Wellington Aero Club — Since 1929
New Zealanders have taken flying granted for a long time. Even in Wellington’s notoriously windy conditions, and the adventure that turbulence evokes in the minds of some, most of us don't give much of a second thought to getting on a flight to visit colleagues, friends and family around the country.
Wellington Aero Club has had a long association with the Rongotai Airport. Our membership, visiting aviators and student pilots are proud to be part of this considerable history that tells the story of how people in the aviation industry — and New Zealand as a whole — are brought together through flight.
We've collected a few photos here to help tell that story… and perhaps inspire you to join us by keeping this tradition of learning to fly from Wellington alive…
Arthur Schaef in his aircraft at Lyall Bay in 1912. Copyright and photographer unknown
Relief workers constructing Rongotai Airport, circa 1930. Smith, Sydney Charles, 1888-1972: Photographs of New Zealand. Ref: 1/2-071566-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/22875761
Looking south. Moa Point is to the top left, Lyall Bay to the right.
Opening pageant at Wellington Airport in 1929, Rongotai. Evening post (Newspaper. 1865-2002) :Photographic negatives and prints of the Evening Post newspaper. Ref: EP-0762-1/2-G. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/23082903
ZK-AAD — An Avro Avian taking off at Rongotai aerodrome in 1931
The Wellington Aero Club’s first aircraft ZK-ABL — An Aero Simmonds Spartan biplane at Rongotai Aerodrome, Wellington. Evening post (Newspaper. 1865-2002) :Photographic negatives and prints of the Evening Post newspaper. Ref: 1/2-084084-G. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/23157409
A Puss Moth being used as an air ambulance in 1931
Looking south. Moa Point is in the top-middle of the photo.
Group behind a fence, watching a biplane in the air at Wellington Airport, Rongotai. Shows cars parked alongside. Photograph taken circa 1930 by an unidentified photographer. Ref: PAColl-7985-47. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/23191718
A new hangar for Union Always aircraft over the top of the club hangar in 1935
Looking towards the north and the hilly suburbs that would later be levelled. The Aero Club hangar is on the left and the Air Force Gibson hangar on the right.
Aircraft at Rongotai Aerodrome. Dominion Post (Newspaper): Photographic negatives and prints of the Evening Post and Dominion newspapers. Ref: EP-Transport-Aviation, Historical-06. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/23122941
What we call the Western Apron today, looking north west.
Rongotai airfield. Photo by Whites Aviation Ltd: Photographs. Ref: WA-11317-G. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/22735428
Wellingtonians might recognise the old Aero Club building directly behind the aircraft. The very same building is the Spruce Goose Pub today.
Miles Gemini aircraft at Wellington airport in August 1947. Whites Aviation Ltd: Photographs. Ref: WA-09223-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/23120927
Flying from the north over Miramar and out over Evans Bay looking south towards Runway 1-6 in 1969.
Miramar, including Wellington Airport in the background. Whites Aviation Ltd: Photographs. Ref: WA-68355-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/22895689
Photo sources
All of the above photos were sourced from the Alexander Turnbull Collections. They are reproduced here as per the conditions listed on their site. View more great photographs that record some of the history of our club’s field at the New Zealand National Library.
Take flight
Add to the traditions of Wellington’s aviators — Make your own history by signing up for a Trial Flight or talk to us about your training requirements by contacting us today!