Air New Zealand launch Plane Spotter’s Guide

July 16, 2026

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Air New Zealand has launched a new Plane Spotter’s Guide this week, inviting Kiwi children to look up, listen out and spot aircraft during the school holidays. The guide is designed for curious young travellers and future pilots who want to identify planes taking off, landing or flying overhead. It features aircraft such as the ATR72-600 and Q300, which connect regional New Zealand, along with the Airbus A320neo, Airbus A321neo, Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and Boeing 777-300ER.

CLICK HERE to download the guide.

Air New Zealand A320 Captain Jake Snelgrove says plane spotting turns an ordinary trip past the airport into a mini adventure. He explains that every aircraft has its own personality, with some easy to recognise because of their size, wing shape, engines or even their sound. Captain Snelgrove advises young spotters to find a safe viewing spot, keep their eyes on the sky and look closely for details that make each plane unique.

The guide includes illustrations, simple spotting clues and fun facts to help junior plane spotters tell the aircraft apart. Air New Zealand also shares its favourite plane spotting locations around the country, including Puhinui Road Lookout in Auckland, Lyall Bay Beach in Wellington, Aviation Drive in Christchurch, Frankton Golf Course in Queenstown and the Airport Perimeter Walkway in Nelson.

Captain Snelgrove says families do not need to visit an airport to take part, as planes can be spotted from the car, the beach, the backyard or even while walking the dog. He says the airline cannot wait to see what its youngest aviation fans manage to spot these school holidays.

Article written by Shem Banbury - Kiwi Kids News Editor

This article was written using AI as an assistive tool for research and writing.

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Last month, residents in a small Dunedin neighbourhood started a community garden on an empty section of land. They planted kūmara, lettuce, spinach, and herbs in raised beds. Volunteers watered the garden each evening, and children helped remove weeds on weekends. The project organiser said the garden would provide fresh food for local families. One resident described the garden as the best idea the community had ever had. By the end of the month, several plants were already growing well.

Which statement is a fact?

Several plants were already growing well. The garden would provide fresh food for local families. The garden was the best idea the community had ever had. Volunteers watered the garden each evening.