How to Get to the Southern Hemisphere Proving Ground in New Zealand
SHPG is situated in the Southern Hemisphere, just south of the 45th parallel, in the heart of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. The nearest international gateway is Queenstown Airport, approximately a 1-hour drive from the facility, while visitors arriving via Auckland International Airport can connect to Queenstown on a short domestic flight. Wanaka, around 45 minutes from SHPG, is the preferred base for most engineers, offering convenient accommodation, dining, and services. Both routes follow sealed tourist roads before the 13 km gravel access to SHPG, providing a straightforward and scenic journey
International Travel
Major airlines operate flights to New Zealand, with Queenstown Airport—just a 1-hour drive from SHPG—offering frequent connections to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and domestic hubs in Auckland and Christchurch.
Approximate International Flight Times:
- USA (Los Angeles – LAX) to New Zealand: ~12 hours
- UK/Europe to New Zealand: ~24 hours (typically with a stopover in Asia or the USA)
- Asia to New Zealand: ~10 hours
Domestic Travel
Once in New Zealand, domestic flights and scenic drives make reaching SHPG simple.
- Queenstown is a vibrant resort town on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by the Southern Alps. Known as New Zealand’s adventure capital, it offers skiing, hiking, wine tasting, and adrenaline activities like bungee jumping and jet boating.
- Wānaka, just over an hour’s drive from Queenstown, is a picturesque alpine town on Lake Wānaka, offering a quieter alternative to Queenstown. Popular for its access to Mount Aspiring National Park, it’s ideal for hiking, biking, skiing, and year-round outdoor exploration.
