- Kerikeri Airport
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Kerikeri Airport IATA: KKE – ICAO: NZKK Location of airport in Northland
KKESummary Owner/Operator Far North Holdings Location Kerikeri Elevation AMSL 492 ft / 150 m Coordinates 35°15′46″S 173°54′43″E / 35.26278°S 173.91194°E Website Runways Direction Length Surface ft m 02/20 1,608 490 Grass 15R/33L 3,904 1,190 Asphalt 15L/33R 2,247 685 Grass Source: World Aero Data [1] Kerikeri Airport (also known as Bay of Islands Airport) is an airport in Kerikeri, New Zealand.
Contents
History
The airport was initially a grass airstrip set up in the early 1930s (or possibly earlier). During World War II, the airport was taken over by the Defense Department, where it was used for Air Force training. After the war ended, it was once again run by the local government.
In 1972, Mount Cook Airlines decided to use the airport to connect to tourist resorts. The service failed, as there were very few passengers. A Kerikeri-Auckland route was started by the airline, though it was not widely used. It was not until 1992, after the transfer of the airport to Northern Airports Corporation (now merged into Far North Holdings Ltd), that Eagle Airways (Air New Zealand) took over scheduled service and use of the route increased. Eagle Airways operates Beechcraft 1900Ds, while Air Nelson also provides service with Bombardier Dash 8s.[1]
Light Aircraft Transit
Kerikeri Airport is a small airfield for light aircraft located on the eastern side of northland. Norfolk Island Airport is 903 km (488 nautical miles) North West of Kerikeri, 754 km (407 nautical miles) to Noumea in New Caledonia, or 900 km (486 nautical miles) to Lord Howe Island which can be used as a stepping stone to the Australian mainland.
These distances are within the range of many light aircraft when fitted with long range tanks, while the direct distance without using Norfolk Island as a stepping stone, is usually beyond their capabilities. From New Caledonia other Pacific Islands such as Vanuatu and Fiji are within range and can be used as further 'stepping stones' to the other South Pacific and North Pacific destinations.
Other Airports near Kerikeri Airport
Kaitaia Airport also has fuel available and is 52 km (28 nautical miles) closer to Norfolk Island than Kerikeri, Kaitaia Airport has the longest runway in Northland and accommodates many private jets yearly.
Airlines and destinations
Airlines Destinations Air New Zealand Link operated by Air Nelson Auckland Air New Zealand Link operated by Eagle Airways Auckland Salt Air Whangarei References
External links
Categories:- Airports in New Zealand
- Far North District
- Buildings and structures in the Northland Region
- Oceanian airport stubs
- Northland Region geography stubs
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