Wanaka Airport

NZWF / WKA

Wanaka, NZ

Last Updated
Jul 4, 19:30Z

No METAR Available for NZWF

Showing weather from nearby airport with METAR data.

Currently using: NZQN
Weather Source: Queenstown International Airport (NZQN)
Distance: 28nm / 52km from NZWF

Current Weather

Display Units
Fresh 15 min ago
19:30Z

🌙 Night
VFR
Flight Rules
4°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 0°C
17 kt
190°
10+ km
Visibility
6,000 ft
Ceiling
Above Ground Level
--
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR NZQN 041930Z AUTO 19017KT 9999 OVC060/// 04/00 Q1003

Clouds - Visual Profile

12,000ft
9,000ft
6,000ft
3,000ft
Ground
Field Elev: 1,142 ft
OVC 6,000 ft AGL
☁️
OVC
Overcast (8/8 sky coverage)
6,000 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
7,142 ft AMSL

Weather Briefing

VFR

Wanaka Airport is currently reporting visual flight rules (VFR) conditions with overcast skies at 6,000 feet and 10 miles or greater visibility.

Wind Analysis

Winds are from the south (190°) at 17 knots. Runway 11/29 is favored with a 3-knot headwind and 17-knot crosswind component. Student pilots and low-time aviators should exercise caution.

Visibility & Ceiling

Visibility is unrestricted. The ceiling is 6000 feet AGL (overcast), well above standard VFR minimums.

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is 4°C (39°F) with a dewpoint of 0°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. IFR conditions are expected to persist or develop. An instrument rating and IFR flight plan are recommended. Expected weather includes: Light Showers Rain, Showers Rain, Showers Snow. Temporary MVFR conditions are forecast with Showers Rain between 06:00Z and 12:00Z. There is a 30% probability of IFR conditions with Showers Snow between 06:00Z and 12:00Z.

Pilot Recommendations

Conditions are favorable for visual flight. 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 041714Z 0418/0518 18015G25KT 9999 -SHRA BKN025 TEMPO 0506/0512 6000 SHRA PROB30 TEMPO 0506/0512 4000 SHSN
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
19:44Z BASE
+0h
MVFR 180° 15 kt
Visibility: 10+ km
Ceiling: 2,500 ft
Light Showers Rain
06:00Z TEMPO
+11h
MVFR
Visibility: 6 km
Showers Rain
06:00Z PROB30 TEMPO
+11h
IFR
Visibility: 4 km
Showers Snow

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
ZWF
11 ✈️
29

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
✈️ 11/29
Active: 11
3,937 ft 98 ft ASP 138°
3.0 kt 16.7 kt
80° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Wanaka Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: NZWF
IATA Code: WKA
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 1,142 ft MSL

Location

City: Wanaka
Country: NZ
Latitude: -44.722954°
Longitude: 169.248419°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT-11

Runway Information

Runway 11/29
Length: 3,937 ft
Width: 98 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No

About Wanaka Airport

Overview

Wanaka Airport serves the Central Otago region of New Zealand's South Island, located near the resort town of Wanaka. Situated at an elevation of 1,142 feet above mean sea level, the airport provides critical aviation infrastructure for the surrounding mountainous area. The airport accommodates medium-sized aircraft operations with its single asphalt runway.

Flying Conditions

The airport's location in the Central Otago region presents challenging alpine weather conditions with significant seasonal variations. Pilots should anticipate potential rapid weather changes due to the proximity to mountainous terrain. Wind conditions are particularly important, with the runway's 11/29 orientation suggesting potential crosswind challenges during approach and landing.

Notable Features

Wanaka Airport is positioned in a dramatic landscape with surrounding mountainous terrain at 44.7° South latitude. The 3,937-foot asphalt runway provides adequate length for medium-sized aircraft operations. Geographic positioning suggests potential orographic weather influences and the need for careful terrain awareness during all flight phases.

Approach Considerations

Runway 11/29 requires careful consideration of local wind patterns and mountainous terrain during approach and departure. Pilots should be prepared for potential wind shear and turbulence associated with the alpine environment. Standard instrument approach procedures will require careful attention to elevation and terrain clearance given the surrounding landscape.

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.