HASTINGS-BRIDGE PA AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
West of Hastings town and just east of Bridge Pa village. Ask for access at the clubhouse, very friendly.
Last reported January 2013. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

HOKITIKA AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
In the northeastern part of Hokitika town, the airfield is signposted off Highway 6 - the entrance road is off Tudor Street. Ask at flying club, very friendly, access freely given. Probably best to visit at weekends though the helicopter hangars might then not be open. The airport building next door is also very friendly. Fox Moth replica ZK-ADI is preserved here.
Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

INVERCARGILL AIRPORT

Spotting Info
Just west of Invercargill town and signposted. Friendly, ask for access.
Last reported December 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

KAIKOURA AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
Well west of Kaikoura town, it's just east of Peketa village alongside State Highway 1S that leads towards Kaikoura town.
Last reported August 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

KAPITI COAST AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
In the northwest of Paraparaumu town. Turn off Highway 1 onto Kapiti Road. When you first reach the airport perimeter, turning left will take you to the glding club. They're friendly, ask for access. Back to the main road, turn left and the flying club is just up on the left. Again, ask for access, they're also very friendly. After you're done with the hangars here, turn left onto the main road again, and after you pass the end of the runway, turn left - this is the main airfield entrance. Follow the road round to the small building and ask for access to their hangar, they are friendly. There are also a couple of hangars at the southern end of the airfield, across the runway from the gliding club. These house a few microlights but the gate to these hangars (next to the main airfield car park) is only open if someone is flying out or tending to their aircraft - usually at the weekend.
Last reported May 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

MANDEVILLE AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
A few miles northwest of Gore town, on Highway 94. Friendly, ask for access. Home of the Croydon Aircraft Company, who preserve and rebuild some fantastic classic aircraft.
Last reported December 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

MASTERTON-HOOD AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
In the southwest of Masterton town and signposted off Highway 2. As you turn into the airfield entrance, turn right straight away, follow the track to the end and park up. Ask at each hangar for access, most are usually friendly, including Masterton Flying Club, though The Vintage Aviator (TVAL) may deny access. Head back towards the entrance, turn right and ask at each hangar along this row, again most are friendly. Along here you'll find The Vintage Aviator museum, best visited at weekends when it is open for guided tours. Back to the main entrance and turn right out of the airfield. Turn right at the crossroads and after the field, turn right into the the car park. There are sometimes aircraft parked outside here and a hangar to ask for access.
Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

MOTUEKA AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
Just west of Motueka town, alongside College Street and is signposted. The main entrance is off Queen Victoria Street, where you'll find the flight academy. Ask for access here, they are very friendly. Turn right out of the entrance, right at the crossroads and you'll find various hangars and flying clubs on the right. All friendly, ask for access. Turn right back onto the road, and right again at the airfield perimeter. On the right here is the microlight hangar, they are also friendly, ask for access.
Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

MOUNT COOK AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
Owned by the Mount Cook group, and home base of Mount Cook Ski Planes.
Last reported August 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

NAPIER AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
North of Napier town, alongside Highway 2. Anything parked on the terminal ramp is visible from either side of the terminal, the car parks and the road round the terminal area. As you enter the airport, there's a hangar to the right - anything parked outside, and inside if the doors are open, can be logged from the highway. As you follow the one-way road round, there are a couple of hangars just before the terminal to ask for access at. Before you reach these, the road forks left and leads to a few more hangars. At the southern end of the airport, there are a few more light aircraft hangars, that presumably use the smaller grass runway. There is a track that runs from the terminal area all the way to the southern end, or there is a separate entrance off Highway 2 - turn down Watchman Road that runs between the reservoir at the Highway 2/2B crossroads.
Last reported January 2013. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

NELSON AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
Alongside the coastline, southwest of Nelson town and just off State Highway 6. As you approach, you will come to a roundabout. Turn right and drive round (curving left) as far as possible. Then work your way back towards the roundabout, visiting as many hangars as are open. All very friendly and most should allow access. Back to the roundabout and turn right. Again ask at each hangar for access. Helipro and Helicopters (NZ) Ltd are friendly, you often get escorted tours. It's not really necessary to visit the terminal as arrivals and departures are visible during your walk round. Better access may be possible at weekends. There are a couple of aprons by the terminal area at the southern end that may be in use.. It's not terribly busy so you can take a leisurely stroll from one end to the other, logging as you go.

