Ardmore Flying School: Airbus A320 Flight Simulator at Ardmore Airport, Auckland

Flight Simulator Auckland — Airbus A320 at Ardmore Flying School, Ardmore Airport

Ardmore Flying School is New Zealand’s largest and most established flying school, operating from the historic Ardmore Airport in Papakura — the busiest general aviation airport in New Zealand and home to a rich aviation heritage stretching back to World War Two. Alongside its comprehensive pilot training programmes, the school operates an Airbus A320 flight simulator open to the public — giving aviation enthusiasts, gift experience seekers, and aspiring pilots the chance to fly the most widely operated short-haul commercial aircraft in the world from one of New Zealand’s most iconic aviation locations.

Sessions are available in 30-minute and 60-minute formats, with a duo option for two people flying together. The experience is open to all ages with no prior flying knowledge required, and every session is led by a briefed instructor who guides you from takeoff to landing.

The Airbus A320 Simulator

The A320 is the aircraft that Air New Zealand operates on domestic trunk routes and trans-Tasman services — the fly-by-wire sidestick cockpit that carries millions of New Zealand passengers each year. At Ardmore Flying School, the A320 simulator replicates that cockpit faithfully, with authentic controls, instruments, and a wraparound visual system delivering immersive views from the flight deck.

Two iconic New Zealand routes are featured prominently in the experience:

The Auckland circuit — a 30-minute introduction taking off from Auckland Airport, soaring over the city with views of the Sky Tower, the Waitematā Harbour, and Rangitoto, before using the instrument landing system for a precise return to Auckland. A dramatic and distinctly local experience that showcases New Zealand’s largest city from the pilot’s perspective.

The Christchurch to Queenstown mountain route — the 60-minute flagship experience. Depart Christchurch, navigate through the heart of the Southern Alps, and attempt the classic Queenstown approach through the mountain valleys. Breathtaking views, genuine challenge, and an approach that regularly features on lists of the world’s most dramatic aviation experiences. Cap it off with a landing on Queenstown’s famously short and narrow runway.

Session Options

Half-Hour Experience — NZD $175. A full briefing, takeoff from Auckland, city sightseeing, and an instrument landing back at Auckland. The ideal introduction for first-timers and the most popular gift choice.

One-Hour Experience — NZD $300. A full-length flight experience covering one of New Zealand’s iconic routes — Christchurch to Queenstown through the Alps, or an alternative route of your choice. Time enough for real airline procedures, navigation, and a challenging approach and landing.

One-Hour Pilot and Co-Pilot Experience — NZD $350 for two. Share the cockpit with a friend, partner, or family member — one as captain, one as co-pilot. Divide the responsibilities of flight, share the views, and land together. The perfect shared aviation experience for couples and friends.

The Ardmore Setting

Ardmore Airport is no ordinary general aviation airfield. Opened in 1941 as a Royal New Zealand Air Force training base, the airport trained thousands of wartime pilots and today remains New Zealand’s busiest general aviation hub — a constant hive of activity with light aircraft, aerobatic trainers, warbirds, and helicopters operating alongside each other on its grass and sealed runways. A visit to Ardmore for a simulator session can easily be combined with watching real aircraft operations from the airfield perimeter — a genuinely immersive half-day aviation experience for enthusiasts.

Gift Vouchers

Gift vouchers are available for all session types — an ideal and original gift for aviation enthusiasts, frequent flyers, travel lovers, and anyone who has always wanted to know what it feels like to fly an airliner. Contact the school directly to arrange.

Plan Your Visit

Ardmore Flying School is located at 2 Harvard Lane, Ardmore Airport, Papakura, Auckland 2582 — approximately 35 minutes south of Auckland CBD via the Southern Motorway (SH1). Open Monday to Friday during school hours, with weekend sessions available by arrangement. Book by calling 09 298 5055 or emailing the school via the contact form at ardmore.co.nz.