Queenstown Airport is ready to welcome thousands of holidaymakers as the summer season kicks into high gear.

About 150,000* passengers will pass through the airport between 20 December and 4 January. Nearly 57,000 of those will be flying across the Tasman and about 93,000 will be travelling on domestic routes. This is on par with last year's summer holiday numbers.

Saturday, 20 December, will be the biggest day for Christmas arrivals, with more than 5,500 people expected to fly into Queenstown.

The following two weekends will also be particularly busy, with more than 10,000 passengers a day flying in or out on 27 and 28 December, and 2, 3 and 4 January.

Head of Operations, Compliance and Safety Juliet Breen says Queenstown Airport is well-prepared for the festive rush.

"Summer is always a special time in Queenstown. We love the excitement in the terminal as people fly in to spend Christmas with whānau or head off on adventures."

The airport will work closely with its airline partners and border agencies to keep things running smoothly.

"We've also boosted staffing levels and added extra customer service support for the summer," Ms Breen says. "However, our systems will be operating near capacity, so please be patient and follow the guidance of our staff."

To help get travellers into the Christmas spirit, live music, face-painting, a photo booth and other surprises are planned.

A pop-up booth selling Central Otago cherries in front of the terminal throughout December and January will also make it easy for fans of the fruit to get their summer fix. 🍒

Top travel tips:

  • Before you pack for your trip, check what you can take on an aircraft and whether it should be in checked luggage or a carry-on bag. Be especially careful about power banks, batteries and battery-powered devices, as large numbers are confiscated by Aviation Security every year.
  • If you are travelling to Australia, there are special rules for powders, liquids, gels and aerosols.
  • If you are arriving in Queenstown from Australia, complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration online ahead of your flight.
  • Queenstown Airport's terminal car parks are busier than usual during the summer holidays. Use the Queenstown Airport Park & Ride service at Brookes Road or consider other transport options.
  • Check Queenstown Airport's website for real-time information about flight arrivals and departures.
  • If you are collecting passengers from the airport, please be warned that waiting in the drop-off zone is not allowed. This area is monitored and you could received a traffic infringement ticket if you linger.
  • Double-check the flight arrival time before heading to the airport, then take advantage of the P20 zone in the area of the car park nearest the terminal, where you may park for 20 minutes for free. Just stay in the right-hand lane as you drive through the airport roundabout.
  • Drones are becoming increasingly popular for both recreational and commercial purposes, but they can be dangerous if not flown responsibly. To keep New Zealand airspace safe for everyone, make sure you know the Civil Aviation Authority rules before launching a drone this summer.   
  • Finally, have a wonderful holiday!

* both arriving and departing passengers