Wellington/Auckland Spotting Guide

A separate section for photographers to upload and comment on everything from amateur plane spotting images to professional air to air shots.

Postby benwynn » Sat Mar 28, 2009 7:53 am

Hey Guys,

Ive had a quick look at the "Plane Spotters Intelligence" thread, but I was hoping to get a few more details in regards to spotting at Wellington Airport and Auckland Airport.

Im coming over from Blenheim on the 8th of April to spend the day in Wellington, and hoping to get a bit of spotting done, before/after Im in town.

As for Auckland, I've spaced about 6 hours between my arrival from BHE and departure to SYD to either do some spotting or relax in the Emirates Lounge.

Wellington

(JohnARNZ)


This map here shows most of the spots I imagine? I obviously wont have a car/bike/bus etc, so I'll be walking. Don't mind a long walk presuming the weather isn't hideous. Public Transport is also an option I suppose? I don't really know too much about it at this stage..

In regards to the map, im interested in spots (4,5,6,7,8,9) and (15,16,17,18,19). Can anybody tell me more about these spots in detail?

Auckland

(Trolly)


As for AKL, I dont really know too much. Im really only interested in the Yellow/Green spots because the others are too far to walk (I suppose?)

Does anybody have any other locations that might be useful to me? Again, same situation as Wellington. I've herd the domestic carpark isn't a bad spot, I've only got 200mm though, cant be bothered to bring my Teleconverter.

Thanks Guys,

Ben
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Postby Kelburn » Sat Mar 28, 2009 8:38 am

benwynn wrote:
QUOTE (benwynn @ Mar 28 2009, 08:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Wellington

(JohnARNZ)


This map here shows most of the spots I imagine? I obviously wont have a car/bike/bus etc, so I'll be walking. Don't mind a long walk presuming the weather isn't hideous. Public Transport is also an option I suppose? I don't really know too much about it at this stage..

In regards to the map, im interested in spots (4,5,6,7,8,9) and (15,16,17,18,19). Can anybody tell me more about these spots in detail?



Okay:
If you want I can try to post images I have taken from individual locations on the map at a layer stage.
Anyway:

1,2 and 3 are in the terminal. Use a wide angle. I'd assume you might get a few weird looks if you were using a DSLR but what the heck! The windows can be dirty at times but Wellington's terminal is a great one for photography.

4 is through a fence as is the gate opposite 16 and you can't fit an SLR lens through (I've tried)

5 and 6 only allow a front on view of approach because the new tunnel blocks the runway plus there is a car park at 7 so I'm not too sure about if it would work or not - haven't been over there recently)

8 is where I took those first shots I posted.

I cant speak for 9 though as I have never been there.

10 and 11, fence is in the way.

12 great place with a zoom lens. Will only work well if it isn't a hot day otherwise heat distortion!

13 Can't remember much but I'm pretty sure it is worthwhile if 16 is in use.

14 Never been up here for photographing but this road does have a really good look on the airport.

15 Never used. Big intersection down there to cross - I personally wouldn't bother and same with 18

16 not raised thus road is in way but if you go 10m up road to 17, you have a really nice spotting place I find.

Lastly 19 is similar to 17 just no power lines in the way plus you might need slightly more zoom.


Anyway, I hope this helps and if I get time I'll post photos corresponding to the location
Image

Isn't it evident?? Boeing are my favourite aircraft.

P.S. that's is my real birthday but I wish to keep my real age secret to keep you all pondering.
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Postby d3fai13r » Sat Mar 28, 2009 9:16 am

benwynn wrote:
QUOTE (benwynn @ Mar 28 2009, 07:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Auckland

(Trolly)


As for AKL, I dont really know too much. Im really only interested in the Yellow/Green spots because the others are too far to walk (I suppose?)

