All about Queenstown Airport

Queenstown is a popular tourist town in the South Island of New Zealand with an approximate population of 24,000. It is set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by majestic mountains. The air approach into Queenstown is ranked in the top ten in the world. As aircraft descend between the mountains, they come very close to them and offer spectacular views of skifields and lakes.

Where is Queenstown Airport Situated

Queenstown Airport is situated in Frankton about 10 kilometres from the centre of town. It is serviced by buses that run at regular intervals and taxis are also available. A number of car rental companies operate from the airport terminal building. The mountainous backdrop to Queenstown Airport is awe-inspiring and helicopter trips are available for those who want a closer look.

Facts about Queenstown Airport

Queenstown Airport is serviced by several airlines and offers domestic and international flights. Approximately 1 million passengers pass through the airport each year.

Wind shear can be a problem and during bad weather, it is not uncommon for the airport to be closed. Snow can also lead to temporary closures and delayed flights as the runway has to be deiced before use.

Retail Outlets and Facilities at  Queenstown Airport

The airport is home to a bookshop, several fine clothing stores, a gift shop, and jewellery is also available. There also several food outlets that offer snacks, meals, coffee, alcohol and exquisite chocolates. Other facilities include the following:

• Free wi-fi access for one hour
• Computer terminals with paid internet access
• Baggage storage lockers
• An ASB ATM
• Booking services for scenic flights, boat trips and helicopter tours

Click below to jump to other New Zealand airports

Christchurch Airport

Dunedin Airport

Wellington Airport

All about Wellington Airport in New Zealand

Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand and is situated at the bottom of the North Island. The greater Wellington area has a population of approximately 450,000 and the city itself is home to about 180,000 people. Wellington is notorious for its windy weather that often creates extreme turbulence during landing and takeoff.

Where is Wellington Airport

Wellington Airport is situated approximately 10 kilometres from the city centre. It is serviced by buses, taxis and shuttles, with the Airport bus running every 15 minutes.

Facts about Wellington Airport

Wellington Airport was opened in 1959 at a cost of £5 million. Its construction was a massive seven-year project involving the reclamation of 135 acres of land, extensive road building, the shifting of the sewer outfall and the removal of 180 houses.

The airport has a single runway that is just under two kilometres in length and has the sea on both ends. Because of the size limitations, the biggest aircraft to use the airport are Airbus A320’s and Boeing 737-800’s. This means that passengers travelling internationally on large long-haul aircraft need to travel to Christchurch or Auckland to commence their journey. As of 2011, Australia was the only international destination accessible from Wellington Airport.

Facilities at Wellington Airport

The airport in Wellington offers a range of facilities including the following:

·         Foreign currency booths

·         Postal services

·         ATM’s

·         Luggage storage

·         Free wireless internet

·         Parents’ room

·         Retail stores

·         Food court

Retail Outlets at Wellington Airport

Wellington Airport offers a number of top stores that sell anything from books to fine clothing to jewellery and sunglasses. Beauty products are also available as are tourist items, DVD’s, CD’s and games. Most of the stores are clustered around a central food court area which offers an appealing environment for browsing. A number of top cafes offer a range of food and drink with a choice of traditional, healthy, Indian and Asian on the menu.

The retail area of the airport overlooks the runway and there is always a rush for tables by the floor-to-ceiling glass window. Many people consider Wellington Airport a destination in itself and enjoy chilling out for a couple of hours before a flight.

  

All about Dunedin Airport in New Zealand

Dunedin is the second biggest city in the South Island of New Zealand with an approximate population of 120,000. It has a strong Scottish influence and a number of tourist attractions that range from the only castle in New Zealand to the steepest street in the world.

Where is Dunedin Airport Situated

Dunedin is set amongst hills on the coast and the airport is situated 30 kilometre from the CBD on a flat stretch of land.

Facts about Dunedin Airport

Dunedin Airport was built in 1962 and over 700,000 passengers a year pass through the terminals. The first international flights were introduced in 1995 after the airport was extended.

A bronze statue referred to as the Southern Man is a well known sculpture situated outside of the terminal building. It is reputed that stroking the horse’s nose will bring a person good luck.

Retail Outlets and Facilities at  Dunedin Airport

 Dunedin Airport has a couple of gift shops  and several food outlets. It also offers three duty-free outlets and a play area for children. A Westpac ATM is available on site and shuttles service the airport. Long term parking is available.

