Whanganui (WAG/NZWU) is a small regional airport located south of Auckland on the northern Island of New Zeeland. The airfield located south of Whanganui city itssefl serves some daily flights to bigger cities like Auckland with Air Chathams’ Saab 340s plus WGA is also home to quiet a bit of general aviation.

Written by Severin Hackenberger in cooperation with Thomas Rings. Last Update: Spring 2024

Rating
Movements
Airline Variety
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
11C/29C	11C/29C is the main runway at WAG with 1380m (4525ft) lenght, but there are 4 other grass runways
Terminals
T1	There is one small terminal facility handling all operations.
Spotting Information
Ladder	A ladder can be useful at spot 2, but you can also shoot thru the mesh. So spotting at WAG without ladder is absolutely fine!
Car/Public Transport	A car is highly recommended to get here/around, but once you are at the terminal, all spots are within walking distance.
Drinks/Food	Nothing around the airfield at all.
Hotels	No hotels around the airfield at all.
Season	Summer has better weather and is thus recommended for spotting here. Traffic is the same all year around.
Security	Spotting is absolutely no issue here.
Runway Usage
General Info	Runway 11/29 is used according to wind and direction of destination.

	Spot #1 – Airport Rd – Grass Apron + 11/29 Movements
WHERE	This spot is simply located along Airport Rd northwest of the airport/terminal facilites. Along the road you will find some parking spots by the roadside where you can park and simply take your pictures from right there.
WHAT	From here you can see the grass apron for GA aircraft in front plus runway 11/29 movements in the back.
TIME	In the morning till early noon.
MISC.	No ladder needed as you are a bit elevated here, noting around. Haze can be an issue on the runway in summer.
FOCAL LENGTH	200-400mm Saab340 = 250mm

WAG-Spot1

WAG-Spot1

	Spot #2 – Terminal – Terminal Apron
WHERE	Down Airport Rd just right/northwest of the little terminal building there is a small fenced front just between the terminal and some hangars: from the fence you can see the ramp in front of the terminal.
WHAT	From here you can nicely spot the terminal apron with nearby taxiway and runway parts.
TIME	In the morning till noon.
MISC.	You can shoot thru the mesh here or try to take your pictures over the fence with live view. A small 1-2 step would be very helpful otherwise.
FOCAL LENGTH	24-200mm CV440 turning = 40mm

WAG-Spot2

WAG-Spot2