Wellington Airport Website Redesign: A Digital Transformation
Wellington Airport’s website got a serious makeover — transforming how travelers access reliable flight info while embracing te ao Māori design. This project wasn’t just about looking good; it was about balancing excitement with practicality to deliver a visually stunning yet super functional experience. The redesign and rebuild focused on creating a seamless digital journey that truly reflects the airport’s identity and connection to the land, sea, and sky.
Main Benefits of the Wellington Airport Website Project
Here’s a quick snapshot of what makes this project stand out:
- Built on Wagtail CMS, integrating multiple APIs for real-time flight information
- Clear, accessible maps redesigned for ease of use
- Optimised user journeys focusing on flights and parking info — the top visitor needs
- Brand storytelling page developed as a Webflow sub-site, sharing the pūrākau of Ngake and Whātaitai
- Collaboration with mana whenua and designers to embed te ao Māori elements
- Bcorp score of 115.1, highlighting strong social and environmental performance
- Keywords driving visibility: digital agency, creative agency, UX, branding agency, and more
Creating a Seamless Digital Experience Rooted in Whenua
The website redesign was about more than just tech — it was about telling a story. Wellington Airport had a fresh brand and a new story to share. The challenge? Build a modern site that instantly shows accurate flight info and reflects who they are today, while honouring their roots. Using Wagtail CMS as the backbone, developers crafted a site that pulls in critical flight data smoothly from multiple APIs. The digital experience shifts with the time of day and highlights the importance of the whenua — the land, sea, and sky that shape the airport’s identity.
Optimising User Journeys with Clear, Accessible Design
Most visitors come looking for flights and parking info — so the site was designed to make those journeys quick and painless. Analytics played a big role in shaping an intuitive information architecture that puts the most-needed content front and centre. Quicklinks, maps, and flight details are all easy to find right on the homepage. Plus, distinct community and corporate hubs make exploring the site a breeze. The maps got a fresh redesign too — clearer, more accessible, and way easier to navigate.
Bringing the Stories of the Whenua to Life Online
The brand storytelling page is a real highlight. Built as a sub-site in Webflow, it tells the pūrākau of Ngake and Whātaitai — the foundation stories behind the brand. This wasn’t just a creative exercise; it was a collaboration with Wellington Airport’s brand partner Everyone and mana whenua. Kura Moeahu (QSO), a respected chief of several iwi, shared the pūrākau, explaining how these stories shaped the whenua of Te Whanganui-a-Tara and the peninsula where the airport sits. This storytelling connects the digital experience deeply to the place and its people.
Embedding Te Ao Māori Design Elements Throughout
Esteemed designer Manukorihi Winiata (Ngāti Raukawa, Te Āti Awa, Ngāti Awa, and Ngāti Tūwharetoa) played a key role in shaping the story into a symbol that became the foundation of the brand. This symbol informed the website’s design elements, weaving te ao Māori aesthetics throughout the digital space. The result? Bold visuals, immersive storytelling, and interactive features that bring the airport’s identity to life online. It’s a meaningful connection between the physical place and its digital presence — a true celebration of culture and community.
Project Impact and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure — through modern, integrated digital infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities — by reflecting local culture and community identity
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production — via efficient, user-focused digital design reducing resource waste
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals — collaboration with mana whenua and brand partners
Reflecting Identity Through Digital Innovation
Wellington Airport’s website redesign is a prime example of how digital innovation can go hand-in-hand with cultural storytelling and user-centred design. It’s not just a site for checking flights — it’s a digital gateway that honours the whenua, tells powerful stories, and makes travel easier. This project shows how a creative agency in Wellington can blend technology, design, and culture to build something truly special. The airport’s new online presence is vibrant, accessible, and deeply connected to its roots — a perfect balance of modern functionality and rich heritage.
