Woodbourne Airport

Woodbourne Airport is not just a transit hub, but the sunny gateway to the famous Marlborough region. Located amidst picturesque valleys, it immerses travellers in an atmosphere of comfort and New Zealand hospitality from the very first minutes. The uniqueness of this air harbour lies in its unusual neighbourhood: the civil terminal shares the runway with an active Royal New Zealand Air Force base, adding a touch of aviation romance to the measured life of a regional airport.

Features and advantages of the airport:

• "Gateway to the Valley": The airport is located in the heart of the Wairau Valley, so the journey from the aircraft steps to the region's best vineyards and scenic spots takes only a few minutes.
• Unique Neighbourhood: Woodbourne is one of the few airports where you can see civil liners on the same runway as military aircraft from the RNZAF base. This makes waiting for a flight particularly interesting for aviation enthusiasts.
• Record Sunshine: Blenheim is often called the sunniest city in New Zealand, and Woodbourne Airport rarely suffers from non-flying weather, ensuring high flight regularity.
• Compactness and Speed: Due to the small size of the terminal, all procedures — from check-in to boarding — are very quick and free from the hustle and bustle typical of large hubs.

Below is the main contact information for Woodbourne Airport (BHE), which serves the city of Blenheim and the Marlborough region.

• Official Website: marlboroughairport.co.nz
• Information Desk Phone: +64 3 572 8023
• Airport Address: State Highway 6, Woodbourne, Blenheim 7272, New Zealand
• Email: info@marlboroughairport.co.nz
• Social Media: You can follow airport updates and news on its official page on Facebook.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage was lost during the flight or on board the aircraft, you must first contact your airline. For items left in the terminal building, please contact the airport administration via the contacts listed above.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general information and support, you can use the airport's main telephone number or email address.

Getting to Woodbourne Airport (BHE), the main air gateway of the Marlborough region, from the city centre of Blenheim is quite simple due to its close proximity. A car journey usually takes just 10-15 minutes, as the distance is about 8 kilometres. The choice of transport depends on your budget, convenience, and further plans for exploring New Zealand.

Taxis and Shuttles. This is the most popular and reliable way to get to the airport. Taxis can be ordered by phone or found at designated ranks in the city. This will be the fastest, but also the most expensive option. A more budget-friendly alternative is shuttles (shared shuttles), which transport several passengers to different addresses. It is recommended to book a shuttle in advance, especially during the high tourist season, to guarantee yourself a seat. The cost of a shuttle trip will be significantly lower than a taxi if you are travelling alone or as a couple.

Car Rental. If you plan to explore the landscapes of Marlborough and its picturesque surroundings, renting a car is the ideal choice. Offices of major rental companies are located at Woodbourne Airport. You can pick up the car immediately upon arrival or, conversely, return it right before departure. This gives maximum freedom of movement around the region. A car park is provided near the terminal where you can leave your rented vehicle.

Public Transport and Parking. Specialised public transport routes from the centre of Blenheim to the airport may be limited or unavailable. Before travelling, it is worth checking current information with local transport operators. For those arriving in their own vehicle, Woodbourne Airport has both short-term and long-term parking. The cost depends on the duration of parking.

Alternative Airports. Although Woodbourne is the key airport for Blenheim, some travellers may consider other options. For example, you can fly into the larger Wellington International Airport, and from there reach the Marlborough region by ferry and bus, or take a domestic flight. Another nearby regional hub is Nelson Airport, located approximately an hour's drive away.

Woodbourne Airport (BHE) is a small regional air terminal serving the city of Blenheim and the Marlborough region. Its structure is extremely simple and convenient for passengers, making travel through it fast and comfortable.

The airport has just one passenger terminal, which serves all domestic flights connecting the region with other cities in New Zealand. It is designed for both departing and arriving passengers.

The terminal is a compact single-storey building where it is practically impossible to get lost. Immediately upon entry, you find yourself in the general area where check-in counters and baggage drop-off points are located. Departure and arrival zones are in the same building but are functionally separated. Navigation is intuitive thanks to clear signage.

Since there is only one terminal, transfers between terminals are not required. The departure zone is located after security screening and consists of a small waiting hall with boarding gates. The arrival zone includes a baggage claim belt and an exit to the general area, where you can meet arriving passengers or find car rental desks.

Completing all formalities at Woodbourne Airport takes minimal time. Check-in and security screening usually take no more than 15–20 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 60 minutes before departure to check in luggage and go through all procedures without haste.

The main feature of the terminal is its compactness and cosy atmosphere. There are no long queues or the bustle inherent in large airports. For navigation, it is enough to follow the signs — all key zones (check-in, security, boarding gates, baggage claim) are within a couple of minutes' walk from each other. Interesting fact: the airport shares the runway with a Royal New Zealand Air Force base, which sometimes allows you to see military aircraft.

The history of Woodbourne Airport (BHE) is inextricably linked with the military aviation of New Zealand. It was founded in 1939 as a Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) base and was named RNZAF Base Woodbourne. Its initial and most important task was the training of pilots and technical personnel leading up to and during the Second World War. Thousands of aviators trained here, making a significant contribution to the country's military efforts.

