Auckland Airport (AKL) Guide
Welcome to Auckland Airport, the gateway to New Zealand's stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. As the country's largest and busiest airport, AKL offers a wide range of amenities and services to make your travel experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this guide is here to provide you with all the information you need to navigate the airport with ease.
Looking for a comprehensive guide to AKL Airport? You've come to the right place. Our guide is packed with helpful information and tips to help you get from your door to your gate, including up-to-date flight status and tracking, airline departure terminals and gate locations, parking options, terminal maps, and food and shopping directories. With our guide in hand, you'll be able to breeze through the airport and make the most of your time in New Zealand.
Helpful Tips
When to Arrive
When flying out of the airport, it is recommended that you arrive at least 2 hours before your domestic flight and 3 hours before your international flight. This will give you enough time to check-in, go through security, and reach your gate without feeling rushed. The busiest times at Auckland Airport are typically during the morning and evening rush hours, so it is best to avoid these times if possible.
Getting to the Airport
There are several ways to get to Auckland Airport, including by car, taxi, shuttle, or public transportation. If you are driving, there are several parking options available at the airport, including short-term and long-term parking. Taxis and shuttles can be booked in advance or found at designated pick-up areas outside the terminal. Public transportation options include buses and trains, with several routes servicing the airport.
Getting Oriented
When arriving at AKL, it can be helpful to use iFly.com's interactive airport maps to get oriented. These maps provide detailed information about the airport's layout, including the location of terminals, gates, and amenities such as restaurants and shops. Additionally, there are information desks located throughout the airport where you can ask for assistance if needed.
Avoiding Delays
To avoid delays at AKL Airport, make sure to arrive early and give yourself plenty of time to get through security and reach your gate. It is also important to check the status of your flight before leaving for the airport, as delays and cancellations can occur. Additionally, be sure to follow all airport rules and regulations, such as restrictions on liquids and electronics, to avoid any hold-ups during the security screening process.
Maps, Airlines & Amenities
Auckland Airport (AKL) Terminals
Navigating AKL's Terminals
The airport has two main terminals: the Domestic Terminal and the International Terminal. The Domestic Terminal is divided into two areas, the South and North areas, and has a total of 16 gates. The International Terminal has 28 gates and is used by major airlines such as Air New Zealand, Qantas, Emirates, and Cathay Pacific.
When arriving at the airport, passengers should check their airline and flight number to determine which terminal they need to go to. The terminals are connected by a free shuttle bus service that runs every 15 minutes, 24 hours a day. The shuttle bus stops at both terminals and the car park areas.
Inside the terminals, passengers will find a variety of shops, restaurants, and services. The Domestic Terminal has a food court, a pharmacy, and a duty-free store, while the International Terminal has a wider range of options including luxury brands, bars, and cafes. There are also ATMs, currency exchange services, and free Wi-Fi throughout both terminals.
Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.
Connecting Between Terminals
Auckland Airport has two terminals: the Domestic Terminal and the International Terminal. The terminals are located approximately 500 meters apart from each other and are connected by a covered walkway. The walkway takes around 10 minutes to walk, so make sure to allow enough time if you need to transfer between terminals.
If you prefer not to walk, there is a free shuttle bus that runs between the terminals every 15 minutes. The shuttle bus is located outside the arrivals area of both terminals and is clearly signposted. The journey takes around 5 minutes.
Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
Embark on a culinary journey at Auckland Airport, where a diverse range of dining options awaits. From fresh sushi at Hayama Sushi to locally sourced ingredients at Pier Cafe, there's something for every taste and time constraint. And when it comes to shopping, AKL has you covered with a variety of stores to explore, from duty-free bargains at The Loop to handcrafted jewelry at Mountain Jade. For more detailed information about some of the most popular restaurants, shops, and stores at the airport, please visit our food and shopping guide.
The locations of all food, shops, and services at AKL can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, see your options here.
Airport Hotels
Discover the convenience and comfort of staying near the airport with our guide to the best hotel options. From luxurious establishments boasting state-of-the-art facilities to budget-friendly options offering essential amenities, there's something for every traveler. Our carefully curated list includes hotels that provide not only comfort and convenience but also easy access to local attractions and the bustling city center. Some even offer complimentary shuttle services, ensuring a seamless travel experience. Explore our list of AKL Airport Hotels now.
Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
At the airport, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at both the Domestic and International Terminals. However, there are restrictions on curbside parking, so it is important to plan accordingly.
Curbside parking is only allowed for a maximum of five minutes, and drivers must remain with their vehicle at all times. If you need more time to pick up or drop off your passengers, there are several short-term parking options available, including the Park & Ride and Park & Walk facilities.
If you are picking up passengers and need to wait for their flight to arrive, there are designated cell-phone waiting areas located near both terminals. These areas allow drivers to wait in their vehicle until their passengers are ready to be picked up, without having to circle the airport or pay for parking.
Parking Facilities & Options
If you're flying out of Auckland Airport, you have several parking options to choose from. The airport offers both covered and uncovered parking, with a range of prices depending on your needs and budget. There are also off-airport parking options available, which can be a more economical choice for travelers.
