Aerial View of Wellington Airport

Wellington Airport WLG

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Wellington Airport (WLG) Guide

Discover Wellington Airport, New Zealand's scenic gateway, offering breathtaking views of the coastline and hills right from the runway. Our concise guide simplifies your airport experience, from flight updates to dining and shopping. Notably, WLG is renowned for its giant Gollum installation, adding a touch of whimsy to your travel. For a deeper dive into airport insights, visit iFly's Comprehensive Airport Guide.

WLG has one main terminal with two levels. The ground level is for arrivals and the first level is for departures. The terminal is divided into two zones: the Domestic Zone and the International Zone. The Domestic Zone has 12 gates and is used by airlines such as Air New Zealand, Jetstar, and Qantas. The International Zone has 6 gates and is used by airlines such as Fiji Airways, Virgin Australia, and Singapore Airlines.

There are several amenities available at WLG Airport, including restaurants, cafes, and shops. You can find food options such as Burger King, Subway, and Mojo Coffee in both the Domestic and International Zones. There are also duty-free shops and souvenir shops available for travelers.

If you need assistance navigating the airport or have any questions, there are information desks located throughout the terminal. You can also download the Wellington Airport app for up-to-date flight information and terminal maps.

Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.

Connecting Between Terminals

The airport has a single terminal building, making it easy for passengers to navigate. The terminal is split into two levels, with arrivals on the ground floor and departures on the first floor. Passengers can easily walk between the two levels using the stairs or elevators located throughout the terminal.

If you need to transfer between flights, there are no additional terminals to navigate. Simply follow the signs to your connecting flight’s gate. Wellington Airport is small enough that passengers can easily walk between gates, even if they are located at opposite ends of the terminal.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

At Wellington Airport, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at the designated curbside areas outside of the terminal buildings. It is important to note that there is no parking allowed in these areas, and vehicles must be attended at all times. Drivers can wait in their vehicles for their passengers to arrive, but they must be ready to move their vehicle as soon as their passengers are ready to depart.

For those who need to wait for their arriving passengers, Wellington Airport provides a cell-phone waiting area located just a short distance from the terminal buildings. This area allows drivers to park their vehicles for free and wait for their passengers to call them when they are ready to be picked up. Once the passengers have collected their baggage and are ready to be picked up, the driver can then proceed to the curbside area to collect them.

Parking Facilities & Options

WLG offers a variety of parking options for travelers. There are both covered and uncovered parking lots located within walking distance of the terminal. Short-term and long-term parking options are available to suit your needs.

If you're picking up or dropping off passengers, there are cell phone waiting areas located near the terminal. These areas allow you to wait in your car until your party is ready to be picked up, avoiding the need to circle the terminal or pay for parking.

Handicapped parking is available in all parking lots and garages. If you require special assistance, please contact the airport prior to your arrival to arrange for any necessary accommodations.

For those looking for a more economical parking option, off-airport parking is available nearby. These lots offer shuttle service to and from the airport, making it easy to get to your terminal without breaking the bank.

Get details about WLG Airport parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.

Transportation Options

The airport offers a variety of ground transportation options for travelers arriving at the airport. For those who prefer the convenience of driving themselves, there are several car rental facilities available at the airport. Major providers include Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, and Thrifty.

Taxi services are also available at Wellington Airport. Taxis can be found at designated taxi ranks outside the main terminal building. Fare information is available at the taxi rank, and the fare will depend on your destination.

For those looking for a more affordable option, shared ride services are available at Wellington Airport. Pickup areas for shared ride services are located outside the main terminal building. However, it is important to note that there may be restrictions on the number of passengers and luggage allowed in shared ride vehicles.

Airport shuttles are another option for travelers. These shuttles offer door-to-door service to and from the airport. Pickup areas for airport shuttles are located outside the main terminal building. Fares will vary depending on your destination and the shuttle service provider.

Public transportation options are also available at WLG. The Airport Flyer bus service offers regular service between the airport and Wellington city center, as well as other destinations in the region. Bus stops are located outside the main terminal building. Fares for the Airport Flyer bus service are reasonable and vary depending on your destination.

Airport Hotels

Travel can be exhausting, but a comfortable hotel near the airport can make your journey smoother. Whether you're catching an early flight, arriving late, or in transit, we have a range of hotel options to suit your needs. From luxurious 4.5-star establishments to cozy bed and breakfasts, these accommodations offer comfort, convenience, and proximity to local attractions. Some are situated directly above the international terminal, while others offer tranquil garden settings, beachfront lodgings, or stunning sea views. Many also provide complimentary Wifi and private parking facilities. Whether you're a business traveler, a beach lover, or a family looking to explore local attractions, you'll find a hotel that perfectly suits your needs. Discover the best hotel options with our the airport Hotels guide.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

Wellington Airport offers a variety of dining and shopping options for travelers to enjoy. For those looking for a quick bite, there are several fast food options such as McDonald's and Subway located throughout the airport. For a sit-down meal, we recommend trying out Best Ugly Bagels, which offers delicious bagels with a variety of toppings, or Joe's Garage, which serves up tasty breakfast options all day long. Both restaurants are located in the main terminal.

