Why fly with us?
The Waikato Aero Club has been in existence since 1933. We pride ourselves on tidy and pleasant facilities with a desirable "front row" position at Hamilton International Airport.
About us
Run by members, for members. All proceeds are put back into the aero club to improve it and make it a more enjoyable place for our members to fly.
From the basic Private Pilots License all the way through to the highest professional pilot licenses and ratings.
A programme will be customised to your requirements, taking into account your personal goals and available resources.
We pride ourselves on the value for money we provide to our members.
The recently fully refurbished lodge is located just a minute's stroll from the Claris Airfield on Great Barrier Island. Situated just north of the tip of the Coromandel Peninsula, the island is approximately an hour and ten minutes flight from Hamilton. Members are welcome to book at any time of the year, and from time to time our Social Committee organises group flying weekends away to stay there.
It offers the full range of facilities with both grass and asphalt runways as well as full air traffic control and airport services.
Pilots training for or maintaining Instrument Ratings have VOR, DME and NDB navigation aids available. Centrally located, we are also close to a large number of airfields and a wide range of airspace types.
These are organised by our Social Committee with a minimum of one per month. A typical event may be a convoy of our aircraft and members travelling to an airshow, a weekend at our Great Barrier Lodge or simply a barbecue and some friendly flying competitions on a fine Sunday afternoon. All members, flying and non-flying, are invited to take part in our social activities. Our newsletter will keep you updated with what's happening.
This means that, when flying away, you are entitled to reciprocal rights at the other 44 RNZAC member clubs around the country. We are also active in promoting participation in RNZAC flying competitions and pilot proficiency programmes.
About New Zealand
While the most stable weather occurs in Autumn, a predominantly temperate climate means that good flying conditions are encountered throughout the year.
can be found throughout New Zealand. We are located in one of the greenest areas of the country.
Pilots may know that due to low pollution rates visibility in New Zealand is generally very good. On clear days, this typically ranges from 50 kilometers to 80 kilometers, and occasionally even more, allowing pilots - and passengers - great views of the landscape on offer.
are easily reachable from Hamilton by air. From plateau to mountainscape to coastline, it can all be explored in a few hours.