Airport Guide for Wellington International Airport

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  February 10, 2012  

One of the biggest and most significant airports in the whole of New Zealand, Wellington International Airport (WLG) can be found on the far southern side of the North Island. Wellington Airport is particularly close to Evans Bay, Lyall Bay, the Mirimar Golf Course, Strathmore Park and Rongotai, serving destinations across both Australia and New Zealand.

Each year, literally thousands of tourists fly into Wellington just to visit the movie locations of 'The Lord of the Rings', which can be found nearby. In total, the airport currently sees almost five million passengers annually and well over 100,000 arriving and departing flights. Wellington Airport has recently been revamped and re-branded, with a strong 'Wild at Heart' theme and has recently been given a prestigious 'Vibrant Gold' award for its commitment to excellence.

Next to Highway 1 (Calabar Road), Wellington International Airport (QLG) is well connected to the North Island and also well placed for those wishing to explore the South Island and the Canterbury region. Public buses are on hand and operated by Stagecoach Flyer, transporting passengers to Upper Hutt and central Wellington.

A number of shuttles are also to be found at the airport, linking destinations around Wellington, such as Courtenay Place, Eastbourne, the Golden Mile, Lambton Quay and Seatoun. For those who prefer the sheer convenience of taxis, a long rank is sited next to the luggage reclaim area of the main terminal building.

Wellington International Airport (WLG) Information: History and Facilities
In 1959, Wellington International Airport opened and immediately replaced the more northerly Paraparaumu Airport as the region's premier airport. Complete with runway measuring more than 1,600 metres / 5,250 feet, the airport began to offer a range of flights, whilst also assembling some aircraft onsite.

Significant improvements over the years include the lengthening of the runway in the early part of the 1970s, to accommodate larger jet airliners, and refurbishment of the terminal in the mid-1980s. In the mid-1990s, Wellington Airport obtained land from the neighbouring Miramar Golf Course to improve parking facilities, and several years later, a gleaming new terminal was built and incorporated with the actual existing international terminal.

Wellington International Airport offers a range of shops for both passengers and visitors alike. Located on the south-western side of the airport and close to Lyall Bay, the Airport Retail Park was founded at the end of 2004 and boasts many well-known New Zealand stores. Within Wellington International Airport itself are three outlets of Duty Free Stores New Zealand, two Regency Duty Free shops, a Beauty Centre, and further stores selling everything from the latest music and Maori-inspired clothing, to art works and gifts, at the Simply New Zealand store.

Further facilities at Wellington Airport include various Travelex outlets and banking services, a series of car parks, and numerous places to enjoy a sit-down meal, based around the food hall. For quick snacks, the Red Rocks Bakery, Emporio Fuel Espresso and the Wishbone fast-food restaurant will all help to fill a space. For the corporate traveller flying into Wellington, an airport conference centre is on hand for up to 120 delegates and can be found on the mezzanine floor. Lounge areas are also provided by airlines such as Qantas and Air New Zealand.