Auckland Airport (AKL) Guide to Auckland Airport

Auckland Airport (IATA code: AKL) is New Zealand's largest and busiest airport. About 21 kilometers south of Auckland's downtown, it is close to Mangere's residential neighborhood and Airport Oaks's commercial area. Air New Zealand uses it as its primary hub for domestic and international flights, and Jetstar is its primary hub in New Zealand.

The airport is vital to New Zealand's infrastructure since it supports thousands of local employees. The airport's 3,535-meter runway can accommodate 45 takeoffs and landings per hour.

Transfer Services at Auckland Airport

The airport is accessible by State Routes 20A and 20B. From the airport, take George Bolt Memorial Drive north to State Highway 20A. Mangare is an expressway that links to State Highway 20.

State Highway 20B leaves the airport through the eastern exit, crosses Pakaki Creek, proceeds down Puhinui Road, and then merges with State Highway 20 at Wiri. SkyBus is an express bus service that connects North Harbour, the airport, and the city center of Auckland.

Riders have two exit options to reach the Britomart Transport Center in the heart of Auckland: Mount Eden Station or Dominion Road and Queen Street. The Northern Busway's North Harbour services also make stops at the Akoranga and Smales Farm stations and end at the Westfield Albany shopping center.

The Airport Link connects the airport to Puhinui Railway Station with a service akin to bus rapid transit. The Park & Ride bus service between the Airport and Botany Town Centre serves both short- and long-term parkers. It is the trial phase of a potential comprehensive BRT route.

It takes 10 to 15 minutes to walk to the domestic or international terminals.

Rental Car Services at Auckland Airport

Should you want to travel further afield during your visit to New Zealand's largest city, a variety of rental cars are also available for lease at Auckland Airport.

Nearby to both terminal buildings are the offices of rental car companies like Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Europcar, which have automobiles available for pickup there minutes after making an online or telephone reservation.

For further details, please see our section on car rentals.

Taxi Services at Auckland Airport

Only licensed taxi services are permitted to pick you up at the specified taxi ranks at the airport terminals, which is for your protection.

The domestic airport's Door 4 and the international terminal's Arrivals Door 8 both have taxi stands, and shuttle bus stops just outside of them. Whether you make a reservation in advance with one of the companies below or turn up at the airport ranks, taxis and shuttles are always available.

The one-way cost for airport shuttles and taxis ranges from $35 to $90 NZ ($35 for the first passenger and $8 for each additional passenger going with them).

For further information, please visit our page on taxis.

Train Services at Auckland Airport

There is no train service between the city center and Auckland Airport. You can ride any public transit in Auckland for a cheaper fare if you have a special card called AT HOP.

From Auckland Airport to the City Center, use Airporter Bus Line No. 380, which connects to Papatoetoe Train Station. It operates every 15-20 minutes, seven days a week.

Bus: You must first board a bus at an international or domestic terminal to go to the Papatoetoe Train Station. The journey typically takes 20 minutes.

Bus fare: $1.95 one-way with AT HOP card; $3.00 without. More information about train services near Auckland Airport.

Train: Board at the Britomart Transport Center to take the Southern, Eastern, or Onehunga rail lines into the city's center. The journey there will take 36 minutes.

Bus Services at Auckland Airport

The AirportLink bus departs from bus stop B in the domestic terminal and from bus stop A in the international terminal. Watch for the orange signs, please. Every ten minutes from 4.30 am until 12.40 am, it runs every day of the week.

Bus route 380 passes via Mangere Town Center from Auckland Airport to Onehunga. Every 15 to 20 minutes, it runs.

Bus fare is $3.50 for individuals without AT HOP cards and $1.95 for one-way travel. More information about buses to and from Auckland Airport.

If you have a special card called AT HOP, you can use any form of public transportation in Auckland for a lower cost. For more information, kindly stop by the airport's information counter.

Hotel Shuttle Services at Auckland Airport

At Auckland Airport, hotel shuttle services are a convenient and speedy method to move about town. You can use one of the many convenient taxi options at Auckland Airport or use the airport shuttle bus to go to downtown Auckland.

Depending on the amount of traffic and your destination, the trip only takes 15 minutes. The shuttle buses are dependable and spotless; most include complimentary Wi-Fi to stay connected while traveling.

Kindly visit our hotel page for additional information about our accommodations and shuttle services.

Rideshare Services at Auckland Airport

The ridesharing location is behind the multi-story parking garage at the domestic terminal and outside Door 11 at the international terminal.

