A runway on the isthmus
Wellington’s current airport opened at Rongotai in 1959, on a narrow strip of land between the harbour and the sea. Water at both ends limits the runway to about 2,000 metres, and the airport has long debated extending it into the sea.
What you’ll see on the live cam
Air New Zealand’s domestic jets and turboprops dominate, along with Jetstar and flights from Australia. On windy days, aircraft crab sideways on final approach and sometimes go around – the reason Wellington’s stream attracts viewers from around the world.
Runway
A single 2,081-metre runway, 16/34, runs north–south across the isthmus.
Best times to watch
- Strong northerly or southerly winds: dramatic landings.
- Morning and evening: domestic business peaks.
