Ardmore Airport

Ardmore Airport in south Auckland is one of New Zealand’s best-known general aviation aerodromes, describing itself as the country’s safest general aviation airport. It is home to more than 100 businesses and over 600 employees, and is fast becoming one of Auckland’s largest industrial developments.The airport was established in 1943 as a Second World War operational base at the request of the US Air Force, with construction finishing in 1945. It then became an important base for training New Zealand pilots. In later years the site housed a teachers’ training college and the Auckland University School of Engineering, accommodated Empire Games athletes in 1950, and hosted the New Zealand International Grand Prix from 1954 until 1963. General aviation began in 1952, and the Auckland Aero Club moved to Ardmore in 1960–61 to make way for Auckland International Airport. Ardmore still provides the alternative general aviation facility that Auckland Airport’s efficiency relies on.In 1995 the Ministry of Transport sold the assets to Ardmore Airport Limited. Today the airport is a significant contributor to local and national economies, with growth areas including helicopter maintenance.Visitors are welcome to learn to fly, have a coffee, attend an open day or explore the airport’s history, and it publishes procedures, weather cams, preferred approach videos and a regular newsletter, the Ardmore Airport Flyer.