The 3 Closest Airports to whanganui
The 3 Closest Airports to Whanganui
Whanganui, located on the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island, is accessible via several airports. While it has its own local airport, travellers often consider nearby larger airports for more flight options or international connections. Here’s a look at the three airports geographically closest to Whanganui.
Whanganui Airport (WAG)
This is the airport located right within Whanganui itself, offering the most direct access to the city, primarily connecting to Auckland. While the closest geographically, Palmerston North Airport is often considered the closest major domestic airport offering more frequent services and destinations.- Distance to Whanganui: Approximately 6 km (10-minute drive) to the city centre.
- Address: Airport Road, Whanganui East, Whanganui 4500, New Zealand.
- Pros: Extremely close to the city. Cons: Very limited flight schedule and destinations. Airlines: Primarily served by Air Chathams. Car Rental: Limited options, Avis often available (pre-booking highly recommended).
- Official Website: Usually managed via Council or Air Chathams – check Whanganui District Council or Air Chathams for flight info. (No dedicated stand-alone airport website typically).
- Phone: (Via Air Chathams or Council – check their sites for current numbers) e.g., Air Chathams: +64 800 580 127
- Rating: Approx 4.0 Stars (Google Reviews – can vary)
Palmerston North Airport (PMR)
Palmerston North Airport is the nearest significant regional airport to Whanganui, offering a greater range of domestic flights compared to Whanganui Airport. It serves as a key travel hub for the Manawatū-Whanganui region.- Distance to Whanganui: Approximately 75 km (around 1 hour drive).
- Address: Airport Drive, Milson, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.
- Pros: Significantly more flight options/frequency than WAG, relatively easy drive. Cons: Requires ground transport (~1 hour drive), still primarily domestic focus. Airlines: Includes Air New Zealand, Jetstar (check current schedules). 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 Stars (Google Reviews – can vary)
Wellington International Airport (WLG)
Wellington Airport is the closest major international airport to Whanganui. It offers the widest range of domestic and international flights, connecting the lower North Island to Australia, Fiji and major centres across New Zealand.- Distance to Whanganui: Approximately 200 km (around 2.5 – 3 hour drive).
- Address: Stewart Duff Drive, Rongotai, Wellington 6022, New Zealand.
- Pros: Major airport with extensive domestic/international routes, full range of services. Cons: Longest drive of the three, traffic can be a factor near Wellington. Airlines: Includes Air New Zealand, Jetstar, Qantas, Fiji Airways, Virgin Australia (check current routes). Car Rental: Avis, Budget, Hertz, Thrifty, Ezi Car Rental, Europcar, GO Rentals, Omega.
- Official Website: https://www.wellingtonairport.co.nz/
- Phone: +64 4 385 5100
- Rating: Approx 4.1 Stars (Google Reviews – can vary)
Conclusion
- The absolute closest airport to Whanganui is Whanganui Airport (WAG), located within the city itself.
- The closest major airport offering significantly more domestic flight options is Palmerston North Airport (PMR).
- The closest major international airport is Wellington International Airport (WLG).