Queenstown International Airport

NZQN / ZQN

Queenstown, NZ

Last Updated
Apr 18, 07:30Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Fresh 16 min ago
07:30Z

☀️ Day
VFR
Flight Rules
7°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 4°C
4 kt
350°
10+ km
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
--
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR NZQN 180730Z AUTO 35004KT 9999 NCD 07/04 Q0995

Weather Briefing

VFR

Queenstown International Airport is currently reporting visual flight rules (VFR) conditions with clear skies and 10 miles or greater visibility.

Wind Analysis

Winds are from the north (350°) at 4 knots.

Visibility & Ceiling

Visibility is unrestricted. Skies are clear with unlimited ceiling.

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is 7°C (45°F) with a dewpoint of 4°C. The narrow temperature-dewpoint spread suggests high humidity and potential for visibility restrictions, especially during cooling periods.

Forecast Outlook

The TAF forecast covers the next 24 hours. Conditions are expected to fluctuate between VFR and MVFR. VFR pilots should be prepared for deteriorating conditions. Expected weather includes: Showers Rain. Temporary MVFR conditions are forecast with Showers Rain between 20:00Z and 03:00Z.

Pilot Recommendations

Conditions are favorable for visual flight. 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 NZQN 180507Z 1806/1906 25010KT 9999 SCT040 BKN050 BECMG 1807/1809 02005KT TEMPO 1820/1903 7000 SHRA BECMG 1900/1902 26010KT
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
07:45Z BASE
+0h
VFR 250° 10 kt
Visibility: 10+ km
Ceiling: 5,000 ft

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
ZQN
05
23
14
32 ✈️

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
05/23 6,204 ft 148 ft ASP 76°
0.3 kt 4.0 kt
86° angle
✈️ 14/32
Active: 32
2,920 ft 33 ft BITUM 165°
3.5 kt 2.0 kt
30° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - NZQN

9,717 observations | Sep 2025 - Apr 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
95.3%
MVFR
4.1%
IFR
0.4%
LIFR
0.2%

Queenstown International Airport enjoys predominantly VFR conditions, with visual flight rules prevailing 95.3% of the time. Prevailing winds are from the SW averaging 7.5 knots. Temperatures typically range between -1°C and 26°C with an average of 12.8°C. The best months for VFR flying are December, March, January.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: SW (225°)
Average Speed: 7.5 kt
Maximum Recorded: 27 kt
Calm Winds: 0%
Direction Distribution:
N
10.6%
NE
15.6%
E
3.8%
SE
4.3%
S
18.5%
SW
23.7%
W
20.9%
NW
2.6%

Temperature Range

Average: 12.8°C
Range: -1°C to 26°C
-1°C 26°C

Visibility

Average: 10 SM
Below 3 SM: 0%
Fog Frequency: 0.1%

Best Months for VFR

December March January

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 05/23
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 3.5 kt
Runway 14/32
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 6 kt

Statistics computed from 9,717 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Apr 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Queenstown International Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: NZQN
IATA Code: ZQN
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 1,171 ft MSL

Location

City: Queenstown
Country: NZ
Latitude: -45.021099°
Longitude: 168.738998°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT-11

Runway Information

Runway 05/23
Length: 6,204 ft
Width: 148 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No
Runway 14/32
Length: 2,920 ft
Width: 33 ft
Surface: BITUM
ILS: No

About Queenstown International Airport

Overview

Queenstown International Airport serves the Central Otago region of New Zealand's South Island, located at an elevation of 1,171 feet MSL. The airport supports both domestic and international operations, featuring two runways that can accommodate a variety of aircraft types and sizes.

Flying Conditions

The airport experiences predominantly VFR conditions 96% of the time, with excellent visibility averaging 10 statute miles. Prevailing winds from the southwest at an average of 7.7 knots create generally stable flying conditions, with temperature ranges from -1°C to 25°C, making it suitable for year-round operations.

Notable Features

Situated at coordinates -45.021099, 168.738998, the airport is surrounded by challenging mountainous terrain typical of New Zealand's South Island. The two runways - a 6,204-foot asphalt primary runway (05/23) and a 2,920-foot bitumen secondary runway (14/32) - provide operational flexibility in various wind conditions.

Approach Considerations

Both runways demonstrate 100% favorable wind alignment, with Runway 05/23 showing an average crosswind of 3.5 knots and Runway 14/32 experiencing slightly higher crosswinds at 6.1 knots. Pilots should note December, November, and January offer the most consistently favorable VFR conditions for operations.

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.