Airport runway to open for charity

Walk the Runway is returning to Nelson Airport this weekend, giving locals a rare chance to take a sunset stroll while raising money for charity.

Thousands of people are expected to take part in the event on Saturday night, with participants invited to walk the 1.5-kilometre runway and see the area from a whole new perspective.

The fundraiser will support Nelson Airport Emergency Service team members who will take part in the 2026 Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge.

Entry is by donation, and all proceeds will go to Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand.

Beth Catley, the airport company’s head of corporate services, said it was “a pretty unique experience getting to walk along the runway and spend time out on the airfield”.

“The feedback has been that people really love getting that behind-the-scenes look.”

After successful events in 2023 and 2024 that each attracted thousands of people, Walk the Runway was skipped last year because of construction works on the apron.

“We’re hoping to attract a similar crowd this time,” Catley said.

The Fuel to Fly bar in the terminal would be open right up until the event started, so people were welcome to enjoy a drink before heading out on the runway.

The event will run from 8pm and is expected to finish just before 9pm, ahead of sunset. Airport staff and volunteers will usher participants off the runway when time is up.

On its website, organisers said the event offered an opportunity for families and friends to create lasting memories and capture photos from a part of the airport normally off-limits to the public.

A bus service, Ride the Runway, will transport pre-booked passengers from central Nelson and Tāhunanui to the airport and back, using regular stops along the marked route. Tickets for the bus are now sold out, and seats were strictly limited.

Airport parking will be free for participants.