Planespotting Hotels - its location is marked in the Spotting in New Zealand download

The Airport Greens Motel is near the end of the runway, just northeast of the airport and alongside the golf course. All rooms on the top floor offer views of arriving and departing traffic and these movements can be easily logged - just make sure you ask for a sea view (west-facing) room.
The Airport Greens Motel features on

for reviews, prices and room availability
Last reported August 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

NORTH SHORE AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
Just northeast of Dairy Flat village, it's almost right alongside the Northern Motorway 1 that leads into Auckland city but you'll have to come off at the Silverdale junction and head south. Very friendly, ask at the Aero Club for access. At the main entrance there's one hangar and aircraft parked outside. Across the runway on the south side there are a lot more hangars - there may be a separate entrance to drive in to at the southern corner of the airfield. Again, ask for access at each. To the north of the main entrance, you'll find North Shore Helicopters and their hangar, and several more hangars and aircraft parked outside - again, ask for access. In the northeastern corner of the airfield, near the 21 threshold, are some more hangars - for these you'll have to head north from the North Shore Helicopters hangars area, turn right at the T-junction, head round the long left hand bend and turn right before you go over the motorway. Fork right straight away and there's one hangar here, with another further down, though the gate may be shut.
Last reported May 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

OAMARU AIRPORT

Spotting Info
20km north of Oamaru town, entrance is off the Glenavy-Hildethorpe Road. Ask at the flying club for access.
Last reported December 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

OMARAMA AIRFIELD (NZOA)

Spotting Info
Just northeast of Omarama village, the entrance is just off State Highway 8. Gliding field with three large hangars for gliders, and loads of glider trailers. Friendly, ask for airside access and to the hangars. The cockpit of Dakota ZK-AWO is used as an advertising signpost at the entrance to the airfield.
Last reported August 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

PALMERSTON NORTH AIRPORT

Spotting Info
In the north of Palmerston North town and signposted.

Starting at the west end of the airport, you've got the University's fleet of DA40s, ask for access to their hangar.

The next two entrances are a couple of private hangars to ask at if anyone's there and you may also get views across to the terminal aprons and larger hangars.

The next two are for five larger hangars, you can try asking for access to these.

The final road is the main airport entrance that takes you behind a couple of hangars and past the aprons, where you should be able to log anything parked on them.

Turn left out of the airport entrance and go straight over the roundabout. Just on the other side of the crossroads, on the left, you'll find the fuselage of SA227 Metro ZK-PBA at the golf course. Turning left at the crossroads, you can park in the car park on the right and walk round to it.
Last reported July 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

PICTON AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
Several miles south of Picton town and alongside the highway. The entrance is at the southern end of the airfield, follow the road right round the runway and up the top to the hangars.
Last reported July 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

QUEENSTOWN AIRPORT

Spotting Info
East of Queenstown, in Franklin, and alongside Highway State 6. Around half a dozen gates at the terminal, a few aircraft and helicopters sometimes park near the 05 threshold but the majority park south of the terminal area. Various pull-ins, side roads and hangars to ask at, though if you contact the Operations Manager in advance this could get you airside access.
Last reported December 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

RANGIORA AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
Northwest of Rangiora town and very close to the Ashley River. Friendly, ask for access, lots of hangars here.
Last reported January 2013. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

ROTORUA AIRPORT

Spotting Info
Northeast of Rotorua town, alongside Route 30. As you turn into the airfield, on the left are a few light aircraft hangars to ask for access at. Look down towards the lake as well - seaplanes are sometimes parked down here on the lake. Anything parked on the main ramps should be visible from here too. Then follow the road round past the terminal to the various hangars beyond. Again, ask for access.
Last reported July 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

TAUPO AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
South of Taupo town, just off Highway 1. One long road that runs round in a large loop - follow it round, there are a lot of parking areas and hangars to ask for access at.
Last reported July 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

TAURANGA AIRPORT

Spotting Info
Northeast of Tauranga town and alongside the Bay of Plenty, you'll need to cross the bridge over the bay on Highway 2. This is a large airport with a lot of hangars so allow a lot of time for your visit.

