Wellington Airport (WLG)
History, Facts and Overview

(Wellington, North Island, New Zealand NZ)

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.