Study finds South Island spaceport for European rockets is feasible
Wednesday 30 September 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story Rocket Lab, Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre
A feasibility study suggests building a spaceport at Kaitorete, south of Christchurch, is viable. The joint study by Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre and French company SpaceDreamS indicates the site could provide European launch companies with a Southern Hemisphere base to mitigate various risks.
Key facts
4 facts
- The proposed site is Kaitorete Spit, south of Christchurch.
- The study was conducted by French company SpaceDreamS for Tāwhaki.
- The project is a partnership between Te Taumutu Rūnanga, Wairewa Rūnanga, and the Crown.
- The facility would be New Zealand's second spaceport.
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
A feasibility study has found that building a spaceport at Kaitorete Spit, south of Christchurch, is technically and operationally suitable for vertical rocket launches. The proposed facility would be the country's second spaceport, following Rocket Lab's Mahia site.
The project is a joint venture between the Crown-iwi national aerospace entity Tāwhaki and the French company SpaceDreamS. Tāwhaki and SpaceDreamS are currently discussing the proposal with the government, industry, and potential investors in Europe and the Asia-Pacific.
The spaceport could help European companies spread risks associated with weather, technical issues, and geopolitics. The site would potentially allow companies to launch satellites and payloads from Canterbury.
The proposal remains in an early stage with no construction timetable or cost announced. Tāwhaki and SpaceDreamS say the plan aims to align with Māori values, such as kaitiakitanga, by prioritising low-emission propellants.
Where reports differ
- One report notes Tāwhaki's history of shifting focus from launching rockets to reducing funding and back to a sharp swing since 2025.
Compiled from reports by RNZ and The Press.
