After a couple of nights in Auckland, our Air New Zealand flight from Auckland to Queenstown was departing at 2:15PM. We got to the airport at around 12:30PM, which was plenty early. At Auckland Airport, the domestic and international terminals aren’t connected.
The domestic terminal was quite crowded, though still easy to navigate.
Auckland Airport domestic check-in area
We used one of the kiosks to get our boarding passes for the flight to Queenstown.
Auckland Airport domestic check-in area
From there we cleared security, which was a breeze. I find that to consistently be the case for domestic terminals both in Australia and New Zealand.
We followed the signage to the Air NZ Domestic Lounge, which we had access to on account of my Star Alliance Gold status through Copa Airlines.
Auckland Airport domestic terminal
The lounge was located right near the top of the escalator, which is the main airside concourse level.
Auckland Airport domestic terminal
The exterior of the lounge was sleek, similar to the black-and-white paint scheme on some of Air New Zealand’s planes.
Air New Zealand Lounge entrance Auckland Airport
We were admitted upon having our boarding passes scanned, without even having to show my Star Alliance Gold card. While we received access thanks to my status, there are some other options in Auckland for those with a credit card with lounge access.
The lounge itself was rather crowded, though I guess that’s to be expected on a Friday afternoon. The crowd seemed mostly leisure, as opposed to the usual suited business travelers you’ll often see in airport lounges.
The lounge was a decent size with a variety of seating options.
Air New Zealand Lounge seating Auckland Airport
There were traditional lounging chairs, high-top tables, dining tables, communal tables, etc.
Air New Zealand Lounge seating Auckland Airport
Air New Zealand Lounge seating Auckland Airport
Back near the entrance was the dining area, which featured cafe-style seating and a buffet.
Air New Zealand Lounge dining area Auckland Airport
Air New Zealand Lounge dining area Auckland Airport
For a domestic lounge the food spread was extremely impressive, possibly the most impressive of any domestic lounge I’ve seen anywhere.
Air New Zealand Lounge buffet Auckland Airport
The buffet had fresh fruit and all kinds of sweets, including cookies, scones, muffins, brownies, etc.
Air New Zealand Lounge fresh fruit Auckland Airport
Air New Zealand Lounge cookies & snacks Auckland Airport
Air New Zealand Lounge sweets Auckland Airport
There was also a station with gluten free sweets.
Air New Zealand Lounge gluten free snacks Auckland Airport
Then there were several types of salad.
Air New Zealand Lounge salads Auckland Airport
There was also soup with a couple of types of bread.
Air New Zealand Lounge soup Auckland Airport
Air New Zealand Lounge fresh bread Auckland Airport
Then there were hot dishes which actually looked appetizing, which is rare for an airline lounge.
Air New Zealand Lounge hot buffet Auckland Airport
There was a soda fountain, as well as tomato, apple, and orange juice.
Air New Zealand Lounge soft drinks & juice Auckland Airport
Then there was self serve beer and wine, including sparkling wine.
Air New Zealand Lounge self serve drinks Auckland Airport
Air New Zealand Lounge self serve drinks Auckland Airport
There was also a self serve coffee machine, which is possibly the dumbest feature of the lounge…
Air New Zealand Lounge coffee machine Auckland Airport
…because the lounge has a legit barista on staff. The ordering system is cool as well. There’s an iPad where you can specify exactly what kind of beverage you want and how you want it (double shot, milk preference, etc.), and then an estimated pick-up time is provided (usually about five minutes after placing your order).
Air New Zealand Lounge espresso bar Auckland Airport
Air New Zealand Lounge espresso bar Auckland Airport
I ordered a double shot cappuccino with “trim” milk, which was perfect.
Air New Zealand Lounge cappuccino Auckland Airport
At around 1:40PM we headed to the departure gate for our flight to Queenstown, where boarding commenced within a few minutes.
Air New Zealand domestic lounge bottom line
Are New Zealand’s domestic lounges are incredible. While the decor wasn’t cutting edge and the lounge was crowded, the food and beverage selection was great, and they even had made to order espresso drinks. Star Alliance Gold goes a long way on flights within New Zealand. For what it’s worth, domestic lounges in Australia are also consistently great, so this seems to be pretty consistent “down under.”
What do you consider to be the best “domestic” lounges in the world?
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