Queenstown airport (ZQN)

Queenstown Airport (ZQN), opened on 17 July 1950, is the main gateway to the Otago region, on New Zealand’s South Island. Renowned for its spectacular approach between mountains, it operates domestic flights to the country’s main urban centres and direct international connections with Australian cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Official Website: queenstownairport.co.nz

Telephone: +64 3 450 9031 / 0800 123 4566

Social media:

Terminals

The airport has a single passenger terminal handling both domestic and international flights. The building opens daily 90 minutes before the first scheduled flight and closes after the arrival of the last service (approximately between 4:00 am and 10:30 pm). Please note that overnight stays inside the terminal are not permitted.

Annual traffic (2025): 2.7 million passengers.

Information Points

There is an information and passenger services desk located in the centre of the terminal, next to the Provenance café. Its opening hours are from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Assistance is provided there regarding flights, transport and airport services.

 Location

The airport is located in the suburb of Frankton, 9 km (6 miles) east of Queenstown city centre.

Accommodation near Queenstown airport (ZQN)

There are no hotels located within the terminal building. However, due to its location in the Frankton area, passengers will find an excellent range of accommodation in the Remarkables Park development, situated just a few minutes away and accessible via a short taxi, bus or even walking journey.

Recommended accommodation

• Holiday Inn Queenstown Remarkables Park: One of the most modern and comprehensive options, ideal for families and passengers seeking immediate comfort and proximity to shopping centres.
• Ramada Suites by Wyndham Queenstown Remarkables Park: Offers apartment-style suites with kitchen facilities, which is a great advantage for stays of several days or for those travelling in groups.
• Wyndham Garden Remarkables Park Queenstown: Stands out for its strategic and functional location, making it an excellent option for business travellers or those with early morning flights.
• Quest Queenstown Apartments: Provides self-contained apartments with hotel services, offering a spacious, quiet and functional environment for rest before or after a flight.
• Inntouch Queenstown: A practical and budget-friendly alternative for travellers who prioritise proximity to the airport without the need for luxury.

To find more accommodation options and check the actual distance and transport options to the terminal, you can search and book in the Frankton area or the city centre via Booking.com.

Parking services at Queenstown airport (ZQN)

The facility offers a range of parking options designed to facilitate both quick passenger drop-offs and pick-ups, as well as short- and long-term stays, with areas located just a few steps from the terminal and an external budget-friendly alternative.

Passenger drop-off and pick-up

There are two main options for those dropping off or collecting passengers:

• Pick-up & Drop-off Zone: Located directly in front of the terminal, it allows for a quick stop. Parking or waiting is not permitted.
• Express Parking P20: For a more relaxed farewell or welcome, the first five rows of the terminal car park offer the first 20 minutes free.

Terminal Parking

It is located directly in front of the terminal, just a few steps from the Departures and Arrivals entrances. It offers both short-term (hourly) and long-term (daily) stays. The first 20 minutes are free. It includes designated spaces for passengers with reduced mobility and charging stations for electric vehicles.

Park & Ride

Located on Brookes Road (Frankton), it is the most economical option for extended stays. The service includes a free shuttle bus transfer between the car park and the terminal, with a journey time of around 15 minutes. Shuttles operate every 40 minutes, starting at approximately 5:00 am and finishing after the arrival of the last scheduled flight of the day.

Payment methods

Payment can be made at the automated machines located along the pedestrian walkways connecting the car parks to the terminal, or directly at the exit barriers using credit or debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex). It is also possible to make advance online bookings to obtain preferential rates via the official parking portal.

Facilities for passengers with special needs

Queenstown Airport provides facilities for passengers with reduced mobility and other accessibility needs. The terminal is compact (mostly single-storey), and distances from the car park or kerbside to the boarding gates are short.

Assistance and mobility: If you require a wheelchair or personalised assistance through the terminal, you must request this directly from your airline in advance (recommended at least 48 hours before departure).

Accessible toilets: There are several accessible toilets for passengers with reduced mobility throughout the terminal, including gender-neutral facilities. Baby changing facilities are also available.

Lifts: Although most of the terminal is on a single level, lifts provide access to the lounges located on the first floor.

Accessible parking and transport: There are designated accessible parking spaces very close to the terminal entrance, including two P60 spaces in the pick-up area. Public Orbus buses are wheelchair accessible (low-floor vehicles). Some taxis offer accessible vehicles, but these must be arranged directly with the company.

Sunflower Lanyard programme: The airport supports the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme for passengers with non-visible disabilities. You can collect a free lanyard and card at the information desk. Airport staff are trained to recognise it and provide additional support or time if needed.

Assistance dogs: Assistance dogs are welcome at the airport and on airlines. To travel with one, contact your airline in advance to check specific requirements.

Travelling with pets: If you are travelling with a pet, please note:

• Inside the terminal: All pets must remain inside their carrier at all times while in the building.
• Pet collection: On arrival, you will collect your pet near the Oversized Baggage area. You must keep it inside its carrier until you exit the terminal.
• Outdoor areas: Outside the terminal, dogs may be walked on a leash in the landscaped areas.
• International travel: Strict biosecurity requirements apply. Check with your airline and customs authorities before travelling.