Traffic delays near the airport | please allow extra time
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is undertaking significant asphalt works on the Cambridge section of the Waikato Expressway from March to late 2026.
Stage 6 starts 17 August and requires the closure of the northbound on-ramp at the Cambridge West/VelodromeInterchange. Crews will be working across both northbound lanes from just south of the interchange to just south of the Tamahere Interchange (see map). Following Stage 6 the team will be moving to Stage 7 the southbound lanes near the Southern Interchange. This work is currently scheduled for October. During Stage 7 the team will also be returning to the on and off-ramps at the Victoria RoadInterchange (Hautapu) to complete asphalting on all ramps at the interchange. This work will be done at night to minimise delays.
The Tamahere Interchange is not impacted by this work, but we do expect to see increased traffic congestion in this area particularly at peak travel times because of the volume of SH1 traffic merging into one lane in each direction. Delays of up to 20 minutes at peak can be expected. Cambridge traffic wanting to head north on SH1 will need to join the Expressway at the Victoria Road Interchange, Hautapu.
Motorists are advised to consider all alternative routes available to ease traffic congestion. Delays are expected, particularly at peak travel times. Motorists are advised to plan ahead, allow extra time for journeys, and take care when travelling through work sites.
If you’re catching a flight, we strongly recommend allowing extra time to arrive, check in, and make your departure without added stress.
You can find more information, including traffic management details, via the Hamilton City Council project page here. www.nzta.govt.nz/waikato-works
There is also a Journey Planner (https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/journey-planner) which has the most up-to-date information on high impact works on the state highway network and to use alternative routes where possible.
We appreciate the important improvement works being carried out and thank everyone visiting the airport for their patience during this time.
Changes are coming to our Pick-up/Drop-off area
As Hamilton Airport continues to grow, we’re making changes to help keep our Pick-Up and Drop-Off area safe, efficient and moving freely.
The Pick-Up and Drop-Off area is limited to five minutes. Parking enforcement will commence soon, with fines issued where required.
If you need additional time, please use Car Park (A), where the first hour of parking is FREE.
Thank you for keeping the terminal forecourt safe and efficient for all.
We’ve introduced a Wait Zone at Hamilton Airport to make drop-offs and pick-ups smoother, safer and easier for everyone.
If you're collecting passengers from Hamilton Airport arrivals, use the Wait Zone in Main Car Park (A) until they're ready to be picked up.It helps keep traffic flowing and improves safety at the kerbside. The Wait Zone is a short, two-minute walk from the terminal.
Parking in the Wait Zone is FREE for one hour.
Look out for our new signage when you arrive! Thanks for helping us keep things moving and making arrivals and departures stress-free for everyone.
Reservation enquiries
For all enquiries about reservations, flights, baggage allocations or general Air New Zealand enquiries,
call (0800) 737 000. You can also visit their website here.
For all enquiries about reservations, flights, baggage allocations or general Jetstar enquiries,
visit their website www.jetstar.com
For Sunair enquiries, visit www.sunair.co.nz or call 0800 786 247.
Parking reminder
We use licence plate recognition (LPR) technology in our car park to ensure an easy and relaxing parking experience for our customers. This means you will NOT receive a ticket.
How does your parking work? When you arrive at the airport our system will automatically read your licence plate and the barrier arm will open. You won’t receive a ticket. Remember your licence plate number as you’ll need it later. Please ensure you park in the car park you have booked - we have the main car park A and the long-stay car park B.
If you booked online, you can drive straight to the exit barrier without visiting the pay stations – our system will match your licence plate number with your booking and the exit barrier will open.
For more information on our parking options, please click here.
Check in reminder from Air New Zealand
Are you travelling on an Air New Zealand flight?
Check Hamilton Airport arrivals and departures above for the latest flight information before travelling to the airport.
Check in must be completed at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure - even if you’re travelling with carry-on luggage only.
You can check in online 24 hours prior to your scheduled departure or you can check in early via the Air New Zealand mobile app or website.
Bag drop closes 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure and Air New Zealand recommends customers allow plenty of time by arriving at the airport well before check in closes.
