Upgrade was completed by my visit in July 08. Very good facilities and friendly staff. Just remember to pay your departure fee! AKL and WLG don't have this and lots of people make a last minute dash to the stationary shop to pay their fee (tax). Didn't appear to be advertised too well and wasn't advised at check-in about it. Not a big problem though as it was only NZ$5 and only a minor inconvenience before racing out to the tarmac.

A massive programme is underway at updating this airport. The passenger terminal has been completely rebuilt and enlarged, with better services and access for both international and domestic passengers. A new taller control tower now graces the field and the runway lengthened to 2200 usable meters with appropriate international standard runoffs at each end. On minus is the removal of Air New Zealand's Jetway, as it was considered uneconomical to repair. Passengers have to walk out to aircraft to board including international flights. Not the best during inclement weather. Regional air carrier, Eagle Air has its home base facilities here as well. Two large training schools are also located here as well as two light aircraft manufacturers.