โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
International โ Domestic
75
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Dunedin Airport (DUD) is the primary aviation gateway to the lower South Island of New Zealand, serving the city of Dunedin and the wider Otago region. The airport features a single, modern terminal building that integrates both domestic and international operations under one roof, facilitating intuitive navigation for travelers. It acts as a critical hub for the regional economy, supporting both the educational sector centered around the University of Otago and the growing tourism industry in the southern scenic routes.
The terminal layout is organized over two levels, with the ground floor dedicated to check-in, arrivals, and baggage claim, while the first floor houses the departures lounge, security screening, and boarding gates. Passengers can find a range of amenities including several cafes like Airspresso and Skyline Sushi, retail outlets for gifts and travel essentials, and a duty-free area for international departures. An Air New Zealand regional lounge is available on the upper level for eligible travelers. A unique feature of the airport's drop-off zone is its famous 'hug and farewell' signage, which humorously encourages passengers to keep their goodbyes to '3 minutes max' to maintain traffic flow during peak periods.
Flight operations at Dunedin are predominantly domestic, with Air New Zealand and Jetstar providing regular links to Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. The airport also hosts seasonal trans-Tasman services, most notably to the Gold Coast (OOL) in Australia. Ground transportation is well-served by several shuttle companies, taxis, and on-site car rental agencies located near the arrivals area. The airport is situated approximately 22 kilometers south of the city center on the Taieri Plains, and travelers should be aware that coastal weather patterns can occasionally cause sudden shifts in visibility, making it advisable to check flight statuses during the winter months.
๐ Connection Tips
Allow extra time for security if you are connecting from an international flight to a domestic service, as you will need to clear customs on the ground floor.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
110
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Woodbourne Airport (BHE), also known as Marlborough Airport, is a modern regional gateway serving Blenheim and the world-famous Marlborough wine region of New Zealand's South Island. The airport is unique for its joint-use status, sharing its runway and airfield infrastructure with RNZAF Base Woodbourne, an active Royal New Zealand Air Force installation. Following a significant terminal refurbishment, the facility provides a contemporary and efficient environment for travelers, primarily supporting Air New Zealand's regional services to Auckland and Wellington, as well as Sounds Air's boutique flights across the Cook Strait.
The single-level passenger terminal is designed for maximum convenience, featuring a streamlined layout that integrates check-in, security, and arrivals under one roof. While compact, the terminal offers a high standard of comfort with spacious seating areas and large windows providing views of the airfield and surrounding vineyards. As a domestic regional airport, security screening is typically required for larger aircraft operations, while smaller turboprop flights may offer more informal boarding procedures. The dual military-civilian nature of the airport means passengers can often spot military training aircraft alongside commercial regional liners.
Amenities at BHE include 'The Runway Cafe,' located in the public area of the terminal, which serves premium Marlborough coffee, locally sourced snacks, and light meals. The terminal also features a small retail selection offering books, travel essentials, and souvenirs from the Marlborough region. For ground transportation, the airport is well-served by major international car rental brands including Hertz, Avis, and Budget, with desks conveniently located within the arrivals area. Taxis and pre-booked shuttle services provide easy 10-minute connections to Blenheim town center, located approximately 8 kilometers to the east, as well as direct access to the many award-winning wineries that define the region.
๐ Connection Tips
Woodbourne Airport (BHE), also known as Marlborough Airport, serves as the primary aviation gateway to New Zealandโs world-famous wine region and is a critical transit point for those connecting to the Picton ferry. The airport shares its runway with RNZAF Base Woodbourne, so travelers should expect to see military training aircraft operating alongside regional turboprops. Air New Zealand provides frequent daily connections to Auckland and Wellington, while boutique carriers like Sounds Air and Originair link Blenheim to Christchurch, Paraparaumu, and Palmerston North. For domestic regional flights, arriving 45 to 60 minutes before departure is typically sufficient.
For those connecting to the Interislander or Bluebridge ferries in Picton, the terminal is located approximately 35 km (22 miles) to the north. It is essential to allow a minimum 90-minute buffer between your flight landing and your ferry departure to account for the 30-minute drive and the mandatory 45-minute ferry check-in. Marlborough Shuttle Services offers reliable door-to-door transfers, and most major car rental agencies (Avis, Budget, Hertz) have desks on-site, frequently allowing one-way rentals with drop-offs in Picton. If your destination is the heart of the wine country, the hub of Renwick is just five minutes away, where you can rent bikes to explore the 'Golden Mile' of cellar doors. The refurbished terminal features 'The Runway Cafe,' which serves excellent local coffee and Patagonian-style snacks. While credit cards are accepted throughout the terminal and town, ensure you have pre-arranged transport if visiting during the peak Marlborough Wine & Food Festival in February, as shuttles and taxis reach full capacity weeks in advance.
โ Back to Dunedin Airport