At the domestic terminal, it costs $4 to pick someone up or drop them off; at the international terminal, it costs $5; somewhere in the middle, it costs $3.

Get in touch with your neighborhood Rideshare provider for more specific pricing details.

Parking Services at Auckland Airport

Auckland Airport's domestic and international terminals are just a short stroll away from the airport's on-site parking lots.

Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, short-term or long-term, or need a covered car park, there are a variety of parking alternatives to meet your needs.

Information about parking is available on our parking page.

Other Services at Auckland Airport

Passenger services and amenities at Auckland Airport offer a range of activities to ensure travelers have an enjoyable experience. From shops offering the latest fashion trends and duty-free retailers to restaurants and cafes serving international cuisine, there's something for everyone.

Numerous ATMs are available throughout the airport for convenient access to cash and free Wi-Fi for those who need to stay connected while traveling. The modern terminal buildings house a wide selection of stores selling books, souvenirs, and electronics, plus additional food outlets with takeaway options.

For added convenience, the airport also offers car hire services with several rental companies near arrival and departure areas. In addition, there are plenty of comfortable seating areas available, which provide perfect spots for reading or catching up on emails before your flight takes off.

Disabled Passengers at Auckland Airport

Auckland Airport is committed to providing a safe and friendly experience for disabled passengers. They are dedicated to making sure all our customers have an enjoyable journey. The staff is trained in assisting people with disabilities, so if you need help at any point during your visit, please don't hesitate to ask them for assistance.

They offer various services and facilities specially designed for passengers with reduced mobility needs. Special Assistance booths can be found throughout the airport and provide advice on wheelchair loans, boarding ramps, stair climbers, and other aids necessary for travel, as well as information about disabled access throughout the terminal buildings.

Wi-Fi at Auckland Airport

You can use the Auckland Airport Wi-Fi network for free if you have a Wi-Fi-enabled device.

Baggage Claim at Auckland Airport

Auckland Airport has implemented an automated baggage tracking system that allows you to scan your boarding pass when entering the terminal and follow your bags on the digital screen as they make their way through a claim.

The digital tracking system also helps security staff better identify any suspicious packages or containers that may have been left behind by travelers. This helps ensure passenger safety while providing peace of mind for all travelers in Auckland Airport's busy terminals.

Information Desk at Auckland Airport

You can find the airport information helpdesks at several locations:

International terminal: Check-in ground floor by door 4; Arrivals hall ground floor, Level 1 departures; Airside Level 1 after Customs and Security; Airside level 2
Domestic terminal: Air New Zealand regional end of the terminal and Central Desk by door 4, Air New Zealand bag claim.

Smoking at Auckland Airport

Smoking is permitted before security in designated forecourt areas at the international terminal. Departing and transit travelers can access the smoking lounge after security on the second level of the international terminal. Please follow the airport smoking policy at all times.

Lost and Found Section at Auckland Airport

Passports and cash over $10,000 will be handed to Airport Police when found. Don't hesitate to contact Airport Police at +64 9 2759046.

Please get in touch with your airline directly for items lost or left behind on an aircraft.

Duty-Free items left after security will be passed onto NZ Customs. You will need to contact them directly at +64 9 2556681, and they will advise on collecting your items.

The lost property office is located in our Operations Reception, Ground Floor, and International Terminal (outside Door 1). You will need to identify your lost item and bring your photo ID.

To find Operations Reception, go to the international check-in area, exit the building through Door 1 and turn right.

Restrooms at Auckland Airport

Restrooms at Auckland Airport are some of the most modern and clean public bathrooms in New Zealand. They are spacious, well-lit, and are all equipped with baby-changing facilities. The hand washing stations have touchless soap dispensers, faucets, and dryers, so you don't need to touch anything to keep your hands clean.

The restrooms also feature wheelchair-accessible stalls and gender-neutral toilets for those who prefer them. A full range of products is available, including toilet paper, air freshener, facial tissues, hand towels, and more. All restrooms at Auckland Airport meet the highest sanitation standards, making it one of the best airports in terms of restroom quality worldwide.

Nursing Mothers Station at Auckland Airport

A family facility is available on Level 1 near the Food Court. This facility has a feeding chair, a microwave, a bathroom, baby changing facilities, and a children's playpen. A baby changing station is also available in washrooms close to Door 3 and at Door 4 on the Ground Floor.

A family facility is also available on Level 1 before the seating area. This facility has a feeding chair, a microwave, a bathroom, baby changing facilities, and a children's play area.

Another family facility is available on Level 2 before Gate 2. This facility has a feeding chair, a microwave, a bathroom, baby changing facilities, and a children's play area.

