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New Zealand
Share information and ask questions about accessible travel in New Zealand.
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New Zealand International Airport Accessibility Information
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New Zealand International Airport Accessibility Information
General Information
Each of the airports are accompanied by its Airport Code (a simplified three-letter code used to identify an international airport), a Telephone number (you may need to use exit codes, and the country code for New Zealand if you are calling from outside New Zealand), website, and a breakdown of useful information.
It is generally recommended that you arrive at a New Zealand Airport a minimum of 3-hours prior to an international flight (even if the airport provides a less congested security check for passengers in wheelchairs). Flights typically begin boarding 1-hour prior to the departure time and it is especially important for passengers in wheelchairs to be present early, as they are typically the first to board. If you are a passenger in a wheelchair planning a trip with a layover for an international flight, you should consider planning a minimum of 2-hours between flights (anything less could be problematic if your previous flight was delayed and/or if you have to pass through security to reach your connecting flight).
Service Dogs and Medication:
Those planning to bring service dogs will face many restrictions, please see this official page from the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries for more information: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/importing/live-animals/pets/steps-to-importing-cats-and-dogs/assistance-and-guide-dogs/
Be aware that various drugs/medicines which are commonly available in other countries may be restricted in New Zealand. Please see this page from the New Zealand Ministry of Health for drug/medicine restrictions: https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/regulation-health-and-disability-system/medicines-control/bringing-medicines-new-zealand
Auckland Airport (Manuka, New Zealand)
Airport Code: AKL | Telephone: 0800 247 767 | Website: https://www.aucklandairport.co.nz
- Accessibility:
- Accessible Toilets (including multipurpose unisex restrooms)
- Multiple Elevators
- Optional guided assistance to/from your flight
- Wheelchairs available (for use in the airport)
- Parking Lot Spaces for people with disabilities
(NOTE: to request these services you can contact your airline, call ahead, or see the nearest information counter or concierge).
- Perks: Easy to navigate, dozens of shops, dozens of dining options, various services throughout the airport, close to Auckland, and a variety of transportation options to/from the airport.
- Challenges: [Minimal to none] Language barriers may be an issue may be an issue for non-English speakers (However, some signs and Flight information is provided in multiple languages).
- Access to/from Airport: Approximately 30-minute car ride from uptown Auckland with easy access to Taxi, Local Shuttles, Car rental, and Buses (Note: Wheelchair accessible van-style Taxi/Car rental with lift may be limited and may not be available without request, Wheelchair accessible Buses may not be available).
- Maps: https://www.aucklandairport.co.nz/information/airport-maps In this link, provided by Auckland Airport Official Website, you’ll find maps of the Facilities (in English; that contains the majority of the Accessibility options listed in the section above; the print is small so you may wish to save it to a tablet/device with a zoom-in functionality if you cannot print them large enough). Even with a map in hand, new places can get you turned around, so if this happens, ask the staff for help to get you on your way.
- Assistance Information: https://www.aucklandairport.co.nz/information/general-information/special-assistance In this link, provided by Auckland Airport Official Website, you’ll find many links to helpful information for “Special Assistance.” This includes information for those living with disabilities that involve walking, vision, and hearing.
Christchurch International Airport (Christchurch, New Zealand)
Airport Code: CHC | Telephone: 03 353 7777 | Website: https://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/en/
- Accessibility:
- Accessible Toilets
- Multiple Elevators
- Optional guided assistance to/from your flight
- Wheelchairs available (for use in the airport)
- Parking Lot Spaces for people with disabilities
(NOTE: to request these services you can contact your airline, call ahead, or see the nearest information counter or concierge).
- Perks: Easy to navigate, more than a dozen shops, more than a dozen dining options, various services throughout the airport, very close to Christchurch, New Zealand, and a variety of transportation options to/from the airport.
- Challenges: [Minimal to none] Language barriers may be an issue may be an issue for non-English speakers (the official website supports English, Chinese, French, Japanese, German, & Korean; signs and Flight information is provided in multiple languages).
