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 2023. There is only one main airline, Air New Zealand, which have been operating out of the airport for awhile 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 offi mcial website.

Written Sebastian Arndt and Ben Marling. Last update May 2025 – All spots checked and updated!

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	The fence is pretty high but a ladder is not needed because at every location photo holes are installed
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.
Security	The airport is very spotter friendly with several photo holes installed. Expect no issues. More details on the official website.
Runway Usage
General Info	Only asphalted runway. Used in all directions depending on the wind.

	Spot #1 – Fuel Pumps – GA ramp and taxiway
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	Best for General Aviation ramp and taxiway to/from runway 20.
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

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	Spot #2 – Northern Side – All movements
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 area after approximate 5-10 minutes. There are several photo holes installed so find your preferred position around the threshold of runway 20.
WHAT	Best when runway 20 is active and you can photograph all arrivals and departures. Almost all 02 departures and arrivals are possible as well, except some small props which vacate the runway earlier.
TIME	All day, just reposition yourself as needed.
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

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	Spot #3 – Southern Side – All movements
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. Place yourself as needed, several photo holes are installed.
WHAT	Best for all arrivals and departures on runway 02. Almost all 20 departures and arrivals are possible as well, except some small props which vacate the runway earlier.
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

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	Spot #4 – Origin Air Terminal – Apron
WHERE	Just follow the fence from the terminal to the west for a few hundred meters and you will usually find several aircraft parked here. You can also walk around the building. Behind the building, planes of the NZ Flying Doctor Service are usually parked.
WHAT	Mainly Originair and NZ Flying Doctor Service as well as other general aviation aircraft park here.
TIME	From sunrise to 11 am
MISC.	No ladder needed. There is a photo hole. Terminal is nearby.
FOCAL LENGTH	15-200mm

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	Spot #5 – Terminal Viewing Deck – Apron
WHERE	When you enter the terminal, go to the gates area and turn right. Follow the stairs up to the sign-posted official viewing deck.
WHAT	All movements on the ramp and runway.
TIME	From sunrise to 11 am
MISC.	Windows are slightly tinted.
FOCAL LENGTH	15-300 mm

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