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Launch site · Māhia Peninsula, New Zealand

Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1

Rocket Lab's Electron launches from two pads at Ahuriri Point on the southern tip of the Māhia Peninsula.

Operator Rocket Lab

Global launch calendar, November 2026 Open map

Upcoming launches

Times: local launch-site time. Launch dates move often; NET means no earlier than.

  • Nov
    3
    Tue
    The Sea God Surveys (iQPS Launch 9) - Electron - Rocket Lab Launched
    05:41 local · Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1A
    Date changed 2 times — latest: “Launch success with satellite in contact.”
    Rocket Lab · YouTubeThe Launch Pad · YouTubeSPACE AFFAIRS · YouTubeThatSpaceDogeGuy · YouTube
  • Nov
    14
    Sat
    The Mountain God Rises (iQPS Launch 10) - Electron - Rocket Lab TBD
    time to be confirmed
    Date changed 2 times — latest: “NET November 14.”
  • NET
    2026
    BlackSky Gen-3 6 - Electron - Rocket Lab TBD
    time to be confirmed
    Date changed 1 time — latest: “NET Q3.”
  • NET
    2026
    BlackSky Gen-3 7 - Electron - Rocket Lab TBD
    time to be confirmed
  • NET
    2026
    BlackSky Gen-3 8 - Electron - Rocket Lab TBD
    time to be confirmed
  • NET
    2026
    BlackSky Gen-3 9 - Electron - Rocket Lab TBD
    time to be confirmed
  • NET
    2026
    iQPS Launch 11 - Electron - Rocket Lab TBD
    time to be confirmed
  • NET
    2026
    LOXSAT 1 - Electron - Rocket Lab TBD
    time to be confirmed
    Date changed 2 times — latest: “NET July 17.”

Where to watch a launch

  • The best spot is the beach at the end of Blucks Pit Road near Nuhaka: no road signs, limited parking and facilities, no toilets. visitwairoa.co.nz
  • The pad cannot be seen from any public point on the peninsula, and the public may not enter Onenui Station during launches. wairoadc.govt.nz
  • Rocket Lab streams each launch with commentary, from about 15–20 minutes before an attempt. visitwairoa.co.nz
  • The only road to the site runs north to State Highway 2 at Nūhaka. en.wikipedia.org

Getting there

  • From Gisborne, about 80 km (75 minutes) south on State Highway 2, then Māhia Road; from Napier, 166 km, about 2.5 hours. tripideas.nz
  • Wairoa, the nearest town, is 50 km north-west of the pad. en.wikipedia.org

On the day

  • Scrubs and postponements are likely, sometimes over several days; check Rocket Lab's website, Facebook and X before you travel. visitwairoa.co.nz

Hotels near Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1

  • Māhia Beach has accommodation, a dairy and a seasonal café, and many holiday homes. tripideas.nz
  • Mahia Beach Motels & Holiday Park, 43 Moana Drive, has motels, cabins and tent and powered sites. hawkesbaynz.com

Flights to Gisborne

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