As you approach the airport, the Classic Flyers Aircraft Museum will come into view on the right, with a few exhibits outside. Open daily 0900-1600, admission is NZ$10.

If you turn right immediately before the museum, there will be two left turns, both of which run between a long line of hangars for you to ask for access at.

Back to the museum and head down towards the terminal. Turn right at the roundabout, follow the loop road round past the terminal and carparks and keep looking left for views of the main ramps and light aircraft parked out by the road.

As you head back towards the roundabout, you can turn left which runs back up towards the museum - this is useful if you were unable to log anything parked outside in this area or in any open hangars that face this road.

Back to the roundabout and turn right if approaching from the terminal, or left if approaching from the museum direction. This takes you away from the terminal and behind a long row of hangars. As the road bends left, turn right and the road then splits in two. There is a long row of hangars to the left and to the right for you to ask for access at.
Last reported July 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

TEKAPO AIRFIELD (NZTL)

Spotting Info
Just west of the southern end of Lake Tekapo, alongside State Highway 8. The airfield is owned and operated by Air Safaris. Unless they're out doing sight seeing tours you'll probably see almost the whole Air Safaris fleet here, but you're unlikely to see anything else. Friendly, ask for access.
Last reported August 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

TIMARU AIRPORT

Spotting Info
Some 10km north of Timaru, the airport is inbetween State Highway 8 and the Timaru Highway. Quite a few hangars on both sides of the approach road, friendly, ask at each for access. Home of the South Canterbury Aviation Heritage Centre.
Last reported January 2013. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

WAIPUKURAU AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
On the western edge of Waipukurau town, alongside Highway 2. Friendly, ask for access.
Last reported July 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

WANAKA AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
Southeast of Wanaka town and alongside State Highway 6. Home of the famous Wings over Wanaka airshow, there are also several collections of aircraft here, including the Transport & Toys Museum, New Zealand Fighter Pilots Museum and the Warbirds and Wheels Museum. Friendly, ask for access.
Last reported August 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

WARKWORTH-KAIPARA FLATS AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
A couple of miles west of Warkworth town on a minor road to Kaipara Flats. Friendly, ask for access.
Last reported May 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

WELLINGTON AIRPORT (NZWN/WLG)

Spotting Info

The car park at the side of the runway at Lyall Bay has good views - it's right next to the southern end of the GA ramps and you can walk the fenceline logging the biz and GA, though keep well back from the fence. There are also views across the runway to the various terminal and remote stands and you can walk south along the edge of the bay, logging as you go.

Requests at the various GA hangars and companies here will often allow access to their hangars. From the bay car park, you've got Cochrane Street in front of you, which you should be able to follow to the end and round to the left to join Tirangi Road. Turn right, follow this behind a large hangar to the roundabout and turn right. Past the houses and the final hangar should be on the right.

At the terminal, access is available to all of the domestic pier areas after going through security (a boarding pass is not necessary), though there's no access to the international pier if you're not flying. Gates 12-15 give a panoramic view of the airport and allows photography of all arrivals and departures, though through glass. Food, beverages and toilets are also available.
Last reported January 2013. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

WEST MELTON AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
A couple of miles north of West Melton village. Around half a dozen hangars, ask for access at the clubhouse. It's better to visit at weekends when there's a better chance of someone being around.
Last reported January 2013. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

WHARE KEA LODGE AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
This is a small and very basic airstrip (just a grass runway and windsock), about 4 km from the centre of Wanaka on the road to Glendhu Bay, accessed via the road to the luxury Whare Kea Lodge (it can be seen from the main road). There probably won't be anything here on a normal day, but during the Wanaka airshow there's usually something present that prefers this to Wanaka itself.
Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

WIGRAM-AIR FORCE MUSEUM

Spotting Info
In the western part of Christchurch, near Hornby and is signposted off Highway State 73A. The Air Force Museum of New Zealand is open daily 1000-1700 with free admission. The museum holds infrequent "Behind the Scenes" tours, where you will often see around a dozen frames not usually open for viewing by the public. Contact them in advance for details on when these occur.
Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report