Wānaka Airport Future Review

Have your say on the future options for Wānaka Airport

Egis (independent consultants) are engaging with Queenstown Lakes District communities as part of the future review study for Wānaka Airport. The future review will set the vision, values, objectives and preferred outcomes for Wānaka Airport. This is an independent review and Egis want to hear what is important to the Wānaka community, Airport operators and users to help shape the Airport’s future potential. What does living, working and playing in this unique landscape mean to you? What role should the airport play in your future?

Quick links:

• Background
• How to have your say
• Opportunities to find out more
• What happens next
• Got a question?

Background

Wānaka Airport is located approximately 10 kilometres south-east of Wānaka township, near the village of Luggate in New Zealand’s Otago region. The airport is owned by QLDC and operated by Queenstown Airport Corporation (QAC) under a management services agreement. Wānaka Airport is a vibrant and diverse aviation hub. It supports a wide range of activities including scenic flights, skydiving, flight training, aircraft maintenance, NASA ballon launches, and general aviation. It is also hosts major events such as the Warbirds Over Wānaka International Air Show and Warbirds & Wheels displays. The airport is home to over 11 aviation-related businesses and supports approximately 250 jobs, making it a key contributor to the local economy.

In July 2024 as part of LTP consultation, QLDC signalled its intent to develop a long-term plan for the Wānaka Airport. As part of this process Egis has now been engaged to undertake the Wānaka Airport future review. This review will explore the airport’s long-term role, its economic impact, and its integration into New Zealand’s broader aeronautical network. The future of Wānaka Airport’ is not just about infrastructure - it's about strengthening community ties, supporting regional economic growth, and celebrating the spirit of aviation.

How to have your say

The interactive pin drop activity on a map is based on a simple SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats). The online survey asks questions around travel patterns, community lifestyle values and airport values. These are available until 15 July 2025.

Community drop-in sessions in will be held in Wānaka on 27 and 28 June.

Opportunities to find out more

All are welcome to join two community drop in sessions hosted by the Egis team.

Drop-In Session #1

• When: Friday, 27 June between 4.00pm – 7.00pm
• Where: Studio Space, Paetara Aspiring Central

Drop-In Session #2

• When: Saturday, 28 June between 9:00am - 11:00 am
• Where: Meeting room, Wānaka Recreation Centre

What happens next

Following the first round of engagement, Egis will develop several potential future scenarios for Wānaka Airport. There will then be a second round of engagement, to enable the community to evaluate and provide feedback on these scenarios. This second round of engagement will involve more in person drop-in sessions in Wānaka, combined with online options to provide your feedback. These will be available in early August 2025.

Got a question?

If you have a question, please submit on the Q&A tool below and we'll get it answered as soon as possible. All questions and answers will be published for everyone to see.