Air New Zealand flight NZ272 from Brisbane briefly touched down at Wellington before severe wind shear forced pilots to execute an immediate go-around.
The Airbus A321neo, carrying 214 passengers, safely diverted to Christchurch after weather conditions made another landing attempt at Wellington unsafe.
Passengers described a sudden jolt, loud bang and rapid climb, but the crew remained calm and followed standard emergency procedures throughout.
Wellington Airport's location beside Cook Strait creates powerful winds and unpredictable air currents, making it one of the world's toughest airports.
Modern Airbus A321neo aircraft feature advanced wind shear warning systems, helping pilots react quickly during challenging approaches and landings.
After landing safely in Christchurch, engineers inspected the aircraft and confirmed there was no tail strike or structural damage before service resumed.
The incident highlighted pilot skill, advanced aircraft technology and Air New Zealand's safety-first approach during extreme weather conditions.