After the war, the base did not lose its significance. Parallel to fulfilling military functions, Woodbourne began serving civil flights, becoming the main air gateway for the Marlborough region and the city of Blenheim. Over the decades, the civil terminal has been modernized repeatedly to meet growing passenger traffic and modern comfort requirements. The first major modernization of the passenger terminal took place back in the 1970s, and subsequent reconstructions helped the airport maintain a high level of service.

One of the unique features of Woodbourne Airport is its dual purpose. It is one of the few airports in the country where a military base and a civil airport coexist harmoniously in the same territory. To this day, RNZAF Base Woodbourne remains a major maintenance and training centre for the New Zealand Air Force. Passengers waiting for their flight can often observe military aviation training flights, which adds a special flavour to a visit to the airport.

Interesting fact: thanks to its rich aviation past, Woodbourne Airport has become a point of attraction for aviation history enthusiasts. Nearby is the famous Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, making Blenheim an important destination for aviation tourism. Thus, the airport is not just a transport hub, but a living part of history, continuing to play a key role in both the country's defence and the development of the prosperous Marlborough region.

Woodbourne Airport (BHE) is a modern and compact regional airport serving the Marlborough region in New Zealand. Despite its small size, it offers passengers all essential amenities to make waiting for a flight comfortable.

Restaurants, Cafes, and Shops. A cafe is located in the airport terminal where you can have coffee, grab a sandwich or pastries, and sample local produce. The selection of shops is limited, but you will be able to find press, books, and souvenirs reminiscent of your trip to the Marlborough region.

Lounges. For passengers travelling with Air New Zealand who hold the relevant status, the Koru Lounge is available. Here you can relax in a quiet environment and enjoy complimentary beverages, snacks, and Wi-Fi.

Internet and Charging Stations. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected. There are also stations for charging mobile phones, laptops, and other electronic devices in the waiting lounge.

Financial Services. There are ATMs at the airport for cash withdrawals. However, currency exchange services are not provided, so it is recommended to arrange this in advance at banks in the city of Blenheim or at the country's international airports.

Additional Services. For passengers with children, parents' rooms with changing tables are equipped. The airport is fully adapted for people with disabilities: there are ramps, accessible toilets, and staff assistance is provided upon prior request. There are no first aid stations in the terminal building; in emergencies, please contact airport staff.

Hotels and Business Services. There are no hotels or conference rooms on the territory of Woodbourne Airport. The nearest hotels, business centres, and meeting rooms are located in the city of Blenheim, located just a few minutes' drive away.

Woodbourne Airport (BHE), serving the Marlborough region, is a compact and modern regional airport, so all dining options are concentrated in one place. You won't have to search long for a place to have a snack before departure or after landing.

The main and only establishment at the airport is The Runway Cafe, located in the main hall of the terminal, in the public area (before security control). This makes it convenient for passengers as well as those meeting or seeing them off. The cafe offers a classic range for a quick and satisfying snack. Here you can drink excellent New Zealand coffee, such as a flat white, and choose something from fresh pastries, sandwiches, or famous meat pies — an integral part of local gastronomy.

For those looking for a more substantial lunch, the menu usually includes hot dishes, such as soup of the day or standard breakfast options in the morning hours. Since Marlborough is the heart of agriculture in New Zealand, you can often sample local beverages at the cafe, which will be a wonderful start or end to your journey through the region. Regarding dietary preferences, vegetarian and gluten-free options are usually available. For more specific requests, such as vegan or halal dishes, it is recommended to check availability directly with the staff.

Prices at the cafe correspond to the average level for airports, meaning they are slightly higher than in city establishments. Opening hours are directly linked to the flight schedule: the cafe opens before the first departure and closes after the last aircraft departs, so you will always have time for a snack. It is the ideal place to quietly drink a coffee before boarding or quickly grab food to take on board.

To ensure your journey through Woodbourne Airport goes as smoothly as possible, take advantage of our tips. The airport serves the Marlborough region and, being regional, offers a calmer atmosphere than large international hubs. Nevertheless, planning always helps avoid stress.

Arrival Time and Check-in: For domestic flights within New Zealand, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 60-90 minutes before departure. This time is enough to check in luggage and pass security control without haste. To save time, complete online check-in if your airline provides this option. Security control here usually goes faster than in large airports, but still keep your boarding pass and ID ready.

Seat Selection and Hand Luggage: Want to enjoy stunning views of the valleys and landscapes of Marlborough? Choose a window seat. If the ability to leave the plane quickly upon arrival is more important to you, your choice is an aisle seat. Remember the standard rules for carrying hand luggage: liquids in containers no larger than 100 ml must be packed in a transparent bag, and sharp objects are prohibited. Always check baggage and hand luggage allowances on your airline's website.

Connections and Customs Control: Woodbourne Airport serves mainly domestic flights. If you are flying to Blenheim from another country, you will pass customs and immigration control at the first airport of arrival in New Zealand (for example, in Auckland or Christchurch). If you have a connection planned in another New Zealand city, ensure you have enough time between flights, especially if re-checking luggage is required.

Savings and Useful Hacks: Book flight tickets and airport transfers in advance to get the best prices. Travelling light will help avoid excess baggage fees. Take an empty reusable water bottle with you — it can be filled after passing security control, saving on buying drinks.

In Case of Flight Delay: If your flight is delayed, stay calm. Monitor information on the departure boards and listen to announcements. Contact your airline representative for current information on the flight status. In the small terminal, there is a cafe where you can have a snack and wait for departure in a comfortable environment.