Departing Auckland Airport
Location of Auckland Airport
Auckland Airport is located 20 kilometres south of Auckland's CBD in the suburb of Mangere. There's a wide choice of hotels at and near the airport if you have an early departure.
Getting to Auckland Airport
The SkyBus service provides airport transfers between Auckland city and North Harbour on Auckland's north shore. The city service runs 24 hours a day, with buses departing every 10 minutes during peak times; the North Harbour service runs from 4am to 10pm daily, with buses departing every 30 minutes during peak times. SkyBus travels to both domestic and international terminals.
Air New Zealand offers taxi transfers from anywhere in Auckland. Private shuttle services to Auckland Airport are another option, especially if you're travelling with a group.
If you have a rental car, major car rental companies offer vehicle return parking at the airport. If friends or family are dropping you off, there is a drop-off zone at both terminals.
About the airport terminals
Auckland airport has two terminals - international and domestic. There is a walkway between the terminals and the walk takes about 10 minutes. There is also a free transfer bus linking the two terminals that departs every 15 minutes.
The international terminal is open 24 hours a day. The domestic terminal opens just before the first departure or arrival each day and closes after the last departure.
Auckland Airport valet parking
Valet parking is available at the international and domestic terminal, when flying with Air New Zealand.
Food and drink at Auckland Airport
The domestic terminal has a food court with a wide variety of options, including Hayama Sushi, McDonalds, Best Ugly Bagels, Orleans and Dunkin' Donuts. You'll also find Tank Juice Bar and Takeoff Espresso. If you'd like a wine or beer with your meal, look for The Gipsy Moth. Further down towards the regional boarding gates, you'll find Krispy Kreme, Little Gipsy and Subway.
The international terminal has food and drink options on both sides of the departure gate. Before security you'll find Blue Marble Lane, Oma Artisan Bakery & Cafe, Pita Pit, Tank Juice Bar and McDonalds. After security there are several more, including Aroha Café & Bar, Hayama Sushi, Better Burger and Vantage Bar and Kitchen.
Airport lounges
Air New Zealand has lounges at both terminals. The regional lounge or domestic lounge is available to you if you are an Airpoints™ Elite, Gold, Elite Partner or Koru member departing on an Air New Zealand flight (no more than four hours prior to flight departure).
The international lounge is available to you if are flying Business Class with Air New Zealand, or if you are an Airpoints™ Elite, Gold, Elite Partner or Koru member.
Shopping and duty free
Stores at the domestic terminal include a pharmacy, bookshop, travel goods shop and menswear shop.
The international terminal has several stores before the departure gate, including an All Blacks shop and souvenir stores. After the departure gates there are around 25 shops. In addition to the usual duty free offerings, you can buy everything from sunglasses and merino clothing to sportswear and jewellery. You'll also find a bookshop and pharmacy for inflight essentials.
Border control and security checks
After you walk through the departure gate at the international terminal you will proceed through border control, then security screening. Here are some tips to keep this easy:
- Every departing passenger needs to complete a departure card.
- here are restrictions on liquids, aerosols and gels in carry-on baggage. These must be in containers of 100mls or less and carried in a single re-sealable 20cmx20cm plastic bag. More about prohibited and restricted items.
- Electronic devices (laptops, e-readers and mobile phones) need to be presented for security screening.
- Spare or loose batteries and power packs can only be carried in your carry-on baggage.
Other things you need to know
- Auckland Airport offers everyone free Wi-Fi for 45 minutes. Just choose the 'Auckland Airport' network and complete the registration process.
- If you are flying with Air New Zealand, your baggage allowance is printed on your e-ticket. Checked-in bags can weigh up to 23kg. More about baggage.
- If you are connecting from an Air New Zealand domestic jet flight (and selected link flights) to an international flight, you can check your luggage through to your final destination at your departing airport. After arrival in Auckland, your luggage will be automatically transferred. More about connecting at Auckland Airport.