Auckland Airport
2011 Best Airport
REGION: SOUTH PACIFIC
Traveller Comments....
photo provided by Auckland Airport
"Instead of taking that rip-off bus to town, I decided to crash at the airport for 52 hours!" - Felipe
"Having spent a grand total of about 25 hours here; it's not too bad!" - Ben
"After I checked in at 3:30am I walked around and saw silly people sleeping in the check in area and even in the food court under bright lights and noise." - zan5hin
Recent Review
by Tracy
I went through Auckland international airport at the end of 2010. I noticed that the seating near the viewing deck had been removed and I know this is a popular place for people to sleep because it is darkish and quiet.
I carried on past this area going left and found there is some of these bench seats now located under the stairs going to the upper viewing deck.
photo provided by Auckland Airport
by zan5hin
From this site I knew I should head for the observation lounge on the second floor, however I asked the helpful info booth where I should crash and he suggested the same so that is where I headed. I was there really early and tired so tried sleeping at 8pm which was a bit difficult. I initially chose an area overlooking the duty free downstairs near the restaurant away from the crowd, and a nice cleaning lady came to vacuum and clean all the grubby windows so that was nice. I was woken by a loud chinese family which decided to stand near me and talk, so I moved into the proper observation area with the other people, where it was much easier and quieter after 11pm.
Only announcement was looking for people to get on flights or about flight delays. Barely any late night flights so this was not an issue.
Plenty of four chair lounges to sleep on. I had a sleeping bag and was very comfortable, unlike other sleepers who were had no blankets. Did get a bit cold near the windows after midnight.
Security does keep an eye on you, but does not bother you at all. When I woke up there was a big Maori bloke doing his rounds. After I checked in at 3:30am I walked around and saw silly people sleeping in the check in area and even in the food court under bright lights and noise.
I saw two banks of Samsung terminals in the airport which were busy so I assume they had free internet.
The last review for this airport was in 2011. Have you been there recently? Tell us about it!
Auckland Airport Guide
Airport Lounges
- Air New Zealand Lounge
- Qantas Lounge
- Emirates Lounge
Airport WiFi / Internet
Free wireless internet access is available at several hotspots in the airport. Connect to the "Airport_Hotspot" network on your wireless device. Hotspots are located:
- International Terminal - Public Areas (landside), Cafe Down Under (landside), Cafe Espresso (airside)
- Domestic Terminal - Qantas (landside), Air New Zealand (airside), Public shopping and food court areas (airside/landside).
Airport Hotels
If sleeping in the Auckland Airport is not for you, then there are many hotel options near the airport....
- Novotel Auckland Airport - located across from the international terminal
- Ventura Inn & Suites - free 24-hour airport shuttle
- Jet Park Airport Hotel - free airport shuttle
More Services, Facilities and Things to Do at the Airport
- Food
Landside (International): Cafe Down Under, Espresso Bar, Hayama Sushi, McDonald's, Sandwich Shuttle, Sbarro, Subway and more.
Landside (Domestic): Espresso Plus, McDonald's, Noodles & Sushi, Dunkin' Donuts and more
Airside (International): Blue Bar, Burger King, Cafe Espreso. - Showers
Free showers are available in the international, transit area (airside), near Artport Store. The Collection Point sells toiletries and rents out towels and hairdryers. Shower facilities are also located at international arrivals, past immigration. Towels are available for rent from Airways Florist. - Luggage Storage / Lockers
- Location: International Arrivals at the Auckland Tourism i-site Visitor Information Centre. Lockers are also available at a rate of NZ$15 per item per day. Hours: open 24 hours
- Location: International Departures at the Smarte Carte counter, opposite check-in counter 67. Hours: 330am - 1130pm
Location: International Terminal, Airside at the Collection Point, first floor. Hours: 6am - 11pm. - Location: Domestic Terminal - Auckland Tourism i-site Visitor Information Centre, ground floor, near court
- Chapel
International Terminal: A non-denominational chapel is located Airside, near Artport. A muslim prayer mat is located in the west pedestrian bridge. - Observation Deck
Location: International Terminal, level 2 - Games Arcade & Rides
Location: International terminal, airside - level 2, airside - level 1 and landside - arrivals area.
- Car Rentals
Avis, Hertz, Budget, Europcar, Thrifty. Location: international terminal, ground floor, near Baggage Claim and in the domestic terminal, in the car park
Airport Hours
open 24 hours (International terminal) / 500am - approx. 12am or last flight (domestic terminal)
Airport Transportation: Getting Around
A free terminal transfer bus operates every 20 minutes between the international and domestic terminals. Hours: 5am - 10.30pm daily.
Auckland Travel Sites
- Auckland Hotel Deals - compare rates, check availability and read reviews
>>>Read All Auckland Airport Reviews
Last Updated: 13 Nov 2010 | Sources: Auckland International Airport
The information in this Airport Guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airport's and their web sites. When you see "information not available" and "unknown", the airport has a lousy web site and/or has been uncooperative in providing information. The information above is subject to change without notice. Use it for informational purposes only to help you during your stay. To report errors, or to add/change any items quoted in the guide, please email me.
