Auckland Airport is the biggest airport in New Zealand and the transportation hub for Air New Zealand. If you are planning a trip to New Zealand, it’s very likely that you’ll arrive in Auckland. That’s why we want to help you a little bit with out airport guide!
With more than 16 million passengers, Auckland Airport is the fourth biggest airport on the continent after Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane Airport.
Auckland is the hub for Air New Zealand
Auckland is the hub for Air New Zealand, but an important destination for other airlines including Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Emirates as well. At the moment, Auckland Airport just operates with a single runway and a single terminal.
Due to the two terminal architecture of Auckland Airport, there are several options for shopping and dining at the airport. There are several shops prior and after security control in the international terminal, making it easy to not only shop things you might have forgotten, but also cloth, sports equipment, jewelry and other things. Food-wise you can find several cafés, bars and even a few proper restaurants. Several fast food options are also available at Auckland Airport. The domestic terminal just comes with a few shopping and dining options.
According to sleepinginairports.com, it is possible to spend the night at Auckland Airport. However, it might only be possible to sleep airside. While there are no sleeping areas per se, you might just nap on one of the benches.
Luxury hotels are only available in the city center
For a more comfortable night, I’d highly recommend booking a hotel near the airport. The best option might be Novotel Auckland Airport, which is adjacent to the terminal. For a cheaper stay, you might also consider ibis Auckland Airport, which is in walking distance as well. Other three and four star options with shuttle services are also available.
Auckland Airport offers passengers departing several lounges to relax. Be aware of the entry requirements (usally business class or a certain frequent flyer tier). In addition to the airline lounges, there is also the Emperor Lounge, which you may access with a Priority Pass membership or paying cash at the door (49 NZD / ~ 33 Euro / 35 US-Dollar). Star Alliance passengers enjoy access to three Air New Zealand Lounges (international, domestic and regional). Qantas offers two lounges (busienss and first) for oneworld passengers, while SkyTeam uses the Air New Zealand Lounges. As you’d expect, Emirates also operates a lounge at Auckland Airport.
Public transportation at Auckland Airport is rather weak. The only real option to get to Auckland are the Skybus Express Buses, which are quite expensive. If taking those buses, you should plan with approximately one hour for the journey to the Britomart transportation hub.
You might also consider taking a taxi to Auckland
If you are travelling with a companion, I’d recommend either using Uber or taking a taxi. While the latter might be slightly cheaper than a bus ticket for two, Uber is approximately the same price. Starting from three passengers, the choice is quite obvious. At the moment, the city council of Auckland is in talks about a rail link to the airport. Yet, it looks like the buses, taxi and Uber will be the only public transportation option till mid- or even late-2020.
Except Auckland is in New Zealand and Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne are in Australia.
Thanks for you comment. As far as I’m concerned, Australia and New Zealand are on the same continent or did I miss something? I know that there is always some talk about New Zealand not actually being part of the continent “Australia” or “Oceania”, but for simplification, I’d say that saying “With more than 16 million passengers, Auckland Airport is the fourth biggest airport on the continent after Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane Airport.” isn’t wrong? Would you agree?
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