RNZAF Base Auckland (Whenuapai)

RNZAF Base Auckland is located near the upper reaches of the Waitematā Harbour in Auckland, New Zealand. The installation was established in 1965 through the administrative merger of two existing facilities: Whenuapai and RNZAF Station Hobsonville. Hobsonville opened in 1928 as a seaplane station and operated as the primary Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) flying boat base until 1967. Construction of Whenuapai began in 1937 to accommodate Vickers Wellington bombers, with hangars completed in 1939. Whenuapai concurrently operated as Auckland's civil international airport from 1945 to 1965. Following World War II, the installation focused on transport and maritime operations.

Hobsonville was later closed, and its operations were relocated. Starting in 2011, Whenuapai underwent a reconstruction program that rebuilt the main runway and taxiways. Subsequent construction added a gymnasium, personnel accommodation, a 25-metre weapons range, and a medical facility. In January 2023, No. 5 Squadron and approximately 250 personnel relocated from Auckland to RNZAF Base Ohakea following the retirement of the Lockheed P-3 Orions.

The base is operated by the RNZAF with a personnel strength of approximately 1,500. Flying units stationed at the base include No. 6 Squadron and No. 40 Squadron. No. 40 Squadron operates Boeing 757 and C-130 Hercules aircraft. Stationed non-flying units include Base Headquarters, No. 62 Squadron (Space Operations), No. 230 Squadron, Base Operations Squadron Auckland, RNZAF Police, and the Rescue Fire Service. Training and support units on site include the Base Medical Flight, Parachute Training Support Unit, Security Forces Military Working Dog Training School, Aviation Medicine Unit, and the Survival Training Centre. The installation also houses a secure data center established by the New Zealand government for the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) and the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (SIS).