Nelson Airport

NZNS / NSN

Nelson, NZ

Last Updated
Apr 18, 07:30Z

No METAR Available for NZNS

Showing weather from nearby airport with METAR data.

Currently using: NZWN
Weather Source: Wellington International Airport (NZWN)
Distance: 71nm / 132km from NZNS

Current Weather

Display Units
Fresh 14 min ago
07:30Z

☀️ Day
MVFR
Flight Rules
15°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 13°C
9 kt
350°
5 km
Visibility
2,800 ft
Ceiling
Above Ground Level
--
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR NZWN 180730Z AUTO 35009KT 5000 RA HZ SCT016/// BKN028/// OVC060/// 15/13 Q1000

Clouds - Visual Profile

12,000ft
9,000ft
6,000ft
3,000ft
Ground
Field Elev: 17 ft
SCT 1,600 ft AGL
BKN 2,800 ft AGL
OVC 6,000 ft AGL
SCT
Scattered (3/8-4/8 sky coverage)
1,600 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
1,617 ft AMSL
☁️
BKN
Broken (5/8-7/8 sky coverage)
2,800 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
2,817 ft AMSL
☁️
OVC
Overcast (8/8 sky coverage)
6,000 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
6,017 ft AMSL

Weather Briefing

MVFR

Nelson Airport is currently reporting marginal VFR (MVFR) conditions with overcast skies at 6,000 feet and 5 km visibility.

Wind Analysis

Winds are from the north (350°) at 9 knots. Runway 35 is favored with a 9-knot headwind and 0-knot crosswind component.

Visibility & Ceiling

Visibility is 5 km, below VFR minimums in some airspace classifications. Check local requirements before departing VFR. The ceiling is 2800 feet AGL (broken), placing conditions in the MVFR category.

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is 15°C (59°F) with a dewpoint of 13°C. The temperature-dewpoint spread is very narrow, indicating saturated or near-saturated air. Fog formation or low cloud development is likely.

Forecast Outlook

The TAF forecast covers the next 30 hours. The forecast shows a transition between VFR and IFR conditions. Pilots should monitor the forecast closely and have an alternate airport plan. Expected weather includes: Light Showers Rain, Showers Rain. Temporary MVFR conditions are forecast with Showers Rain between 06:00Z and 09:00Z. Temporary MVFR conditions are forecast with Showers Rain between 09:00Z and 11:00Z. Temporary IFR conditions are forecast with Showers Rain between 19:00Z and 00:00Z.

Pilot Recommendations

VFR pilots should exercise caution. Consider filing IFR if instrument rated, or postponing the flight if conditions are expected to deteriorate further. The narrow temperature-dewpoint spread creates risk of fog formation, particularly during evening and early morning hours. The forecast indicates conditions may deteriorate. Ensure you have fuel reserves and a viable alternate airport.

This briefing is generated from real-time METAR and TAF data. Always verify with official sources before flight.

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF NZWN 180500Z 1806/1912 35015G25KT 9999 -SHRA FEW018 BKN060 TEMPO 1806/1809 6000 SHRA SCT020TCU TEMPO 1809/1811 6000 SHRA SCT020TCU BECMG 1810/1812 36015KT TEMPO 1819/1824 6000 SHRA BKN014 SCT020TCU BECMG 1904/1906 36005KT
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
07:43Z BASE
+0h
VFR 350° 15 kt
Visibility: 10+ km
Ceiling: 6,000 ft
Light Showers Rain
09:00Z TEMPO
+2h
MVFR
Visibility: 6 km
Showers Rain
10:00Z BECMG
+3h
VFR 360° 15 kt
19:00Z TEMPO
+12h
IFR
Visibility: 6 km
Ceiling: 1,400 ft
Showers Rain

24-Hour Weather Evolution

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Data Sources
  • • Current conditions from METAR observations
  • • Historical data from past 24 hours
  • • No forecast or predicted data included
  • • Data updated with each new METAR report
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Note: Future values beyond current TAF validity are estimates based on climatological data and trends. Always verify with current forecasts before flight operations.

Airport Runway Layout

N
ZNS
02L
20R
02
20
06
24
17
35 ✈️

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
02/20 4,420 ft 148 ft ASP 42°
5.5 kt 7.1 kt
52° angle
02L/20R 2,398 ft 197 ft GRS 41°
5.7 kt 7.0 kt
51° angle
06/24 1,726 ft 79 ft GRS 83°
0.5 kt 9.0 kt
93° angle
✈️ 17/35
Active: 35
1,970 ft 197 ft GRS 186°
9.0 kt 0.0 kt
0° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Nelson Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: NZNS
IATA Code: NSN
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 17 ft MSL

Location

City: Nelson
Country: NZ
Latitude: -41.298302°
Longitude: 173.220993°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT-12

Runway Information

Runway 02/20
Length: 4,420 ft
Width: 148 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No
Runway 02L/20R
Length: 2,398 ft
Width: 197 ft
Surface: GRS
ILS: No
Runway 06/24
Length: 1,726 ft
Width: 79 ft
Surface: GRS
ILS: No
Runway 17/35
Length: 1,970 ft
Width: 197 ft
Surface: GRS
ILS: No

About Nelson Airport

Overview

Nelson Airport serves the Nelson region in New Zealand, situated at an elevation of 17 feet mean sea level. As a medium-sized airport, it provides critical transportation infrastructure for the northern area of the South Island. The airport supports multiple runway configurations, including paved and grass surfaces totaling four distinct runways.

Flying Conditions

Located at coordinates -41.298302, 173.220993, Nelson Airport experiences variable wind conditions across its multiple runways. The airport's diverse runway orientation (02/20, 06/24, and 17/35) provides flexibility for pilots managing different wind scenarios. The presence of both asphalt (ASP) and grass (GRS) surfaces offers additional operational adaptability depending on current meteorological conditions.

Notable Features

The airport features a primary asphalt runway (02/20) measuring 4,420 feet, complemented by three additional grass runways ranging from 1,726 to 2,398 feet in length. Its relatively low elevation of 17 feet MSL suggests a coastal/plains environment with potential for maritime weather influences. The multiple runway configurations allow for strategic operational planning based on wind direction and aircraft performance requirements.

Approach Considerations

Pilots should note the variety of runway lengths and surface types when planning operations at Nelson Airport. The longest runway (02/20 at 4,420 feet) provides the most substantial landing and takeoff options for larger aircraft. Runway selection will depend on aircraft type, current wind conditions, and specific operational requirements, with the multiple runway orientations offering significant operational flexibility.

Data Sources & Accuracy: Airport information sourced from OurAirports.com, a collaborative database of worldwide airport data. Weather data from official aviation weather services including NOAA Aviation Weather Center and international METAR/TAF providers. Information is updated regularly but pilots should always verify current conditions and NOTAMs through official channels before flight operations.

Official Data Sources

Weather NOAA Aviation Weather Center • International METAR/TAF Network
Airports OurAirports.com • Public domain airport database
NOTAMs FAA NOTAM System • ICAO NOTAM Distribution
Last updated: Jan 1, 1970 12:00 AM UTC

Disclaimer: Data is provided for informational purposes only. Pilots must verify all information through official sources before flight operations. Weather conditions change rapidly; always obtain a current briefing from approved weather services.