Kerikeri Airport

Kerikeri Airport (KKE), also known as Bay of Islands Airport, is the air gateway to one of the most picturesque and historically significant regions of New Zealand. Located in the heart of Northland, this cosy and modern airport serves as a starting point for travellers wishing to explore the rich culture, exquisite cuisine, and natural beauties of the Bay of Islands. Just a 50-minute flight separates it from Auckland, making it easily accessible for tourists. Despite its compact size, the airport is one of the fastest-growing regional aviation hubs in the country.

Features and Advantages

The main advantage of Kerikeri Airport is its convenient location and compactness. There are no long queues or the hustle and bustle of large aviation hubs here, allowing travellers to start their holiday without unnecessary stress. Directly from the airport, you can easily reach the main tourist centres of the region — Paihia and Waitangi — by taxi, shuttle, or rental car. In addition to regular flights to Auckland operated by Air New Zealand, the airport services scenic and charter flights, offering tourists a unique opportunity to see the Bay of Islands from a bird's-eye view. An aero club and a skydiving operator are also based on the airport grounds, adding options for outdoor enthusiasts.

You can contact representatives of Kerikeri Airport (also known as Bay of Islands Airport) using the following details. Please note that for certain issues, such as those regarding luggage or tickets, you should contact your airline directly.

• Official Website: www.fnhl.co.nz (Bay of Islands Airport section)
• Help Desk Phone: +64 9 402 5288 (calls are charged according to international rates)
• Airport Address: 218 Wiroa Road, Kerikeri 0293, New Zealand
• Email: info@fnhl.co.nz (for general enquiries)
• Social Media: Currently, the airport does not have official pages on popular social networks. We recommend checking the official website for up-to-date information.
• Lost Luggage Information: For all questions related to lost or damaged luggage, it is necessary to contact your airline's support service directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions, use the airport's main phone number or email. For questions related to tickets, check-in, and special assistance, please contact your airline.

Getting to Kerikeri Airport (KKE), located just 8 km from the centre of Kerikeri city, is quite simple. Due to the compact size of the city and the airport's regional status, the main methods of transport are by road. The journey from the city centre usually takes no more than 10–15 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

Taxis and Shuttle Services are the most popular and convenient way to get to the airport. A taxi offers a direct and fast route, but the cost will be higher. A more economical option is shuttles (shared vans), which carry multiple passengers. Shuttle rides often need to be booked in advance, especially during the peak tourist season. The cost of a taxi ride will be fixed or metered, while a shuttle offers a lower fare per person.

Car Rental is an excellent choice for those planning to explore the picturesque Northland region in New Zealand. Several major rental companies operate offices at Kerikeri Airport. You can pick up or drop off your rental car directly at the terminal. It is recommended to book a car online in advance to guarantee the availability of the desired model and secure a better price.

For travellers with their own or rented vehicles, parking is provided at the airport. There are zones for both short-term and long-term parking. The car park is located in immediate proximity to the terminal building, making it very convenient. Please note that parking services are paid, and rates depend on the duration of the stay.

It is important to note that there is no direct public transport connection (such as city buses) to Kerikeri Airport. Therefore, travellers should plan their transfer in advance, choosing between a taxi, shuttle, or car rental. If you are looking for alternative air gateways, the nearest major airport is located in the city of Whangarei — Whangarei Airport (WRE), and the region's main international hub is Auckland Airport (AKL).

Kerikeri Airport (KKE), also known as Bay of Islands Airport, is a compact and convenient aviation hub, typical of regional airports in New Zealand. Its structure is extremely simple and intuitive, making travel through it as comfortable and fast as possible.

The airport consists of one small terminal that serves both arriving and departing flights. Thanks to this, you will not have to worry about transfers between buildings or complex navigation. All main zones — check-in, security screening, the waiting lounge, and baggage claim — are located in one building a short distance from each other. Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated but located nearby, allowing for easy orientation.

Check-in and screening procedures at Kerikeri Airport are significantly faster than in large international hubs. As a rule, all formalities take no more than 20-30 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately one hour before a domestic flight to check in luggage and pass security control without haste. Inside the terminal, there is a small waiting area, car rental counters, and a café where you can have a snack before your flight.

The main advice for navigation at Kerikeri Airport is not to worry. Its compact size and clear layout make it one of the easiest for orientation. All signs are clear, and staff are always ready to help. It is practically impossible to get lost here, allowing you to focus on your upcoming journey through the scenic Northland region.

The history of Kerikeri Airport (KKE), also known as Bay of Islands Airport, is closely linked to the development of tourism in the Northland region. The air harbour was officially opened in 1974 to provide direct air connectivity with one of the most picturesque corners of New Zealand and make it more accessible to travellers.

Initially, the airport was a modest airfield. However, as the popularity of the Bay of Islands region grew, so did the need for a more modern gateway. Throughout its history, the airport has undergone several stages of modernisation, including improvements to the runway to accommodate larger turboprop aircraft, such as the Dash 8, which became the backbone of regional transport.

