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QUEENSTOWN AIRPORT
Flying into Queenstown is all part of the adventure! The airport occupies the only piece of flat land for miles around Queenstown, and your flightpath sees your aircraft descending past snowy mountain peaks, following river gorges, and skimming over the top of Lake Wakatipu towards the runway. The approach to Queenstown is regularly voted amongst the most scenic in the world!
Domestically, Queenstown has multiple daily flights to Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch with Air New Zealand and Jetstar. These two airlines are joined by Qantas and Virgin Australia in offering international flights to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Queenstown can also host private jet flights from around the world.
We love Queenstown Airport! While the terminal is very small, it is easy to navigate and does offer a full range of services.
AFTER LANDING
You plane will park right next to the terminal but there are no air bridges, so you will be required to disembark the plane down the stairs and walk a short distance over the tarmac to the terminal.
WIFI
You’ll no doubt be reaching for your camera phone as you make the short walk, the mountains seem to loom over the airport. Free WIFI is available, with a limit of 2GB per 24 hours. Look for ‘Queenstown Airport Free WIFI’ on your device.
CUSTOMS AND SECURITY
New Zealand has very strict customs regulations, and you can even be fined for carrying in food given to you aboard the airplane! Carefully study the information aboard the aircraft and in the airport terminal.
A New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority is required for everyone except New Zealand and Australian passport holders. This should be obtained at least two weeks before you travel to New Zealand. You can apply online at immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa/about-visa/nzeta.
DUTY FREE
New Zealand’s Goods and Sales Tax is 15%, so it’s a good idea to take advantage of the Aelia DFS duty free store when passing through the airport. Limits apply of 4.5 litres of wine or beer, 3 bottles of spirits (up to 1.125 litres each), and 50 cigarettes or 50 grams of tobacco. Orders can be made online and will be ready and waiting for you to collect on your way through.
MEETING YOUR DRIVER
If you have pre-booked transport, your driver will be waiting for you as soon as you exit the security area into the Arrivals Hall. Look out for a sign with your name on it.
LUGGAGE
There are just two carousels for you to check for you bags, and the flight numbers are listed on the television screens above each carousel. Luggage carts are available free of charge. Adjacent to the carousels there are signs indicating the pick-up point for oversized luggage. Please go the check in desk of your respective airline for any missing luggage.
Lockers of various sizes are found outside the terminal by the check in area. If these are full, check with the Information Desk for more options. Charges apply and are payable by credit and debit cards.
CURRECNY
There are no banks at the airport, however there are Travelex and ANZ (bank) ATM’s from which you can withdraw New Zealand Dollars. No other currencies are accepted in New Zealand.
RENTAL CARS
Whether you have pre-booked or not, you can find the rental vehicle desks located inside the airport terminal next to the luggage carousels. Full drivers licences are required, and these must be translated into English (i.e. an International Driver’s License).
GETTING TO TOWN
Buses, shuttles and taxis can be found right outside the terminal doors. Taxis are the most convenient and cost approximately NZD$35.00. A public bus to the centre of town operates every 15 minutes. Uber and local ridesharing company, Ola, are not permitted on airport grounds.
SHOPPING AND FOOD
There is a small, but good quality selection of stores in the terminal. There’s the obligatory souvenir stores, some fashion stores, and an amazing candy store. There are a couple of cafes and a bar serving drinks and a limited food menu. We recommend you eat before getting to the airport, but the Central Otago beer and wine served there is just as good.
ON DEPARTURE
It is recommended you arrive for check in an hour prior to departure for domestic flights, and two hours prior to departure for international flights.
Queenstown Airport
Sir Henry Wigley Drive
+ 64 (3) 450 9031
www.queenstownairport.co.nz
Air New Zealand
0800 737 000
Bag Services +64 (3) 441 4880
www.airnewzealand.co.nz
Jetstar
0800 800 995
Bag Services 0800 700 730
www.jetstar.com
Qantas
0800 808 767
Bag Services +64 (21) 950 408
www.qantas.com
Virgin Australia
0800 670 000
Bag Services +64 (21) 0853 8036
www.virginaustralia.com