Queenstown (NZQN)
Southern Lakes alpine airport famous for its dramatic terrain and the Runway 23 visual approach.
Overview
Queenstown is one of the most scenic and demanding airports in New Zealand. It sits in the Wakatipu Basin surrounded by the Remarkables, Crown Range, and Ben Lomond. RNP approaches are published but the classic arrival is a visual approach over Lake Wakatipu.
Queenstown
Runways
| Designator | Length | Surface | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05/23 | 1,890 m | Asphalt | Primary. 23 has the famous over-water visual. |
| 14/32 | 890 m | Asphalt | Secondary, crosswind. |
Frequencies
| Service | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ATIS | 126.4 | |
| Delivery | 121.9 | |
| Tower | 118.1 | Also 128.9 (secondary) |
| Approach | 125.75 | Also 122.95 (secondary) |
| Queenstown Information | 128.9 | Area FIS |
Elevation
1,171 ft AMSL.
Local Procedures
- Runway 23 visual: Over Lake Wakatipu, tight turn onto final. Strict noise and curfew restrictions (Todo: verify current curfew).
- Runway 05: Departures over the lake and a left or right turn to avoid terrain.
- Circuit: High terrain to the east and south; expect non-standard patterns.
- CTAF: 119.2 for surrounding strips in the Fiordland area (not 122.9).
Hazards
- Strong mountain wave and downdrafts on the lee side.
- Rapid weather changes - Fiordland cloud spills over the Main Divide.
- High traffic in summer including parachuting and scenic flights.
- Controlled airspace around the basin - no shortcuts through the CTR.
Recommended Approaches
- RNP 23 / RNAV: Preferred IFR arrival.
- Visual 23: Over the lake with a tight base turn - requires local knowledge.
- Visual 05: Straight-in with a steeper than normal glidepath.
Nearby Airfields
Related Routes
For flight simulation use only. Always check weather, minimum altitudes and your aircraft limits before flying these routes.