Wellington International Airport

NZWN / WLG

Wellington, NZ

Last Updated
Mar 4, 09:00Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Fresh 12 min ago
09:00Z

☀️ Day
VFR
Flight Rules
14°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 9°C
10 kt
20°
10+ km
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
--
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR NZWN 040900Z AUTO 02010KT 9999 NCD 14/09 Q1023

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF NZWN 040800Z 0409/0512 36010KT CAVOK BECMG 0423/0501 36020G30KT
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
09:11Z BASE
+0h
VFR 360° 10 kt
Visibility: >10km

24-Hour Weather Evolution

Loading weather data...
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
Chart Features
  • • Hover for exact values and timestamps
  • • Click legend items to toggle data series
  • • Zoom and pan for detailed analysis
  • • Units automatically converted to preferences
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
ZWN
16
34 ✈️

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
✈️ 16/34
Active: 34
6,352 ft 148 ft ASP 183°
7.7 kt 6.4 kt
40° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - NZWN

7,729 observations | Sep 2025 - Mar 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
65.9%
MVFR
28.2%
IFR
5.4%
LIFR
0.6%

Wellington International Airport typically experiences VFR conditions 65.9% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 6% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the N averaging 15.2 knots, with gusts recorded up to 51 knots. Temperatures typically range between 5°C and 25°C with an average of 16°C. The best months for VFR flying are September, January, December.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: N (0°)
Average Speed: 15.2 kt
Maximum Recorded: 51 kt
Calm Winds: 0%
Direction Distribution:
N
58.6%
NE
6.2%
E
0.6%
SE
4.8%
S
21.3%
SW
3.5%
W
0.8%
NW
4.2%

Temperature Range

Average: 16°C
Range: 5°C to 25°C
5°C 25°C

Visibility

Average: 10 SM
Below 3 SM: 0%
Fog Frequency: 0.2%

Best Months for VFR

September January December

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 16/34
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 5.3 kt

Statistics computed from 7,729 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Mar 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Wellington International Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: NZWN
IATA Code: WLG
Type: large airport
Status: active
Elevation: 41 ft MSL

Location

City: Wellington
Country: NZ
Latitude: -41.327202°
Longitude: 174.804993°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT-12

Runway Information

Runway 16/34
Length: 6,352 ft
Width: 148 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No

About Wellington International Airport

Overview

Wellington International Airport serves as the primary airport for New Zealand's capital city, located on the southern tip of the North Island. The airport supports commercial passenger operations, general aviation, and serves as a critical transportation hub for the Wellington region. Its single runway (16/34) extends 6,352 feet and is constructed of asphalt, accommodating a range of aircraft types.

Flying Conditions

Wellington is known for challenging wind conditions, which are particularly notable given the airport's low elevation of 41 feet mean sea level. The airport's location between mountain ranges and coastal terrain can create complex wind patterns and potential turbulence during approach and departure. Pilots should anticipate potential wind shear and crosswind conditions that may require heightened situational awareness.

Notable Features

The airport's geographic position at coordinates -41.327202, 174.804993 places it in a topographically complex environment surrounded by significant terrain. Its proximity to urban areas and mountainous landscape means pilots must be prepared for potential wind gradient effects and terrain-induced turbulence. The single runway's orientation (16/34) provides some flexibility in handling varying wind directions.

Approach Considerations

Approach planning should carefully consider the airport's wind characteristics and surrounding terrain. The runway's length of 6,352 feet provides adequate space for most commercial and general aviation aircraft, but precise navigation is crucial given the challenging local environment. Pilots should maintain heightened awareness of potential wind shifts and be prepared for dynamic approach conditions.

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.