GLOBAL SPOTTING REPORTS
NEW ZEALAND
Auckland – Aug 2015
LANDSIDE
The domestic terminal multi storey car park has good views of all movements. Most stands are blocked by the terminal. Some of the international stands can be seen.
Not visible from here are the Air New Zealand hangers and another ramp which is home to Air Chathams convairs amongst other stuff. These are close to the Runway 23 Threshold. If your walking turn right out of the domestic terminal
Further along from these across the river are two viewing areas. One on either side of the road with excellent views of the approach and airport. A car would be beneficial to get here.
AIRSIDE
Both terminals have decent window views allowing all movements to be seen.
HOTELS
None at the airport.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Air New Zealand dominate. Expect to see about a third of the ANZ Link fleet in a morning. They do gradually rotate the aircraft through smaller destinations so a few new ones should be present each day.
Otherwise Jetstar are the only other airline with domestic flights basing a few of there Australian fleet here. Qantas Jetconnect have some flights on international routes.
There are regular flights from Australia and the pacific islands but check timetabables to be sure when they are in.
Airwork have a few metros and F27’s based which can be seen from the domestic car park.
There are three aircraft on the fire training area. A B767 fuselage is clearly seen – ZK-NBJ. The other two are further away and a left seat for arrival may assist on seeing these. Reported to be ZK-NAO F27 and VH-FLO Gulf 1.
Also there is A B737 200 fuselage inside the New Zealand School of Tourism building located at 3 Leonard Isitt Drive. It is reported to be C-GGOF. It would be possible to walk here from the terminals.
The majority of New Zealands aircraft will be seen between Auckland and Christchurch. If your driving there are a few airfields en route which may assist in filling the gaps.
Rotorua – A couple of Air New Zealand Link not seen in Auckland.
Palmerston North – A new Air New Zealand Link
Blenheim – Derelict F27 ZK-NAN may still be present along with B727 NZ7272 fuselage.
To get from the North Island to the South Island you can either take a ferry from Wellington which takes 4 hours or take a 20 minute flight to Nelson. Can’t remember where the ferry docks but it’s a couple of hours drive east of Nelson and a lot closer to Christchurch.
Christchurch – Aug 2015
LANDSIDE
The terminal used to have a viewing area but that has gone after a terminal upgrade. The multi storey has limited views. Some of the commuter stands can be seen but the terminal blocks the stands and most of the runway. Some aircraft may be read as they taxi into the terminal. Its possible to access the commuter gates without passing through security and some ANZ Link can be seen here.
If you have a car then you can drive around the perimeter and get good views of the runway, ramp and hanger areas.
AIRSIDE
All movements should be seen from the windows with comfortable seats. Not the greatest though with the airbridges taking up most of the view.
HOTELS
Sudima Hotel – No views but a good quality hotel only 5 minutes walk from the terminal.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Not very busy but Air New Zealand Link base there ATRs here. Although some aircraft do rotate through the country, they are mostly aircraft not seen in Auckland.
A B737 fuselage is reported to be ZK-JNO. This can only be seen by taking a walk from the terminal towards the hangers. Turn left out of the terminal. On the way you should also see Fairchild F27 N385BA which has been WFU for many years.
Queenstown – Aug 2015
LANDSIDE
The roads around the terminal area have views over most of the field. There are several hangers around which may require further walking if you want to try and see inside them.
AIRSIDE
There are windows which should allow views of most movements.
HOTELS
Its possible there are some hotels in Frankton with views of the movements.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Very quiet with Regular Passenger flights. Air New Zealand A320s and ATR72’s visit a few times a day along with Jetstar A320’s. There are some international flights to Australia.
There are many helicopters and smaller charter flights from here mostly doing scenic flights.
Wellington – Dec 2007
LANDSIDE
I didn’t go in the terminal so not sure what views are like from there. The perimeter roads allow you to get some aircraft parked up around the hangers. If you have a car then find your way to the other side of the airport where you can park up by the beach and see all movements. A nice place to watch planes from and a good spot for photo’s.
AIRSIDE
HOTELS
None at the airport
WHAT TO EXPECT
Not particularly busy but has a couple of rush hours that are worthwhile. A few different Air New Zealands turned up here that were not seen at Auckland. Also a few smaller based aircraft and general aviation were seen including two J31’s, 2 J41’s, D228 and a Metro.
