KERIKERI AIRPORT GUIDE
Complete Guide to Bay of Islands Airport
Location, Flights & Facilities
Discover Kerikeri Airport - Your Gateway to Bay of Islands
Kerikeri Airport, officially known as Bay of Islands Airport (airport code: KKE), is located approximately 6 kilometers south of Kerikeri town center. This regional airport serves as the primary air gateway to the Bay of Islands and wider Northland region, offering convenient access for visitors arriving by air. The airport's strategic location makes it the closest airport to the Bay of Islands, providing a much faster alternative to the 3-hour drive from Auckland.
The airport is situated on Wiroa Road, off State Highway 10, making it easily accessible by car or taxi. Its location provides a scenic introduction to the region, with views of rolling hills and farmland during approach and departure. The drive from the airport to Kerikeri town center takes approximately 8 minutes, while popular Bay of Islands destinations like Paihia are just 25 minutes away.
Kerikeri Airport Details:
- Official Name: Bay of Islands Airport (also called Kerikeri Airport)
- IATA Code: KKE (used for flight bookings)
- ICAO Code: NZKK (aviation code)
- Location: Wiroa Road, Kerikeri, Northland
- Distance from Kerikeri town center: 6 km (approximately 5 minutes drive)
- GPS Coordinates: 35.2628° S, 173.9119° E
- Elevation: 151 meters (495 feet) above sea level
- Runway: 1,402 meters (4,600 feet) paved runway
- Phone: +64 9 407 6133
Airlines Servicing Kerikeri Airport
Kerikeri Airport offers regular scheduled flights connecting the Bay of Islands region with New Zealand's major cities. The airport is served by two airlines - Air New Zealand and Barrier Air - providing convenient access for visitors without the long 3-hour drive from Auckland. This makes Kerikeri Airport an essential gateway for tourists, business travelers, and locals traveling to and from the Bay of Islands.
Air New Zealand
Auckland (AKL) ↔ Kerikeri (KKE)
- Airline: Air New Zealand
- Flight Time: Approximately 45 minutes
- Frequency: Multiple daily flights (typically 3-4 flights per day in each direction)
- Aircraft Type: ATR 72 turboprop aircraft (68 seats)
- Booking: Book online at airnewzealand.co.nz or call 0800 737 000
Barrier Air
Auckland (AKL) ↔ Kerikeri (KKE)
- Airline: Barrier Air
- Flight Time: Approximately 45 minutes
- Frequency: Regular scheduled services (typically 3 flights a day)
- Aircraft Type: Caravan 208B (12 seats)
- Booking: Book online at barrierair.kiwi or call 0800 900 600
Auckland serves as the main hub, providing connections to numerous domestic and international destinations. While Kerikeri Airport primarily serves the Auckland route, passengers can easily connect through Auckland Airport to reach destinations throughout New Zealand and around the world. This hub-and-spoke model makes Kerikeri Airport a convenient gateway despite its regional size, eliminating the need for a 3-hour drive each way.
Kerikeri Airport Facilities and Transport Options
The convenience of flying to Kerikeri Airport cannot be overstated. Instead of facing a 3-4 hour drive from Auckland (240 km), visitors can be in the Bay of Islands within 45 minutes of takeoff. This time saving is especially valuable for short breaks, business trips, or when traveling with children or elderly family members. The scenic flight also provides stunning aerial views of Northland's coastline, islands, and landscapes that you'd miss while driving.
Airport Facilities and Services:
- Terminal Building: Modern terminal with check-in counters, waiting areas, and comfortable seating
- Café: Refreshment area serving coffee, snacks, light meals, and beverages
- Car Rental: Multiple car rental companies with desks at the airport including Avis, Budget, and Hertz
- Taxi Services: Taxis available (pre-booked) for immediate transport to Kerikeri and surrounding areas
- Shuttle Services: Pre-booked shuttle services to hotels and accommodation throughout the Bay of Islands
- Parking: Drop-off/Pick up parking is free. Short-term and long-term parking facilities available on-site with daily rates
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible facilities throughout the terminal with assistance available
- Baggage: Baggage claim area with trolleys available
The airport operates daily flights and provides a much more convenient alternative to driving from Auckland for visitors to the Bay of Islands region. The small size of the airport means quick processing times and a stress-free travel experience. Unlike larger airports, you can typically arrive just 30 minutes before your domestic flight, and baggage collection is usually completed within 10 minutes of landing.
Getting to and from Kerikeri Airport:
- To Kerigold Chalets: 5 minutes drive (5 km) via State Highway 10 and Wiroa Road towards Kerikeri Town Center
- To Kerikeri town center: 6 minutes drive (6 km) via State Highway 10 and Wiroa Road
- To Paihia: 25 minutes drive (25 km) - main Bay of Islands tourist hub
- To Waitangi: 20 minutes drive (20 km) - Treaty Grounds and historic sites
- To Russell: 35 minutes drive + ferry (30 km) - historic waterfront town
- To Kerigold Chalets: 5 minutes drive from airport - convenient accommodation
- Taxi Services: Available at the airport rank
- Shuttle Services: Pre-book with accommodation providers or shuttle companies like Bay of Islands Shuttles
- Car Rental: Pick up your rental car directly from the airport for maximum flexibility exploring the region
Flight Schedule Information:
- Peak Season (Dec-Feb): More frequent flights during summer and school holidays
- Off-Peak (Jun-Aug): Reduced frequency but still daily Auckland service
- Business Travel: Morning and evening flights timed for business travelers
- Weekend Services: Full schedule maintained for leisure travelers
- Public Holidays: Modified schedules during major holidays - check airline websites
- Advance Booking: Book early for best fares, especially December-January
For international visitors, the most common route is to fly into Auckland International Airport from overseas, then connect to a domestic flight to Kerikeri. Air New Zealand offers seamless connections with baggage transferred automatically between international and domestic flights. The domestic terminal at Auckland is connected to the international terminal, making transfers straightforward with minimum 2-3 hours connection time recommended.
Kerikeri Airport's location makes it an ideal entry point for exploring the Bay of Islands and Northland. The airport is well-signposted from State Highway 10, and GPS navigation systems accurately locate the terminal. For visitors staying at Kerigold Chalets, the airport is just a short 10-minute drive away, making arrival and departure convenient and stress-free. We can help arrange airport transfers or you can easily rent a car at the airport.