Britomart Train Station in Auckland

Britomart, Auckland’s train station is situated on lower Queen St near the waterfront. It is the central point for the commuter trains that run to various parts of the city.

What Services are Available at Britomart

Britomart is home to several retail outlets as well as a small food court. An information centre helps passengers who need help planning their routes and a ticket office sells bus and train tickets. An all day pass for trains only or buses and trains is available and offers a big saving to tourists who want to explore the city and surrounds. Buses leave from outside of Britomart, and ferries depart from the nearby wharf and service Devonport and various islands in the region.

Britomart Hours of Operation

Hours vary with trains running later on Friday and Saturday nights. Timetables are available on the MAXX website to help people plan their journey. Most services start after 5am and end after 9pm.

Interesting Facts about Britomart

The Britomart website lists the some fascinating facts about the station and its capacity:

·         Britomart is the largest infrastructure project ever undertaken by a local authority in New Zealand.

·         Britomart is one of the only underground diesel train stations in the world.

·         The Station Platform area – 300 metres long x 45 metres wide x 12 metres deep – is below sea level. At the eastern end of the station on the first basement level, there are coloured tiles on the walls that show where sea level is. 

·         There are five underground platforms and five kilometres of railway track linking into the existing North Island Main Trunk and the Newmarket Branch lines.

·         The station has a10,500 passengers per hour capacity.

·         Two extra rail passageways provided for future light rail ramps behind the coloured walls.

History of Britomart Station in Auckland

In the 1880’s work was undertaken to reclaim land and extend Queen St. The site Britomart stands on was originally part of the harbour. The Britomart building was erected in 1912 and was originally used as the Chief Post Office in Auckland. It was built of Coromandel granite and Oamaru stone.

The building was used as Post Bank offices until 1988 and then stood vacant for a number of years. It sustained serious damage when street kids moved in and accidentally set it ablaze one winter.

To convert the building to a station, a 500 metre tunnel was constructed in 1999 to connect existing railway lines to the new station. The platforms and tracks are all underground. Several surrounding buildings were demolished and new structures replaced these. The old CPO building was refurbished and strengthened and adapted to meet the anticipated needs of commuters. Features such as the domes with their beautiful stained glass were retained.

Britomart station was officially opened in June 2003. The ceremony included a lone piper to welcome the first train into the CBD in the last 73 years and a rousing haka to greet the first passengers.

All about Christchurch Airport

Christchurch is New Zealand’s second biggest city and the largest city in the South Island. The population is approximately 400,000 and travel needs are serviced by Christchurch International Airport. Situated on the east coast, Christchurch is an ideal starting point for visitors to the South Island - and is a one-stop destination itself.

Christchurch Airport Domestic and International

During 2010 and 2011, parts of Christchurch Airport were demolished and a new terminal was built. The structures came through the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes unscathed and although the airport was closed for several hours after each major shake, it soon reopened and became a lifeline for people coming and going from the city.

The domestic and international terminals are housed in interlinked buildings and it is easy to walk from one to another. All passengers should report initially to the International and Domestic Check in Hall. This is a new structure that is modern and easy to navigate. Check in is downstairs and the upper floor houses a food court and retail outlets where passengers can relax before passing through security to board their flights.

Facilities at Christchurch Airport

Christchurch Airport is licensed to operate 24 hours a day but the domestic terminal closes at 11pm. The international terminal is open 24/7. Here are some useful facts about the facilities offered by the airport:

• Overnight sleeping in the terminal buildings is not allowed

• Baggage storage is available between certain hours

• There is a police presence at the airport

• Showers are available and towels can be hired from the Travel and Tourism Centre

• Wireless internet is available with the first 30 minutes free

• The airport is home to over 35 stores as well as a number of eating places

• Time Zone family entertainment centres offer fun and games for all ages

Transport to and from Christchurch Airport

There is a drop off zone near the entrance of the Check in Hall. For those who wish to park, the first ten minutes are free and thereafter charges start from $4. Taxis are onsite and the airport bus runs every hour between 7:15am and 12:45 am. The cost is $7.50. Shuttles charge approximately $19 for one person and less if a group is travelling.

  

Useful Links
Christchurch Airport
Is Turbulence Dangerous in Commercial Aircraft
Fascinating Facts about Flying and Commercial Aircraft
Understanding Wake Turbulence when Flying
Facts about Boeing Passenger Aircraft