Parking Tips: Nelson Airport

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Whether parking at Nelson Airport for a week or more or simply picking up loved ones from the terminal, our Nelson Airport parking tips are a great place to start when planning your visit.

Here, you’ll find information on fees, services, and facilities - including details about the official airport car parks, off-site parking, how to make an online booking, the easiest way to find the best rates, plus answers to frequently asked questions, and everything in between. 

 

Tip 1: Book Online to Guarantee Your Space 

Did you know that there are less than 800 parking spaces at Nelson Airport? Between the Value Car Park and the Main Car Park, there are only 250 budget spaces by the terminal building. Those travelling during long weekends and school holiday periods run the risk of not being able to find an affordable space, if they don’t book in advance.

What could be more stressful, in the hours before your flight departs, than circling several different car parks looking for a spot? 

 

Tip 2: Compare Prices Before You Book

Overview of Nelson Airport Parking Rates

Car ParkCost per WeekService & Travel Time 
Value Car Park$108.00Walk: 2 - 3 minInfo
Main Car Park$144.00Walk: 1 - 2 minInfo

 

Calculating how much you’ll have to pay for parking at Nelson Airport is relatively straightforward when it comes to the official airport car parks. The Value Car Park and the Main Car Park all offer daily flat rates, which remain unchanged no matter how many days you stay.

Parking at the Long Term Car Park and the Main Car Park costs as low as $18.00 per day. After five days, the long-term car park charges $6 per day. Each car park offers 15-minutes of free parking.

To find the cheapest parking at Nelson Airport, check out our blog for more information!

If you’re planning on parking for a week or more, it’s well worth comparing the prices of several car parks to see which lot is the most cost-effective for your trip away. You can see the differences in price for stays of several weeks above.

 

Tip 3: Consider Covered Parking 

Nelson typically experiences mild winters, but storms and strong winds do occur. If you're worried about hail damage while parked in an open-air lot, covered parking is a smart alternative.

While it may cost slightly more, choosing covered parking can save you money compared to the cost of windscreen repairs or panel beating.

The airport’s official car parks are all uncovered, but secure indoor parking is available through Nelson Airport Car Storage. Rates start at $10.00 per day and include full CCTV coverage and protective metal fencing.

This option is especially recommended for owners of new or classic vehicles, or for those seeking greater peace of mind while away. 

 

Tip 4: Check if it’s Possible to Park an Oversized Vehicle or Campervan

Most on-site and off-site airport car parks are designed for standard-sized vehicles, which can be frustrating for those driving large vans or RVs. Fortunately, Nelson Airport offers a convenient solution.

The Value Long Term Car Park, owned and operated by the airport, is well-suited for oversized vehicles and camper vans. It offers easier access, wide turning spaces, and roads designed to accommodate larger vehicles.

If you're unsure whether your vehicle meets the requirements, it's best to contact Nelson Airport’s customer service team before heading out.

They can confirm whether the Value Car Park is suitable and advise on current availability.

The Value Long Term Car Park has around 250 spaces, but please note that online reservations are not currently available.

 

Tip 5: Confirm the Car Park’s Address Before You Leave Home

If you haven’t parked by Nelson Airport before, you’ll save yourself plenty of time and stress on your day of travel by double-checking the car park’s address. If you intend on using an off-site parking provider such as Car Storage Nelson, you’ll be able to find all the information you need on the Parkhero website.

Do keep in mind that if you’ve decided to park at either the Value Car Park or the Main Car Park, it’s worth confirming the address on Nelson Airport's official website before entering it into your car’s GPS.

The Value Car Park's point of entry has changed, so when you are coming off Trent Drive, you will see a new road connecting you directly to the Value Car Park.

Since Nelson Airport is currently undergoing redevelopment, ahead of the launch of the new terminal building, the road systems and car park entrances may have changed since you last visited.

Give yourself a little extra time to make the journey, so you can arrive at the airport feeling relaxed and well prepared. 

 

 

 

While we’ve made every attempt to report on Nelson Airport parking prices accurately, prices do fluctuate based on factors such as capacity, how long you intend to park for, and service type. The tariffs featured on this page were last updated in June 2025. All prices for New Zealand car parks are shown in New Zealand Dollars ($NZ).

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