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Thinking of visiting New Zealand to see where the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit trilogies are made but you’re worried about the accessibility of its airports?
Thankfully, the major airports in New Zealand have airline wheelchair assistance and other accessibility services that guarantee wheelchair users with limited mobility can get to their flights without any difficulties.
In this blog post from Gilani Mobility, we’ll discuss the wheelchair services offered in the airports in New Zealand.
Auckland Airport is the biggest and busiest airport in New Zealand. It’s the major entry and exit point for domestic and international travel. It’s also well known for its state of the art amenities and accessibilities.
For passengers who need to use a manual or electric wheelchair, AKL requests the passengers to contact the airline they’re traveling with. Auckland Airport’s website provided a web page of airlines’ contact details here.
An airport wheelchair assistance tip, if you’re flying via AKL, is by availing of the Dial-a-Ride, a WAV shuttle service. For passengers who want to use this service, it’s recommended to book two days in advance to make sure the request is accommodated. For other transport services for AKL passengers, click here.
Reading Suggestion: How to Get a Wheelchair for Free in New Zealand
The doors across this airport are automatic making it easier for wheelchair users to navigate it. Aside from automatic doors, people with disabilities can also access all floors via lifts.
Aside from the physical and visible disabilities, Auckland Airport is also a member of the Sunflower Lanyard program for hidden disabilities. To alert airport staff about your hidden disability or someone you’re travelling with, wear a sunflower lanyard. With this, they could assist you until the time of your flight.
The international terminal has wheelchair-accessible toilets.
Passengers with visual impairments can use automated teller machines with Braille keys at the:
Christchurch Airport is located on the South Island of New Zealand. Similar to AKL, it also has accessibility amenities to accommodate travelers of all abilities.
The airport also has Airport Ambassadors from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM to assist passengers every day. They are available at the airport’s ground floor information desks.
If you’re asking “How do I get a wheelchair assistance at the airport?” in Christchurch, CHC advises its travellers to contact the airlines they’re flying with directly. For contact information of airlines flying in and out of CHC, click here.
Aside from participating in the Sunflower lanyard program for hidden disabilities, CHC also supports passengers bearing the Hāpai Access Card. Similar to the Sunflower lanyard program, travellers with hidden disabilities who would want additional assistance can wear their access card.
If you have a disability card, there are several mobility parking spaces in Christchurch airport parking lots. The nearest mobility parking to the terminal is the ground floor of the Express Park building.
Wheelchair users can travel to and from Christchurch airport by availing of the services by Super Shuttle and other taxi companies. When booking, mention the assistance you require and if you’re traveling with an air hawk wheelchair or other types of wheelchair especially if the wheelchair needs special handling.
Wellington Airport is dedicated to accessibility as well, offering wheelchair services making sure passengers with limited mobility can still navigate the airport easily.
Wellington Airport is part of the Be Accessible initiative that promises to support passengers who need extra assistance. How does wheelchair assistance work in WLG? Passengers with limited mobility can avail of wheelchairs and other mobility aids provided they schedule the service 48 hours before their flight.
Wheelchair-accessible toilets are available in departure lounges. Unisex accessible toilets are also available for wheelchair users whose caregivers are from the opposite gender.
The airport is equipped with lifts to help manual, electric, foldable, or carbon fiber wheelchair users access different floors The keys are in Braille to also accommodate visually impaired travelers.
To get wheelchair service in the airport, it’s best to visit the accessibility web pages of the airport you’re traveling with.
The procedures in checking and availing a wheelchair at the airport differs. It’s best to read about the accessibility services provided by each airport to be familiar with its terms and conditions, especially if you’ll be travelling with your own wheelchair that requires special handling like the falcon electric wheelchair and its accessories.
Most airports offer wheelchair assistance free of charge. Still, it’s recommended to do your research beforehand to avoid any surprises.
Yes, provided the wheelchair is a cabin wheelchair, meaning its specifications fit the sizes and dimensions allowed inside an aircraft and it’s a manual wheelchair without any electronic batteries.
Yes. You’re also allowed to use your own wheelchair until boarding but when you reach the gate, you’ll need to transfer to a cabin wheelchair.
Wheelchair users fly the same as any able bodied individuals especially since airports and airlines are now more accessible.
