โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
30
minutes
Domestic โ International
60
minutes
Interline Connections
90
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Picton Aerodrome (PCN) is a small, privately owned regional airfield located in Koromiko, approximately 5 miles (8 km) south of the Picton town center. The airport operates from a modest, single-building passenger terminal that serves as the primary base for Sounds Air. It acts as a vital gateway to the Marlborough Sounds, providing a streamlined and efficient alternative to the longer ferry or road journeys between the North and South Islands.
The terminal infrastructure is functional and designed for rapid transit, offering a comfortable indoor waiting area and manual check-in counters located immediately at the entrance. While the building lacks modern commercial amenities like full-service restaurants or retail shops, it provides essential restroom facilities and vending machines for light snacks and beverages. Due to the airport's regional status, there is generally no security screening, allowing for a fast 'walk-on' experience for domestic travelers.
The airfield features a single 2,756-foot (840m) bitumen runway and is primarily served by Sounds Air, which provides multiple daily flights to Wellington with a typical flight time of 25-30 minutes. Ground transportation is informal, with on-site parking available for private vehicles and pickups. Travelers are highly encouraged to pre-book taxi or shuttle services to the Picton ferry terminal, as these are not permanently stationed at the aerodrome.
๐ Connection Tips
Picton Aerodrome (PCN) serves as the primary aviation link between the Marlborough region and the North Island of New Zealand. Scheduled service is provided by Sounds Air with frequent 25-minute flights to Wellington (WLG). Ground transport is well-supported; 'InterCity' operates a bus service that passes the aerodrome once daily (approx.
5-minute trip to Picton center). Taxis are also readily available for the 7. 5km trip to Picton for a fare of roughly $25-30 NZD. A unique connection tip: Picton is the main hub for the Interislander and Bluebridge ferries; for those connecting by sea to Wellington, the ferry terminal is only 10 minutes from the aerodrome.
The terminal is small, friendly, and handles processing very quickly. Arrive 30 minutes before departure Even the short route to Picton needs a clock-watching approach because ferry schedules in the Marlborough Sounds can make the airport the fastest or slowest part of the whole crossing. A missed ferry can add real time, so the arrival plan should always be built around the next water crossing. A ferry terminal or taxi transfer should already be chosen, because Picton works best when the next crossing is waiting on the Marlborough side of the schedule there already.
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 Picton Aerodrome