ATMs at Auckland Airport

Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are throughout the international and domestic terminals. These ATMs accept VISA, MasterCard, Amex, Diners Club cards, and all Plus cards.

Currency Exchange at Auckland Airport

Travelex is the world's foreign exchange specialist, located in the international terminal before and after security. Their domestic site is temporarily closed. Order your foreign currency in advance to allow for our stress-free journey – click here to order now.

All major currencies are available from Travelex at the international and domestic terminals.

Food and Beverages at Auckland Airport

Food and beverages at Auckland Airport are as varied and cosmopolitan as the city of Auckland itself. From traditional New Zealand cuisine to international favorites, travelers have various choices regarding snacking or dining.

For those looking for grab-and-go options, there are plenty of fast food chains like Burger King, Mcdonald's, and KFC. Cafes also serve coffee, sandwiches, and pastries throughout the airport terminals.

Suppose passengers have time for a sit-down meal before their flight. In that case, they can choose from a range of restaurants conveniently located within the terminal building.

Shopping at Auckland Airport

Shopping at Auckland Airport is a breeze. With dozens of stores offering everything from fashion to accessories and electronics, there's something for everyone at the airport.

Whether you're looking for a last-minute gift before your flight or need to pick up some essentials for your travels, Auckland Airport has it all. It is the ideal destination if you want convenience and choice regarding retail therapy.

From designer labels to budget buys, cafes, and restaurants with international cuisines, you can find whatever you want in this bustling shopping hub. With helpful staff always on hand to answer any questions or help make suggestions,

Pet Relief at Auckland Airport

The airport has opened up a dedicated pet relief area next to the international terminal, so you can take your furry friend and have them do their business without worrying about finding a place offsite. This area has grassy areas, waste bags, and even water stations so your pup can stay hydrated during their travels.

Best of all, it's free – just another way the Auckland Airport staff ensures visitors have an enjoyable travel experience! The pet relief area isn't just great for pets - it's also convenient for their owners.

Furthermore, suppose you're in transit at Auckland Airport and need somewhere safe for your pet while waiting for connecting flights. In that case, this new service makes things much easier by providing a secure onsite location.

Ticketing Services at Auckland Airport

Ticketing services at Auckland Airport are convenient and efficient. The airport has one of the most advanced ticketing systems in the world, allowing passengers to purchase tickets online or at the counter within minutes.

In addition, all airlines offer services such as self-check-in kiosks and bag drop facilities that make traveling hassle-free. Tour packages with pre-booked tickets and transfers are included for those who prefer not to travel alone.

With so many options available for getting around Auckland Airport quickly and safely, it is easy to see why this is one of New Zealand's busiest airports.

History of Auckland Airport

The Auckland Aero Club was the first organization to utilize the area now housing the airport. The club acquired three De Havilland Gypsy Moths in 1928 and rented some acreage from a local dairy farmer to keep them in. Mangere Aerodrome was the previous name for this location. Since 1948, Auckland's civilian airport has been the RNZAF Base Auckland in Whenuapai.

Even though the nearby hills at Whenuapai make it difficult for modern aircraft to utilize the facilities, this was selected due to the low cost to the Auckland City Council and the fact that the area was already used as an RNZAF base. Getting the international airport at Mangere surveyed and designed was a job given to Leigh Fisher Associates by the New Zealand government in 1958.

As early as 1960, preparations were made to turn the area into what is now Auckland International Airport. The runway was mainly built on the ground dredged out of Manukau Harbour. In November of 1965, the first flight took off, a DC-8 operated by Air New Zealand en route to Sydney. That year, the airport finally opened to the public.

The airport's runway started as 2,590 meters long but was lengthened to its current length in 1973. On December 8th, 1972, Qantas launched the world's first regularly scheduled Boeing 747 flight from Auckland.

In 1977, a brand-new international terminal opened, and it was appropriately named after Jean Batten. Domestic flights were previously handled at what is now the international terminal. In 2005, changes were made to the international terminal, creating a new area for passengers leaving.

About Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland, located on New Zealand's North Island, is a central metropolitan area. Auckland is home to around 1,440,300 people, making it the most populous urban region in New Zealand and the fifth-largest metropolis in Oceania (June 2022).

Located in the larger Auckland Region (the Auckland Council area), which also includes rural outer areas and the islands of the Hauraki Gulf, it is home to a total population of 1,695,200.

Although Europeans still make up the majority, Auckland has become increasingly diverse and international since the 1990s, with 31% of its residents of Asian descent in 2018.

