Nelson Airport - Spotting Guide

Nelson Airport – Spotting Guide

June 26, 2019 - last modified on December 6, 2023

Nelson Airport (NSN/NZNS) is located 6km southwest of the city in Annesbrook. It is the fifth busiest airport in New Zealand and served approximate 1 Mio. passengers in 2017. There are only 2 main airlines which have been operating out of the airport for awhile with ATR and Dash aircraft, JetStar (SCR) and Air NZ (Link and Mount Cook) to Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Besides them there are three commuter airlines, Originair, Sounds Air and Golden Bay Air using smaller props to NSN. Tasman Aviation is a charter airline based at NSN using Beech200 and Beech300 aircraft.

It is pretty easy to spot at this airport as there is an official airport perimeter walkway around the whole field. One roundtrip is approximate a 5,75 km walk. More infos on the official website.

Written by local spotter Ben Marling. Last update June 2019.

Rating
Movements
Airline Variety
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
02/20	1.347 m (4.420 ft) In addition there are two grass strips
Terminals	One for all operations
Spotting Information
Ladder	Not needed in any location as fence is about shoulder height
Car/Public Transport	As the runway is very short you can walk to all spotting locations if you start at the terminal on the offical airport walkway. Location 2 is a bit far. Car Needed to get to the golf course otherwise all spotting areas are wiith in walking distance
Drinks/Food	A cafe in the Terminal but thats it
Hotels	Nearest hotel is in Tahuna
Season	Summer has generally better weather conditions and a morning side to spot from.
Runway Usage
General Info	Only asphalted runway. Used in all directions depending on the wind.

	Spot #1 – Fuel Pumps – 20 arrivals and departures
WHERE	Leave the terminal and drive till the first roundabout. Take the second exit and drive till the end of McLaren Drive to the Z Fuel Pumps. Park here and start your spotting session. The position is also easily to reach by foot.

WHAT	Runway 20 arrivals and departures. Runway 02 arrivals and taxiways A, B, B1.

TIME	0600 – 1130 during summer only. Backlit in winter.

MISC.	No ladder needed. Be aware of the owner of some private hangars because sometimes he get upset if you block access to the hangar garage doors.

FOCAL LENGTH	55MM for ATR 72 135 for GA

	Spot #2 – Golf Course/Nelson Walkway
WHERE	There is the “Nelson Airport Walkway” which runs around the field. To get to this part leave the terminal on Bolt Road and turn left if you see the signs to the Nelson golf course. Park there and follow the airport walkway signs until you reach the bank to your left after approximate 10 minutes.

WHAT	Arrivals and departures on runway 20 and 02 arrivals using the full length.

TIME	From late noon until sunset all year round.

MISC.	No ladder needed. Absoluetly nothing nearby so bring everything you need with you. Stick to path and DO NOT GO UP ON TO HILLS as it is private property!

FOCAL LENGTH	18-55 For Q300 135 for GA

	Spot #3 – Nelson Walkway
WHERE	This is on the opposite side of the previous locations. You have to start at the terminal and walk on the “Nelson Airport Walkway”. Park for free by the start of the Nelson bike trail follow the road, through the gate until you reach the position on the other side of the runway.

WHAT	You can photograph all arrivals and departures on runway 02 as well as taxiway A , A1. 20 arrivals if the using the full length.

TIME	From late noon until sunset all year round. You will also pass the mornig side location but airport security asked spotters to leave.

MISC.	No ladder needed. Absoluetly nothing nearby so bring everything you need with you.

FOCAL LENGTH	55 For Q300 135 for GA

	Spot #4 – Hill at Nelson Walkway
WHERE	Nelson Airport Walkway Same directions for Spot #3 but contine up the hill to the concrete mound. this is on the big concreete hill Steps are round the back

WHAT	All arrivals and departures on runway 02.

TIME	From late noon until sunset all year round.

MISC.	No ladder needed. Absoluetly nothing nearby so bring everything you need with you.

FOCAL LENGTH	250mm for Q300 400mm for GA