- Access to/from Airport: Approximately 22-minutes from downtown Christchurch, New Zealand with easy access to Taxi, Local Shuttles, Car rental, and Buses (Note: Wheelchair accessible van-style Taxi/Car rental with lift may be limited and may not be available without request, Wheelchair accessible Buses may not be available).
- Maps: https://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/en/airport-information/ In this link, provided by Christchurch International Airport Official Website, you’ll find maps of the Facilities (that contains the majority of the Accessibility options listed in the section above, the print is small so you may wish to save it to a tablet/device with a zoom-in functionality if you cannot print them large enough). Even with a map in hand, new places can get you turned around, so if this happens, ask the staff for help to get you on your way.
- Assistance Information: https://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/travellers/at-the-airport/information-and-services/special-assistance/ In this link, provided by Christchurch International Airport Official Website, you’ll find many links to helpful information for “Special Assistance.” This includes information for those living with disabilities that involve walking and vision.
Wellington International Airport (Wellington, New Zealand)
Airport Code: WLG | Telephone: 04 385 5100 | Website: https://www.wellingtonairport.co.nz/
- Accessibility:
- Accessible Toilets (including multipurpose unisex restrooms)
- Multiple Elevators
- Optional guided assistance to/from your flight
- Wheelchairs available (for use in the airport)
- Free Smart Phone App with Virtual Assistance for those with Visual Disabilities
- Parking Lot Spaces for people with disabilities
(NOTE: to request these services you can contact your airline, call ahead, or see the nearest information counter or concierge).
- Perks: Easy to navigate, a dozen shops, a dozen dining options, various services throughout the airport, very close to Wellington, and a variety of transportation options to/from the airport.
- Challenges: [Minimal to none] Language barriers may be an issue may be an issue for non-English speakers.
- Access to/from Airport: Approximately 15-minute car ride from downtown Wellington with easy access to Taxi, Local Shuttles, Car rental, and Buses (Note: Wheelchair accessible van-style Taxi/Car rental with lift may be limited and may not be available without request, Wheelchair accessible Buses may not be available).
- Maps: https://www.wellingtonairport.co.nz/services/facilities-airport/maps/ In this link, provided by Wellington International Airport Official Website, you’ll find maps of the Facilities (that contains most of the Accessibility options listed in the section above). Even with a map in hand, new places can get you turned around, so if this happens, ask the staff for help to get you on your way.
- Assistance Information: https://www.wellingtonairport.co.nz/services/facilities-airport/special-assistance/ In this link, provided by Wellington International Airport Official Website, you’ll find many links to helpful information for “Special Assistance.” This includes information for those living with disabilities that involve walking and vision.
References
“Bringing Medicines into New Zealand.” New Zealand Ministry of Health, https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/regulation-health-and-disability-system/medicines-control/bringing-medicines-new-zealand.
“Bringing Assistance and Guide Dogs to New Zealand.” New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries, https://www.mpi.govt.nz/importing/live-animals/pets/steps-to-importing-cats-and-dogs/assistance-and-guide-dogs/.
“Christchurch International Airport Maps.” Christchurch International Airport Official Website, https://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/en/airport-information/.
“International and Domestic Terminal Maps.” Auckland Airport Official Website, https://www.aucklandairport.co.nz/information/airport-maps.
“Special Assistance.” Auckland Airport Official Website, https://www.aucklandairport.co.nz/information/general-information/special-assistance.
“Special Assistance.” Christchurch International Airport Official Website, https://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/travellers/at-the-airport/information-and-services/special-assistance/.
“Special Assistance.” Wellington International Airport Official Website, https://www.wellingtonairport.co.nz/services/facilities-airport/special-assistance/.
“WLG Maps.” Wellington International Airport Official Website, https://www.wellingtonairport.co.nz/services/facilities-airport/maps/.
DISCLAIMER: Always review your airports rules and restricted items prior to packing you stowed/carry-on luggage. Information is based on Internet and/or personal inquiries, outdated info/inaccuracies may occur (please post any updated information, preferably with reference). TabiFolk Accessible Travel Forum, Accessible Japan, and the author of this post are not paid by, or affiliated with, any of the airports and/or websites mentioned in this article.
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