As well as having the largest concentration of Pasifika New Zealanders everywhere, the city also has the largest concentration of ethnic Polynesians anywhere. Tamaki Makaurau, Auckland's Maori name, reflects the high regard for the city's natural beauty and convenient location.

It is surrounded by the Hauraki Gulf to the east, the Hunua Ranges to the southeast, the Manukau Harbour to the southwest, and the Waitakere Ranges and lesser ranges to the west and northwest. The Auckland Volcanic Field consists of 53 volcanic centers scattered over the country, while the surrounding hills are covered in rainforest.

Manukau Harbour in the Tasman Sea and Waitemata Harbour in the Pacific Ocean are two natural harbors in the urban core. Few cities in the world indeed have two ports, but Auckland is one of them.

The isthmus of Auckland was initially inhabited around 1350, and its lush and fertile soil was quickly recognized as a valuable commodity. Before Europeans arrived, the area's Mori population was likely at its highest of 20,000 people. William Hobson, New Zealand's first Lieutenant Governor, selected Auckland as the new capital city after the British colony was formed in 1840.

After learning that George Eden, Earl of Auckland, was the British First Lord of the Admiralty, he honored him by naming the region. In the middle of the nineteenth century, a war broke out between Maori and Europeans for land ownership in the area. Auckland lost its status as the capital to Wellington in 1865. The city expanded, first due to its port and the logging and gold-mining activities in its hinterland, then to pastoral farming (primarily dairy farming) in the surrounding area and manufacturing in the city itself.

Throughout much of its existence, it has stood as the capital and largest city in the country. The central business district of Auckland is now the economic heart of New Zealand. A vibrant arts scene and a diverse population have helped to create a culture that has had a global impact.

Established in 1883, the University of Auckland has grown to become New Zealand's largest educational institution. The Auckland War Memorial Museum, the Museum of Transport and Technology, and the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki are just a few examples of cultural institutions that draw visitors to the city.

The Harbor Bridge, the Town Hall, the Ferry Building, and the Sky Tower, the highest and tallest buildings in the Southern Hemisphere, are all architectural marvels in this city. Auckland Airport serves the city and is used by about 2 million foreign travelers every month.

Despite its reputation as an expensive metropolis, Auckland is widely regarded as one of the world's best places to call home, coming in at number three on the 2019 Mercer Quality of Living Survey and number one on The Economist's Global Liveability Ranking for 2021.

Weather in Auckland, New Zealand

Seasons in Auckland range from mild to chilly and wet to windy and partly cloudy. The annual average temperature is about 47 degrees and rarely drops below 39 degrees or rises over 78 degrees.

In Auckland, the months of late December through late March are ideal for enjoying the city's many warm-weather attractions.

From December to March, the average daily high temperature is above 71°F, making this the warm season. On average, February is the warmest month in Auckland, with highs of 74 degrees and lows of 62.

Over those four months, from May to September, daily highs rarely get beyond 60 degrees Fahrenheit, making for the chilly season. In July, Auckland experiences its lowest temperatures, on average 47 degrees Fahrenheit. The warmest month is February when temperatures average 57 degrees Fahrenheit.

May through October is the wetter season, with the wettest days in July. From October through May, the weather is drier than average, with only roughly five rainy days in February.

Useful Contact Details in Auckland, New Zealand

In the case of a police or medical emergency in Auckland, New Zealand, please dial 111 for an immediate response. This is the nationwide emergency number and can be used to contact Police, Fire, or Ambulance services (depending on what type of help is required).

If you need help determining which service to call, dial 111, and staff will take your details and assess what assistance is required. If you need urgent medical attention or have been injured, you should go to the hospital.

New Zealand National Emergency Numbers: 111

Multiple Auckland hospitals offer general health care and specialized treatment for specific conditions. In addition to this, it's also essential that all visitors to Auckland familiarize themselves with their local laws and regulations. Hence, they know how best to act in any given situation.

It's good practice to carry a copy of the latest visa requirements when traveling abroad to ensure smooth passage through customs at airports etc., if necessary.

Hospitals

Waitakere Hospital

Address: 55-75 Lincoln Road, Henderson, Auckland 0610

Phone:+64 9 839 0000

Police Stations in Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland Central Police Station

Address: 13-15 College Hill, Freemans Bay Auckland Central Auckland

Phone Non-Emergency: 105

Phone Emergency: 111

Auckland Airport Contacts

Address: Ray Emery Drive, Māngere, Auckland 2022, New Zealand

General Phone: +64 9 275 0789