When it comes to shopping, WLG has a great selection of stores to choose from. For travelers looking to pick up some last-minute souvenirs, we recommend checking out The Merino Collection, which offers a variety of New Zealand-made wool products, or The Vault, which sells unique New Zealand gifts and souvenirs. Both stores are located in the main terminal. For those looking to do some duty-free shopping, there are several options available including JR Duty Free and Aelia Duty Free, both located in the international terminal.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at WLG Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, here's where to find everything you need.

Passenger Services

WLG Airport offers a range of passenger services to make your travel experience comfortable and stress-free.

For those needing to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Lost and found services are also available for any items that may have been misplaced during your travels.

Parents traveling with young children can take advantage of the airport's children's play area, located in the main terminal. Special-needs services are also available, including wheelchair assistance and accessible restrooms.

For banking needs, there are several ATMs located throughout the airport. Medical help is also available at the airport's medical center, located in the main terminal.

Flight Status Info

As an air traveler, it's important to stay informed about the status of your flight. Fortunately, there are several ways to get flight status updates at the airport.

One of the easiest ways to check your flight status is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS). These screens are located throughout the airport and provide real-time information about flight departures, arrivals, and gate information. Simply locate the FIDS display and find your flight number to see the status of your flight.

Another way to stay informed about your flight status is by using airline mobile phone apps. Most airlines have their own apps that allow passengers to check their flight status, receive alerts about departure delays, cancellations, or gate changes, and even check in for their flight. Passengers can also sign up for text, email, and push notifications to receive updates about their flight status.

Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at Wellington Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Helpful Tips

When to Arrive

When flying from WLG Airport, it is recommended to arrive at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure time for domestic flights, and 3 hours for international flights. The busiest times at the airport are during the morning and evening rush hours, so if possible, try to schedule your flight outside of these times to avoid long lines and delays.

Getting to the Airport

The airport is located approximately 8 kilometers south-east of Wellington city center. The best way to get to the airport is by taxi, which takes around 15 minutes and costs approximately $30. Alternatively, you can take the Airport Flyer bus, which runs every 20 minutes from the city center and takes around 30 minutes to reach the airport. The bus fare is $12 for a one-way trip.

Getting Oriented

Once you arrive at Wellington Airport, it's important to get oriented to avoid getting lost or missing your flight. You can use iFly.com's interactive airport maps to help you navigate your way around the airport. The maps show the location of all the airport facilities, including gates, check-in counters, and baggage claim areas. You can also use the maps to find restaurants, shops, and other amenities at the airport.

Avoiding Delays

To avoid delays at Wellington Airport, make sure you arrive early and allow plenty of time to check-in and go through security. Be aware of the airport's carry-on restrictions and pack accordingly to avoid having to check your bags at the gate. If you have a connecting flight, make sure you leave enough time between flights to allow for any delays or unexpected issues. Finally, keep an eye on the airport's website or mobile app for any updates or changes to your flight schedule.

Airport Facts & Stats

Wellington Airport, located in the capital city of New Zealand, serves as a hub for several airlines and connects passengers to both domestic and international destinations.

The airport has a single terminal building, which handles an average of 6 million passengers annually. On average, the airport handles around 16,000 passengers per day, with an average of 130 daily flights.

The top airlines with the most daily flights at WLG are Air New Zealand, Jetstar, and Qantas. These airlines operate flights to various destinations, both domestic and international.

WLG Airport serves as a gateway to over 20 destinations, with the most popular being Auckland, Christchurch, Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. These destinations are served by multiple airlines, providing passengers with a range of options for travel.

Several airlines use the airport as a hub, including Air New Zealand, Jetstar, and Sounds Air. These airlines offer connecting flights to various destinations, making travel easier for passengers.

Airport History

Wellington Airport, located in New Zealand, has a rich history dating back to the early 1920s. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:

  • 1929: The airport was officially opened as Rongotai Airport.
  • 1935: The first international flight from Wellington to Sydney, Australia took place.
  • 1959: The airport was renamed Wellington International Airport.
  • 1960: The first jet aircraft landed at the airport.
  • 1977: The airport's runway was extended to accommodate larger aircraft.
  • 1986: The airport was privatized and sold to Infratil, a New Zealand infrastructure investment company.
  • 1999: A new international terminal was opened, increasing the airport's capacity to handle more passengers.
  • 2010: The airport was renamed Wellington Airport, dropping the "International" from its name.
  • 2013: A new passenger terminal was opened, featuring modern amenities and improved facilities.

Today, WLG continues to serve as a major transportation hub for travelers visiting New Zealand's capital city.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Wellington Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

  • IATA Code: WLG
  • Airport Website
  • Phone: +64 4 385 5100
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mailing Address: Wellington International Airport, Stewart Duff Drive, Rongotai, Wellington 6022, New Zealand

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

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