Wānaka Airport Stakeholder Meeting Summary
A summary of the stakeholder meeting focused on engaging Wānaka Airport users group to inform a future-focused aviation review commissioned by Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), led by Aegis and Isthmus.
Current Operational Overview
Wānaka Airport supports a diverse mix of GA, helicopter, parachuting, flight training, commercial, and occasional corporate/military operations.
Infrastructure includes a sealed 1200m runway, a rough grass strip (heavily criticised), apron, taxiways, fuel, and limited parking.
Helicopter operations follow fixed-wing circuit procedures—considered best practice and has significantly improved safety.
Airspace is relatively simple, with a Common Frequency Zone (CFZ); some concern over past rejected proposals for an MBZ.
One instrument approach exists, but terrain constraints make IFR procedures difficult and likely to remain limited.
Operational Safety and Risk – Sentiment
“There doesn't seem to be very many airspace incidents or aircraft incidents at all in the Wānaka Airport region, so things must be really okay. The procedures and the airspace throughout Wānaka have been developed through knowledge from the long-term operators here.”
  • This was echoed in the meeting as a point of pride and a marker of maturity in the local aviation community.
  • Stakeholders noted that existing systems are working well, especially the collaborative culture, preferred VFR arrival/departure routes, and helicopter use of the circuit.
  • Despite criticisms of QAC and infrastructure gaps, the actual operational risk environment is perceived as low, with no major safety concerns flagged.
  • The airport community’s self-organised safety practices (e.g. shared traffic flows, situational awareness, coordination) were credited with preventing issues.
  • Consultants acknowledged that from a national perspective, Wānaka was unusually well-run and cooperative for a mixed-use airport of its size.
Operational Challenges Identified
Grass Runway
Rough, uneven, and potentially unsafe—repeatedly called one of the worst in NZ.
Taxiways
Backtracking on the main runway is inefficient; lack of taxiways affects fuel and time costs.
Hangars
Severe undersupply; over 30 aircraft displaced to Cromwell and Alexandra. Land release and lease terms are seen as mismanaged and inconsistent.
Infrastructure Gaps
No sewage system, limited water, no fibre, poor rubbish collection, dangerous highway access.
Airport Management
Widespread mistrust of QAC (Queenstown Airport Corporation) due to opaque processes, poor responsiveness, and revenue-maximising behaviour at the expense of users.
Costs
Recent 60% fee increases, perceived as unjustified. Frustration that airport appears run like a monopoly without transparency.
NASA Operations: Seen as economically valuable but poorly managed. Frustration over unnecessary closures mandated by QAC, not NASA.
Vision and Concerns for the Future
Strong consensus: Wānaka must remain a general aviation (GA)-friendly airport, not become another Queenstown-style commercial hub.
  • Preference for light commercial (e.g., Sounds Air) but resistance to jets (e.g., A320) and runway extensions that would displace GA.
  • Several users referenced Tarras as a better site for a future regional or international airport if needed.
  • Emphasis on Wānaka's unique aviation ecosystem—training, innovation, maintenance—which could become a national Centre of Excellence.
  • Caution raised around unintended consequences of "growth" (e.g., squeezing out GA, as happened in Queenstown).
  • Requests for better airfield planning, modernised master plan, and localised management structure.
Strategic Insights
Runway
No near-term need for extension, though improvements to surfaces and supporting taxiways are critical.
Hangar Development
Immediate priority to unlock land and offer fair leases to stimulate investment.
Community Communication
Improve public understanding of current airport use and benefits to maintain social licence.
Consultant Reflections
  • Aegis emphasised their neutrality and intent to faithfully reflect community and user input.
  • They noted Wānaka Airport is a rare, well-functioning mixed-use facility—but one at risk without better infrastructure and governance.
  • Warned against master plans that lock in assumptions—need flexibility to adapt to emerging aviation technologies and community values.
The consultants recognised the unique position of Wānaka Airport and the importance of preserving its character while addressing the infrastructure and management challenges that many local aerodromes are facing.
Closing Themes
Local Management
Repeated call for localised, accountable management.
Trust Issues
Strong mistrust of QAC and QLDC driven by lack of transparency, consultation fatigue, and perceived profit motives.
Action Required
Agreement that further studies are unnecessary; action is needed, especially on hangars, governance, and infrastructure basics.
The stakeholders were clear: Wānaka Airport needs immediate action on fundamental issues rather than more studies or consultations.