The parking lots and garages at Auckland Airport are conveniently located near both the Domestic and International Terminals. If you're dropping off or picking up passengers, there are cell phone waiting areas available where you can wait for your party to arrive without having to pay for parking.
If you require handicapped parking, there are designated spots available in all of the airport's parking facilities. These spots are located close to the terminal entrances for easy access.
If you're looking for a more affordable parking option, off-airport parking may be the way to go. These lots are located near the airport and offer shuttle service to and from the terminals. While prices may vary depending on the lot, off-airport parking can be a great way to save money on parking fees.
Get details about AKL parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.
Transportation Options
If you're flying into AKL Airport, there are several transportation options available to help you get to your destination.
Car rental facilities are located at both the international and domestic terminals. Major providers include Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, and Thrifty. You can book a rental car in advance or at the rental counters located in the terminals.
If you prefer to take a taxi, there are designated taxi stands outside both terminals. Fares are metered and vary depending on your destination. The approximate fare to Auckland CBD is NZD 75-85.
Shared ride services such as Uber and Zoomy are available at the airport. Pickup areas are located outside both terminals. Please note that there may be restrictions on the number of passengers and amount of luggage allowed.
Airport shuttles are another option for transportation. These services offer door-to-door service to your destination. Pickup areas are located outside both terminals. Fares vary depending on your destination and the number of passengers.
Public transportation options include the SkyBus, which operates 24/7 and provides service between the airport and Auckland CBD. The fare is NZD 18 one way for adults. There are also bus and train options available, with fares varying depending on your destination.
Passenger Services
Auckland Airport is one of the busiest airports in New Zealand, serving millions of passengers every year. The airport provides a range of passenger services to make your travel experience comfortable and convenient.
For those who need to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Lost and found services are also available at both the Domestic and International Terminals, so you can easily retrieve any lost items.
Traveling with children? Auckland Airport has dedicated children's play areas in both terminals, providing a safe and fun environment for kids to play and burn off some energy before their flight. For passengers with special needs, the airport offers a range of services including wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and designated parking spaces.
If you need to access banking services, there are ATMs and currency exchange counters located throughout the airport. Additionally, medical help is available at the airport's medical center, which is staffed by qualified medical professionals and open 24/7.
Flight Status Info
As an air traveler, it is important to stay updated on the status of your flight departure. At AKL, there are several ways to get flight status information.
One of the easiest ways to check your flight status is by using the Flight Information Display System (FIDS) located throughout the airport. These displays show real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information. Simply find the display board located in your terminal and search for your flight number.
Another convenient way to stay informed is by using your airline's mobile phone app. Most airlines have their own app that allows passengers to receive alerts about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes. You can also sign up to receive text, email, or push notifications from your airline.
Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at AKL Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
Airport Facts & Stats
The airport, located in New Zealand, is the largest and busiest airport in the country. It is the main hub for Air New Zealand and serves as a gateway to the Pacific Islands, Australia, and Asia.
The airport has two terminals: the Domestic Terminal and the International Terminal. The Domestic Terminal handles flights within New Zealand, while the International Terminal serves flights to and from other countries.
On average, Auckland Airport handles around 20 million passengers annually, with an average of 55,000 passengers per day. The airport has an average of 400 daily flights, with over 30 airlines operating at the airport.
The top airlines with the most daily flights at Auckland Airport include Air New Zealand, Jetstar, and Qantas.
AKL serves over 180 destinations worldwide, with the top 5 destinations being Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Christchurch.
The airport is a hub for Air New Zealand, which operates over 4,000 flights per week from Auckland to destinations around the world. Other airlines that use AKL Airport as a hub include Jetstar and Virgin Australia.
Airport History
The airport is the largest and busiest airport in New Zealand, serving as the primary gateway to the country. The airport has a rich history dating back to the early 1920s, when it was first established as a grass runway for the Auckland Aero Club.
Over the years, Auckland Airport has undergone significant expansion and development, with a number of key events shaping its history:
- 1930: The first commercial flight takes off from Auckland Airport, operated by Union Airways of New Zealand.
- 1960s: The airport undergoes a major redevelopment, including the construction of a new terminal building and runway.
- 1970s: The airport becomes a hub for Air New Zealand, which launches a number of international routes from Auckland.
- 1980s: AKL sees a significant increase in passenger traffic, prompting further expansion and development.
- 2008: A new international terminal is opened, featuring state-of-the-art facilities and technology.
- 2011: AKL Airport hosts the Rugby World Cup, with thousands of fans passing through the airport during the tournament.
- 2018: A second runway is proposed for the airport, with plans for construction to begin in the coming years.
Today, Auckland Airport continues to play a vital role in New Zealand's aviation industry, connecting millions of passengers to destinations around the world.
Airport Contact Info
- Auckland Airport Website
- Phone: +64 9-275 0789
- Email: [email protected]
- Mailing Address: AKL, Private Bag 92007, Auckland 2150, New Zealand