Ok, Blue one is good in the morning or evening(if you like light effects morning-contr light) but usually its better to stay there not more 10 minutes, as its construction area, but there is no signs that forbid you to go(why 10min. because thats usual time between ASS will see you and send SkyGate security). Yellow doesn't exist anymore, instead covered carpark opposite to domestic terminal. Very nice because offers you sun and rain protection. Probably my favourite place. Also has some negative sides-you can be asked what are you doing here etc, haze during daytime and also domestic terminal roof, which has conditioning that gives extra haze+ANZ 737 APU's. Green one haven't used, IMHO good in winter(no haze) Red one is not that far, i usually spend 15-17 minutes to get from in.ter, but there you don't have sun|rain protection and its quite a lot to run in case of rain:)
Last edited by d3fai13r on Sat Mar 28, 2009 9:17 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Postby benwynn » Sat Mar 28, 2009 1:46 pm

Hmm, sounds like AKL might be difficult. Thanks for the info!

@ TUI, Do you drive to spot or walk/bike ride?

Im thinking spot 8 looks pretty good, but how do I get there from the terminal? Can I walk under the tunnel or what?

Sounds like Ill be spending most of my time around either 17 or 8. Also, I herd just near 7 there is a little hill (I think VAC goes there) that is really good for spotting especially around the Link Apron?
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Postby Kelburn » Sat Mar 28, 2009 4:40 pm

I generally bike. You can walk it just isn't as fast.
Image

Isn't it evident?? Boeing are my favourite aircraft.

P.S. that's is my real birthday but I wish to keep my real age secret to keep you all pondering.
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Postby Kelburn » Sat Mar 28, 2009 4:52 pm

Ok.

Taken from 1,2,3 (terminal)



Taken from 7




Taken from 8





Taken from 13




Taken from across road from 16 (you need a point and shoot for here)





Taken from 17


Image

Isn't it evident?? Boeing are my favourite aircraft.

P.S. that's is my real birthday but I wish to keep my real age secret to keep you all pondering.
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Postby benwynn » Sat Mar 28, 2009 10:05 pm

Awesome, thanks a bunch Kelburn.

Is there any reason why you need a P&S at point 16?
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Postby d3fai13r » Sat Mar 28, 2009 10:10 pm

So you will have spare time from EK arrival till EK departure? Then can suggest you to go to domestice parking, look at that-if 23 in use would be nice to take photo of taxing aircrafts, then go to the fence near QF domestic terminal(when any of their aircraft is going to depart/arrive) smell jetA1:) and than move back to intern.terminal, take beer(or whatever you like) and relax in EK lounge. After todays spotting i become very angry to this weather(((
This is result of last sun from yellow point

PS until winter will only make spotting from 5-6 till sunset-this fn sun with my lens making very good result angry.gif angry.gif angry.gif contrast is high and saturation is extremely low, and photo looks like colourless, and when you add sat. they becoming totally unreal colours. Photo taken near ANZ hangars
Last edited by d3fai13r on Sat Mar 28, 2009 10:17 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Postby Kelburn » Sun Mar 29, 2009 8:10 am

QUOTE
Is there any reason why you need a P&S at point 16?[/quote]

The fence holes are too small to fit a lens through. I tried with my 18-55 (which you need for a place that close) and still get a bit of wire around the edges of my photo.
Image

Isn't it evident?? Boeing are my favourite aircraft.

P.S. that's is my real birthday but I wish to keep my real age secret to keep you all pondering.
Kelburn
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Postby benwynn » Sun Mar 29, 2009 8:42 am

No, im arriving from Blenheim at around 12pm, and my flight to Sydney on EK doesnt leave until almost 6pm or something like that.

I might have to go check out that spot, great pictures.

Thanks Guys!
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Postby d3fai13r » Sun Mar 29, 2009 8:53 am

benwynn wrote:
QUOTE (benwynn @ Mar 29 2009, 08:42 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
No, im arriving from Blenheim at around 12pm, and my flight to Sydney on EK doesnt leave until almost 6pm or something like that.

I might have to go check out that spot, great pictures.

Thanks Guys!

EK412 AKL-SYD-DXB departs not earlier than 7pm, at least when im on spotting departs after 7.
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Postby benwynn » Sun Mar 29, 2009 9:00 am

Well according to my details it departs at 6 laugh.gif
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