The Most Scenic Airport Landings in New Zealand

A vacation usually begins when the tourists reach the hotel suite. Most people are not too worried about the look and scenery at the airport when they arrive. All they are looking for is a safe and untroubled takeoff or landing. But their standards may change on the day that they visit New Zealand. The country is home to two of the most beautiful airport landings in the world.

It was not until the late 20th century that New Zealand became a tourist destination. The country’s popularity started to grow in the digital age. That is also when the NZ online casino industry in the country surged in popularity. Could the two be related somehow? Perhaps tourists introduced the concept of iGaming to the locals; who quickly became attached to the idea.

It was also during the digital age that two of New Zealand’s most popular airports were named among the most beautiful landing zones in the world. We would like to shine a light on these areas and talk a bit about why they might be considered as such. We will also spotlight some fabulous tourist destinations that one would have no trouble reaching from these airports.

Queenstown Airport

The Queenstown Airport handles roughly two million passengers a year. It began operating in the 30s, but did not see common commercial flights until two decades later. That means that for close to twenty years travelers to New Zealand were missing out on some of the most beautiful views that the country has to offer. The Queenstown Airport has widely been acknowledged as the most scenic landing zone in the country. It has even been ranked as one of the top ten most beautiful airport landings in the world.

The landing strip is surrounded by an ever-growing layer of mountains. Tourists can see layers of hills of increasing size whichever way they turn as soon as they land. The mountains are blanketed with green during the summer days and white during the cold winters. But they always provide a scenic and lovely view for the weary passengers landing at the Queenstown Airport. Yet they are not the only force of nature that will leave travelers speechless.

The mountain ranges welcome visitors from one side of the airport. On the other side is Lake Wakatipu. The glacial waters of the lake invite those visiting New Zealand during the hot days of summer to dive right in. But would be swimmers ought to be careful when jumping into the lake. Glacial-fed Wakatipu is incredibly cold and quite deep. Some may also be concerned about the water quality which tends to drop after heavy rain.

Wellington International Airport

The Wellington International Airport is the oldest airport operating within New Zealand. The establishment has been active since the late twenties. But tourists today may not be interested in the airport’s history. What many might be blown away by are the incredible views that they will get to see once their air craft lands. Most of us are not happy to learn of flight cancellations or delays. But passengers stuck at the Wellington Airport might be thankful to spend a few more hours absorbing the lovely scenes.

The airport is located in the Rongotai suburb of New Zealand’s capital. The peninsula’s shape has often been compared to plane; lending a sort of ironic twist to the airport’s existence. The establishment is surrounded by the azure ocean on three sides. The blue waves can lend a comforting hum when passengers might be feeling stressed about their next flight. Those situated in Rongotai can even drop down to the beach for a quick swim soon after landing.

Mount Victoria towers in the background. The lovely shades of green are sure to mesmerize those visiting New Zealand during the Spring and Summer months. Some lucky tourists can even spot the larger volcanoes of the North Island; though such an occurrence is rare. Usually one would have to visit the mountain itself on a guided tour in order to see those spectacles of nature. We now know New Zealand’s two most scenic and prominent airport landings. But why should a scenic landing even matter to travelers and tourists?

Why Scenic Landings Matter

Humanity has been gripped by the wonders nature for millennia. Poets have written songs about green-laden mountains. Painters have immortalized scenic fields and azure seas. The oldest texts preserved today speak about the magic of nature. The simplistic beauty of pastoral poetry can invoke a sense of nostalgia in all of us for scenic beauty that we may never have experienced. Nature’s beauty surrounding a modern establishment such as an airport reminds us that we are not so far removed from it as we often are led to believe.

Gorgeous scenery can also have a more practical impact on air travel. Even a century after the plane’s invention there are those who are afraid to fly. But professional or familial duties often demand that even those with a severe case of aerophobia get on a plane. The cold grey concrete of the airport does little to calm their nerves; before or after a flight. But the gorgeous greens and blues of Queenstown and Wellington do wonders for the soul. They help to calm the nerves and remind us all that land is waiting on the other end of the flight.

The lovely scenery also works as a sort of advertisement for the country that we are visiting. We often look for some sort of travel guide when touching down at some of the loveliest airport landings. But the incredible views serve as the best travel guide of all. They invite us to go on hikes through the wondrous mountains. They point us in the direction of the azure sea or the glacial lakes. What it ultimately comes down to is that they give us a place to go even if we know very little about New Zealand and its most popular tourist destinations.