About the channel
NZ1 Aviation is a live plane-spotting channel broadcasting from Christchurch and Auckland, but also other major airports around New Zealand and occasionally Australia, Cook Islands and other interesting locations.
The idea is a simple one. Point a good camera at a working runway, turn on the ambient microphone, and leave it running. Some hours bring a steady procession of widebodies; some bring a single turboprop and a lot of weather. Light, laid back commentary adds to the chilled vibe of our livestream experience.
Streams run regularly, usually weekly. The channel is based in Christchurch, New Zealand but we often travel to other cities such as Auckland, Wellington & Queenstown. Occasionally you may see us in Australia, Cook Islands or Japan.
What is on screen
Every broadcast carries live information alongside the picture, built so you can follow what is happening without knowing the airport:
- The movement tile — the aircraft currently landing or departing, with its type, registration, operator, flight number and route, tracked live from ADS-B and timed against the active runway threshold.
- Field conditions — temperature, conditions wind and pressure, refreshed on a regular basis throughout the livestream.
- Chat on screen — questions and discussion from those currently watching.
How it gets to you
Our equipment is high quality and built to bring you the best picture and audio possible. We utilise several different technologies to maintain a solid connection in the most testing of locations.
The overlays and onscreen graphics are all custom built in-house, allowing us to customise what is shown on screen.
The chat
The chat is a large part of why the streams work. Regulars often call out movements before the camera finds them, identify an unusual registration, or explain why an approach was broken off. Messages chosen to appear on screen show the same public display name and picture YouTube already shows in chat — what happens to that data is set out in full on the privacy page.
Our channel moderators do a fantastic job of keeping the chat family friendly and a safe space for all. We are very lucky to have the help of the following people:
- Tely @tely_NZ
- Chris @MrsChris-Frank
- Katie @KatieLissette
- Haydyn @AirlineSquad
- Rob @Rob-Viking-One-Aviation
- Jenny @Jenny_NZed
- Chinook @Chinook_NZ
Supporting it
Data for our livestreams is the single biggest running cost, and viewer support covers a good share of it. Super Chats on YouTube, Buy Me a Coffee and PayPal all appear on screen during the stream. None of it is required — the streams stay free and unlisted behind no paywall either way.
Get in touch
For spotting tips, corrections to a flight number, media enquiries or anything else, the contact page has the details.