The airport was officially opened on 25 October 1959, and is the busiest in terms of aircraft movements in New Zealand. It has undergone many upgrades over the years, from the establishment of the new terminal building in 1999, the upgrade of the "pumpkin roof" design International terminal wing a few years later, and more recently (2016) the construction of the new 3 storey parking building and hotel.
Airlines using the airport are international carriers Air New Zealand, Qantas, Jetstar and Fiji Airways and domestic airlines Air Chathams and Sounds Air.
Inside the main terminal, suspended from the ceiling are two eagles, from "Lord of the Rings". Gandalf is on the back of one of them. They make an impressive sight, but you have to look up, or you might miss them! In the Air NZ check-in area, the dragon Smaug from "The Hobbit" watches over travellers with his winking eye!
Please replace as found. Thanks!
FTF: boxhill
Sept 2017: Sadly the original cache was muggled and replaced. Although GZ is away from the sealed parking area, quite often you will see "freedom camping" campervans parked nearby, especially in summer. Stealth required!
Feb 2020: The placing of rodent traps has necessitated moving the cache a few metres south of the original position. New co-ordinates posted.