Nelson Airport

NZNS / NSN

Nelson, NZ

Last Updated
Apr 22, 12:30Z

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 7 min ago
12:30Z

☀️ Day
MVFR
Flight Rules
11°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 8°C
24 kt
200°
7 km
Visibility
3,300 ft
Ceiling
Above Ground Level
--
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR NZWN 221230Z AUTO 20024KT 7000 -RA FEW018/// SCT025/// BKN033/// 11/08 Q1024

Clouds - Visual Profile

12,000ft
9,000ft
6,000ft
3,000ft
Ground
Field Elev: 17 ft
FEW 1,800 ft AGL
SCT 2,500 ft AGL
BKN 3,300 ft AGL
🌤️
FEW
Few (1/8-2/8 sky coverage)
1,800 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
1,817 ft AMSL
SCT
Scattered (3/8-4/8 sky coverage)
2,500 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
2,517 ft AMSL
☁️
BKN
Broken (5/8-7/8 sky coverage)
3,300 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
3,317 ft AMSL

Weather Briefing

MVFR

Nelson Airport is currently reporting marginal VFR (MVFR) conditions with broken clouds at 3,300 feet and 7 km visibility.

Wind Analysis

Winds are from the south-southwest (200°) at 24 knots. Runway 20 is favored with a 24-knot headwind and 0-knot crosswind component. Student pilots and low-time aviators should exercise caution.

Visibility & Ceiling

Visibility is 7 km, below VFR minimums in some airspace classifications. Check local requirements before departing VFR. The ceiling is 3300 feet AGL (broken), well above standard VFR minimums.

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is 11°C (52°F) with a dewpoint of 8°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 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, Heavy Showers RAGS. Winds are forecast to reach up to 20 knots during the period. Expect variable wind speeds ranging from 5 to 20 knots. Temporary MVFR conditions are forecast with Showers Rain between 12:00Z and 18:00Z. There is a 30% probability of IFR conditions with Heavy Showers RAGS between 12:00Z and 18:00Z.

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 221101Z 2212/2318 18020G30KT 9999 -SHRA SCT020 BKN030 TEMPO 2212/2218 6000 SHRA PROB30 TEMPO 2212/2218 4000 +SHRAGS SCT020TCU FM221800 17020KT 9999 -SHRA SCT025 BECMG 2303/2305 17010KT BECMG 2311/2313 01005KT
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
12:37Z BASE
+0h
VFR 180° 20 kt
Visibility: 10+ km
Ceiling: 3,000 ft
Light Showers Rain
18:00Z FM221800
+6h
VFR 170° 20 kt
Visibility: 10+ km
Light 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°
22.3 kt 9.0 kt
158° angle
02L/20R 2,398 ft 197 ft GRS 41°
22.4 kt 8.6 kt
159° angle
06/24 1,726 ft 79 ft GRS 83°
10.9 kt 21.4 kt
117° angle
✈️ 17/35
Active: 17
1,970 ft 197 ft GRS 186°
20.8 kt 12.0 kt
30° 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.