โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
30
minutes
Domestic โ International
45
minutes
Interline Connections
60
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Hood Aerodrome (MRO), named after Trans-Tasman aviation pioneer George Hood who died attempting the crossing in 1928, serves as the Wairarapa region's primary airport located 1 nautical mile southwest of Masterton's town center in the Solway suburb. Opened in 1931 and serving as RNZAF Station Masterton during World War II, the facility now operates primarily as a general aviation hub following Air New Zealand's withdrawal in February 2014. The aerodrome features two active runways (sealed 06R/24L at 1,250 meters and grass 10/28), with grass runway 06L/24R permanently closed in November 2019.
The terminal building is a modest facility reflecting the airport's current general aviation focus, with basic passenger amenities maintained in anticipation of commercial service resumption. A $17 million upgrade project is planned to widen the main runway and expand the apron, improvements that attracted Air Chathams' interest in establishing Auckland service once completed. The terminal houses flight training operations, charter services, and the Wairarapa Aero Club, maintaining the region's aviation heritage.
At 111 meters elevation in the relatively flat Wairarapa Valley, the aerodrome benefits from generally favorable weather conditions, though strong northwesterly winds can create challenging crosswind conditions. The facility supports agricultural aviation, recreational flying, and flight training, with several maintenance providers servicing the general aviation fleet. Despite lacking scheduled commercial service, Hood Aerodrome remains strategically important as the Wairarapa's aviation gateway, positioned 100 kilometers northeast of Wellington.
๐ Connection Tips
Hood Aerodrome (MRO) is located in Masterton's Solway suburb, approximately 2 kilometers southwest of the town center, with limited ground transportation reflecting its general aviation status. Taxis operate in Masterton but should be booked in advance through Masterton Taxis, with fares to the town center approximately NZ$15-20. Car rental is available through providers in Masterton town, with delivery to the aerodrome possible by arrangement. With no scheduled commercial flights currently operating, connections require driving to Wellington Airport (100km, 1.5 hours) or Palmerston North Airport (75km, 1 hour) for domestic services.
No public transport serves the airport directly, requiring pre-arranged transportation for all arrivals. Ride-sharing services have minimal presence in this regional area. Visitors planning to explore the wider Wairarapa wine region will find a rental car essential, as public transport between towns is limited. Train service on the Wairarapa Line connects Masterton to Wellington, with the station approximately 3 kilometers from the aerodrome.
The aerodrome is easily accessible via Hughes Line and South Road from State Highway 2. Some local accommodation providers offer courtesy pickups for guests arriving by private aircraft, though this must be arranged beforehand. The drive to Wellington takes approximately 1.5 hours via the Remutaka Hill Road (State Highway 2), while Palmerston North is 1 hour north. Once Air Chathams begins potential Auckland service following runway upgrades, ground transport infrastructure is expected to improve accordingly.
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 Masterton Airport