A key event in the airport's history was the large-scale reconstruction of the terminal, completed in 2019. The old building was replaced by a new, spacious, and modern complex. This project significantly increased capacity, improved conditions for passengers, introduced new baggage handling systems, and created comfortable waiting areas. The modernisation was a response to the constantly growing tourist flow and strengthened the airport's status as a vital transport hub for Northland.

An interesting fact: although the airport cannot boast world-scale records, its main achievement is its role in the regional economy. It serves not only as a gateway for tourists heading to Kerikeri and the surroundings but also as a vital artery for local businesses and residents, providing a fast link to Auckland and other major cities in the country. Its development is a vivid example of how infrastructure contributes to the prosperity of an entire region.

Kerikeri Airport (KKE) is a compact regional airport in New Zealand offering passengers a basic set of services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Although the infrastructure here is not as developed as in major international hubs, everything necessary for travellers is available.

In the terminal building, there is a cozy café where you can drink coffee, tea, or soft drinks, as well as have a snack with sandwiches and pastries. There are no specialised shops at the airport, so you should take care of souvenirs and other purchases in the city in advance. A general waiting lounge is equipped for passengers; there are no VIP halls or business lounges here.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected before departure. There are power outlets in the waiting lounge for charging mobile phones and other gadgets. The airport does not have bank branches or currency exchange points, however, ATMs may be installed. It is recommended to settle all financial matters beforehand.

The airport is adapted to serve passengers with special needs. There are accessible toilets, and airline staff are ready to provide assistance during boarding and disembarking (it is better to book this service in advance). For travellers with small children, mother and child rooms with changing tables are provided. There is no specialised medical centre, but staff are trained in first aid.

There are no hotels, conference halls, or business centres on the airport grounds. However, since the airport is located just a few kilometres from the city, you will easily find many accommodation options to suit any taste and budget in the immediate vicinity.

Kerikeri Airport (KKE) is a compact regional hub, so all dining options are concentrated in one place. There is no multitude of restaurants here as in large international hubs, but everything necessary for a comfortable wait is provided. The main establishment is located in the single terminal, in the general area before security control (landside), which is convenient for both departing passengers and those seeing them off.

A cozy café awaits you, offering a classic assortment of New Zealand snacks. This is a great place to get acquainted with local gastronomic traditions in miniature. Be sure to try the famous New Zealand pie (savoury pie) with meat or cheese filling — a hearty and tasty option for a quick snack. Of course, excellent coffee is brewed here, including the flat white, which is iconic for this country. The menu also usually includes fresh sandwiches, salads, pastries, muffins, and desserts.

For passengers with special dietary needs, vegetarian options are generally available, such as vegetable sandwiches or salads. You can often find gluten-free desserts as well. It is best to verify the availability of vegan or Halal dishes directly with the café staff. The price range can be described as average for airports in New Zealand. The opening hours of the establishment are directly tied to the flight schedule: it opens before the first departure and closes after the last aircraft leaves.

If you are short on time, a coffee with a muffin or a traditional meat pie will be the ideal choice. For a more substantial lunch or dinner while waiting for a flight, freshly prepared sandwiches, quiche, or salad are suitable. Since all dining options are located before the screening zone, we recommend having a meal in advance so you can then proceed calmly to boarding.

Travelling through Kerikeri Airport, the gateway to the picturesque "Bay of Islands" region, can be simple and pleasant if you know a few nuances. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your flight and avoid unnecessary stress.

Arrival Time and Check-in: Kerikeri Airport is a small regional terminal serving primarily domestic flights. There are no queues here like in large international hubs. For domestic flights, it is sufficient to arrive 60–90 minutes before departure. To save time, complete online check-in in advance and save the boarding pass on your smartphone.

Seat Selection: Flights to and from this region of New Zealand are famous for their stunning views. If possible, choose a window seat to enjoy the panorama of the Bay of Islands during takeoff or landing. Aisle seats are more convenient if you plan to stand up during the flight.

Hand Luggage and Customs: Standard security rules regarding liquids (up to 100 ml in transparent packaging) and sharp objects apply here. However, it is critically important to remember New Zealand's strict biosecurity rules. Even on domestic flights, you may be asked to undergo a check. It is strictly forbidden to transport fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, and honey without declaration. If you are arriving from abroad (although this is rare for this airport), be prepared for thorough customs and border control. Always declare food items, sports equipment, and hiking boots.

Connecting Passengers: Most flights from Kerikeri are to Auckland, the country's main transport hub. If you have a connecting flight, especially an international one, allow sufficient time for the transfer — at least 2-3 hours. You may need to collect your luggage, transfer to another terminal, and go through security control again.

Saving Time and Money: Since the airport is located a few kilometres from the city, book a transfer or taxi in advance to avoid waiting and overpaying. The choice of food and drinks in the terminal is limited, so it is better to bring a light snack and a water bottle, which can be filled after passing security control.

In Case of Flight Delay: In the event of a delay or cancellation, contact your airline representative first. Clarify your rights to compensation or the provision of food vouchers. Given the small size of the airport, options for long waits are limited here, so it is useful to have a book, a charged power bank, and headphones with you.