Auckland Airport sits on a site just south of the city centre, which was first used as an airfield by the Auckland Aero Club in 1928. It was officially opened in 1966, and today is the fourth busiest airport in Australasia, with a capacity of around 45 flights per hour. Auckland Airport manages large volumes of international flights due to its position as a major hub in the South Pacific, and caters for large modern aircraft including the A380 and Boeing 777 and 747. Split into Domestic and International terminals, Auckland Airport provides good services and facilities for travellers and has frequently been rated among the best airports in the world.
Quick Facts
- Distance from CBD: 21 kilometres
- Number of Airlines: 30 + airlines operate from Auckland
- Number of destinations served:
- Number of terminals: Two
- Number of runways: One
Check-in
You’ll find the check-in counters on the ground floor at the eastern end of the international terminal and on the ground floor of the Domestic Terminal. Aim to arrive 3 hours prior to your flight’s scheduled departure for long haul international flights, two hours prior for Pacific area flights, and 90-minutes before a domestic flight.
Baggage
A luggage storage service is available for those who need to leave bags at the airport for a few hours or days. Visit the Smart Carte counters in the departures area (opposite Qantas Business check-in) or the arrivals area (near Air New Zealand Premium check-in) of the International Terminal. Lost property from both terminals can be claimed 24 hours a day at the airport’s Operation Centre behind the International Terminal.
Money Exchange
If you need to swap currency on your travels, you’ll find over 10 Travelex exchange booths located throughout the airport. Travelex is open 365 days a year and available for all arriving and departing flights.
Internet Access / WiFi
Auckland Airport offer 30 minutes of complimentary WiFi to passengers travelling through the airport. If more time is required, it is possible to follow the prompts to purchase more internet time.
Business Services
Keep on top of business during your trip with free WiFi at Auckland Airport. Scanning, copying and fax services are available at the Smart Carte counter opposite Check-in desk 67 in the international departures area. If you need a quiet space to connect and get caught up with work, the pay-per-use Emperor Lounge is a great option, with complimentary high-speed WiFi, and use of workstations if required.
Family Services
A great option for families with a few hours between flights is visiting the Airport Lounge to get away from the crowds. Access to the Emperor Lounge is free for children under 5 supervised by a fee-paying adult. The lounge has a special children’s section with TV and entertainment, so kids are happy and contained while parents can enjoy a bit of down time. Hot showers with towels and amenities, WiFi, and complimentary drinks and refreshments are also available.
Family facilities in the airport include specialised parent rooms located on the first floor airside, and on the First Floor and Ground Floor landside. Parent rooms are equipped with changing and feeding facilities for little ones.
Concierge
If you’d like a little extra help navigating your way through the airport processes after or before a long flight, Auckland Airport offers a concierge service to assist you on your journey. Whether you’re travelling with small children, a first time flyer, or just want an extra hand with baggage, tailored packages are available, designed to suit your needs. Concierge services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Showers
If you need to freshen up at Auckland Airport, complimentary showers are available close to Emperor Lounge on the first floor of the departure area. Towels and hairdryers are available for hire at the ‘Collection Point’, and travel sized personal care products are available for purchase from vending machines.
Airport Lounges
Emperor Lounge
Escape the hustle and bustle of the airport at this modern, spacious lounge available to all international passengers for a set fee. The lounge provides a relaxed setting with a delicious hot and cold food buffet, as well as a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Children under 5 years old are permitted free entry to the lounge with a paying adult, and a kid’s area complete with small furniture, entertainment and TV keeps them happily entertained. Emperor Lounge also has hot showers, with towels and amenities available from reception. Access is available for up to 3 hours, and includes complimentary high-speed WiFi, television, magazines and newspapers. Departure info screens throughout the lounge allow you to keep track of time so you don’t miss your flight!
Airline Lounges
Air New Zealand Koru Lounge
Open from 4.30am each day until the last Air New Zealand flight, the Koru Lounge provides a space to relax and enjoy light refreshments and entertainment in a luxurious setting before your international flight. Barista-made coffee is available each morning, with refreshments and bar facilities open all day long. The lounge is available for eligible Koru programme members and Airpoints Elite or Gold members. Pay-per-use access is also available for customers travelling on any international flight, priced from $55 for four hours.
Virgin Australia passengers travelling in business class or Gold or Platninum frequent flyer status also have access to the Air New Zealand Koru Lounge. Also including Star Alliance members.
Emirates Lounge
The newly renovated large Emirates Lounge at Auckland Airport opens at 2.30pm each day, catering for the three daily Emirates flights out of the airport, including two huge A380’s. The combined First and Business Class lounge features an exceptional range of hot and cold food along with drinks served up at two bar areas.
Qantas Lounge
Open from 4.15am to 7pm each day, the Qantas Lounge caters for First, International Business, Jetstar Business Max passengers, as well as eligible Platinum and Gold Frequent Flyers and Qantas Club members. The lounge offers a relaxing space with barista coffee, bar service, WiFi and television, hot showers and a selection of hot and cold food. The lounge is located airside on Level 2 of the international departures area.
International Terminal
Auckland’s International Terminal is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, catering for around 8 million international passengers each year. Airlines operating out of the International Terminal include Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, Jetstar, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Thai, Hawaiian, and LAN Airlines.
Domestic Terminal
Auckland Airport’s original terminal Air New Zealand (including Link flights), Jetstar, Virgin Pacific Blue, Air Chathams and Great Barrier Airlines and several other regional airlines all operate from Auckland Airport’s domestic terminal.
Buses, Taxis and Car Hire
If you want to catch a bus between Auckland city and the airport, the Airbus Express is probably your best bet. Fares are just $16 one-way or $26 return, with several prominent pick up and drop off stops throughout the city. Taxis between the airport and city will cost upwards of $70 depending on the traffic, with taxi ranks located outside the arrivals area at door 8 of the International Terminal and outside the Jetstar forecourt at the Domestic Terminal. If you prefer to drive yourself, there is a selection of Car Hire companies operating out of both terminals, including Avis, Europcar, Budget, Thrifty and Hertz.
Parking
Short Stay
The closest car park to the airport is the covered car park R located at the Domestic Terminal. This full covered car park offers easy access to the domestic terminal, and is a good option for short stay parking close to the airport. Alternatively the Park & Ride service can also be used for short stay parking if you don’t mind the added transfer to and from the car park to the airport.
Long Stay
Auckland Airport operates a Park & Ride service, offering a low cost parking solution for long-term stays. Park & Ride is located just a few minutes from the airport, with transfer buses to each terminal operating every 15 minutes. Parking rates start at $10 per day.
Business and Valet parking
A valet parking and car grooming service is available at Auckland’s domestic terminal, priced from $25 per day. Simply drop your keys with the valet on Level one of Car Park R, and then take the short covered walk to the domestic terminal to catch your flight.
Terminal Transfers
If you need to change terminals to catch an onward flight, a free transfer shuttle service is on-hand to take you and your luggage. Buses operate every 15 minutes from 5am-10.30pm daily. If you’d prefer to stretch your legs, a sign-posted walkway will guide you along the 10-minute walk between the two terminals.
The following airlines reach Auckland. Don't see the airline you are looking for? Talk to a consultant to book your Auckland flights with your preferred airline.
If you have a night in-between flights, kick back, relax and get a good nights sleep at one of Auckland Airport’s many airport hotels. In walking distance from the airport you’ll find the Novotel Auckland Airport, with the Holiday Inn, Grand Chancellor and more hotels within a few kilometres of the airport.
Browse our directory of airport hotels.
