The 3 Closest Airports to wanganui

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The 3 Closest Airports to Whanganui

Whanganui, located on the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island, is served directly by its own airport, but travellers may also consider nearby regional airports depending on their destination, flight availability, and cost preferences. Here’s a guide to the three airports located nearest to Whanganui.

Below are details for the three airports geographically closest to Whanganui. Of these three, Whanganui Airport is the local airfield, while Palmerston North Airport is the closest regional hub offering a wider range of domestic connections.

1. Whanganui Airport (WAG)

This is the local airport situated just a few kilometres from Whanganui’s city centre. It primarily serves direct flights to Auckland, connecting the region with New Zealand’s largest city.

  • Distance to Whanganui: Approx. 6 km / 10 minutes drive to the city centre.

  • Address: Airport Road, Whanganui East, Whanganui 4500, New Zealand

  • Pros, Cons, Airlines, Car Rental: Pros: Extremely convenient location for Whanganui. Cons: Very limited destinations and flight frequency. Airlines: Air Chathams. Car Rental: Avis, Budget (pre-booking recommended).

  • Official Website: http://www.whanganuiairport.co.nz/

  • Phone: +64 6 349 0718

  • Rating: Approx. 4.0/5 (based on Google Reviews)

2. Palmerston North Airport (PMR)

Palmerston North Airport is the nearest significant regional airport to Whanganui, offering more flight options and destinations compared to Whanganui Airport itself. It serves as a key gateway for the Manawatū-Whanganui region.

  • Distance to Whanganui: Approx. 75 km / 1 hour drive.

  • Address: Airport Drive, Milson, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand

  • Pros, Cons, Airlines, Car Rental: Pros: Considerably more flight options and domestic connections (e.g., Christchurch, Nelson) than WAG, relatively short drive. Cons: Requires ground transportation to/from Whanganui. Airlines: Air New Zealand. Car Rental: Avis, Budget, Hertz, Thrifty, Ezi Car Rental.

  • Official Website: https://www.pnairport.co.nz/

  • Phone: +64 6 351 4415

  • Rating: Approx. 4.2/5 (based on Google Reviews)

3. Kapiti Coast Airport (PPQ)

Located near Paraparaumu, south of Whanganui, Kapiti Coast Airport offers an alternative, particularly for flights connecting to the top of the South Island or as another option besides Palmerston North.

  • Distance to Whanganui: Approx. 115 km / 1 hour 30 minutes drive.

  • Address: 60 Toru Road, Paraparaumu 5032, New Zealand

  • Pros, Cons, Airlines, Car Rental: Pros: Can be convenient for accessing the Kapiti Coast or specific routes (e.g., to Blenheim/Nelson), avoids driving through Wellington if heading south. Cons: Limited number of destinations and flights, further drive than Palmerston North. Airlines: Sounds Air. Car Rental: Avis, Budget (available on site).

  • Official Website: https://www.kapiticoastairport.co.nz/

  • Phone: +64 4 902 6580

  • Rating: Approx. 4.0/5 (based on Google Reviews)

Conclusion

The closest airport to Whanganui is undoubtedly Whanganui Airport (WAG), located within the town’s boundaries. However, for a greater range of flight options and connections, the closest major airport (regional hub) is Palmerston North Airport (PMR), approximately an hour’s drive away. Kapiti Coast Airport serves as a third, slightly more distant option. Travellers should choose based on convenience, flight availability, and final destination.

(Note: Airline routes, car rental availability, and services can change. Always check the official airport and airline websites for the most up-to-date information before travelling.)

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