Auckland Airport Parking

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Guide to Auckland Airport

Auckland Airport (AKL) is New Zealand’s biggest and busiest airport, welcoming over 16 million international and domestic travellers every year. As one of only two airports in the country capable of accommodating the largest category of long-haul aircraft, AKL is a vital part of New Zealand’s infrastructure, handling over 70 per cent of the country’s international arrivals and providing thousands of jobs for the region. Consisting of two terminals dedicated to international and domestic travel and one 2.2-mile (3.6-kilometre) runway, Auckland Airport serves as the international base for Air New Zealand and the domestic hub for both Virgin Australia and Jetstar Airways.

Location of Auckland Airport

Auckland Airport is only 13 miles (21 kilometres) south of Auckland city centre, overlooking the picturesque Manukau Harbour. Easily accessible from the State Highway network that connects the region to the rest of the country, AKL will be accessible directly from Auckland city centre via the Waterview Connection tunnel upon its completion, which will significantly reduce travel times.

A number of frequent bus services connect the airport to Auckland to the north and Manukau city six miles (10 kilometres) to the west and, although there is currently no direct rail service at AKL, Papatoetoe Railway Station is only five miles (eight kilometres) north east and is a frequent stop on many of the shuttle bus routes, making it easy to reach the airport from further afield.

History of Auckland Airport

First established as Mangere Aerodrome in 1928 for the Auckland Aero Club, the airfield saw significant expansion over the following decades and, in 1960, the decision was made to turn the site into Auckland's main passenger airport.

AKL was officially opened six years later with a grand air pageant to coincide with the Auckland Anniversary weekend of 29 January to 31 January in 1966. A purpose-built international terminal, named after iconic New Zealand aviator, Jean Batten, was subsequently added in 1977 with the original terminal becoming responsible for all domestic traffic.

Auckland Airport is now the fourth-busiest in Australasia and is frequently rated one of the best of its size in the world. Capable of 45 flight movements per hour, the airport is planning further terminal extensions and a second runway in order to support even larger aircraft and welcome more visitors.

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Airport facilities

You will be comfortable and entertained during your stay, whether you’ve just touched down or you're getting ready to take off. With an extensive range of local and international food and drink options across its two terminal buildings, as well as retailers offering everything from holiday essentials to cutting-edge technology and lifestyle collections from award-winning designers, AKL has everything you need to make your trip an enjoyable one.

If you have any special requirements for your stay at Auckland Airport, you can find a comprehensive list of the airport’s accessibility facilities here.

Facilities at Auckland Airport include:

• Baggage services

• Business facilities

• Car hire

• Cash machines/ATMS

• Collection point

• Currency exchange

• Disabled access

• Family facilities

  • Change tables

  • Cots

  • Nursery rooms

• Food and drink

  • Bars

  • Cafés

  • Delis

  • Fast food

  • Pre-packaged food

  • Restaurants

• Games arcade

  • Coin-operated rides

• Hospitality ambassadors

• Information desks

• Internet access

  • WiFi

• Inter-Terminal transport

• Left baggage

• Lost property

• Lounges

  • Spa facilities

• Luggage services

  • Storage

  • Lockers

• Massage chairs

• Medical services and first aid

• Parking facilities

  • Executive parking

  • Long-stay

  • Park and Ride bus services

  • Pick-up/Drop-off

  • Short-stay

  • Valet parking

• Pay phones

• Phone and laptop charging

• Postal service

• Prayer rooms and chapel

• Shopping

  • Convenience stores

  • Duty free

  • High-street brands

  • Luxury goods

• Showers

• Smoking areas

• Special assistance

• Spectator areas and viewing platforms

• Toilets

• Transport facilities

• Travel agent

• Trolleys

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Auckland Airport hotel and parking

Although there are no on-site hotels at Auckland Airport, the surrounding area is full of places to stay the night and leave your car while you’re away. Parking the car at the hotel the night before you fly not only gives you a chance to rest, it makes getting to the airport the following day a breeze and lets you enjoy every minute of your trip.

If you’re travelling on a budget and looking to save some spending money, ibis budget Auckland Airport is only 2,952 feet (900 metres) from the terminal buildings and within easy walking distance of local amenities. Reserving one of the 198 rooms at ibis budget Auckland Airport includes a complimentary parking space right outside the hotel for the night of your stay, which is perfect for when you’re just looking for somewhere to rest or sleep off the jet lag.

If you’re starting your luxurious holiday early, however, the four-star Novotel Auckland Airport is situated over the road from AKL’s International terminal and offers complimentary space in a secure car park that features open-air and covered spaces as well as a luxury valet service, so you can come back to your car and find it looking better than ever.

Shuttle bus services run regularly between the hotels and terminal buildings, which makes taking advantage of AKL’s extensive range of on-site car parks a convenient option for your car while you’re away.

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Top things to do in Auckland Airport

Eat like a Kiwi

As New Zealand’s biggest and busiest airport, AKL is more than equipped to provide its hungry visitors with a wide variety of fast and fresh food among a showcase of culinary curiosities inspired by the airport’s status as a hub for international travel. You can grab a quick coffee, freshly squeezed juice or a sweet snack or find fast food chains, cafés and restaurants offering a selection of favourites from New Zealand and beyond. Some vendors at Auckland Airport are open 24/7 so, whether you’re taking off first thing or you’re the very last arrival of the day, there’s always somewhere to grab a bite.

One-stop shopping

Auckland Airport is one of the region’s premier shopping destinations, with over 150 retailers offering last-minute holiday essentials, best-selling books, a rainbow of luxury cosmetics and skincare products, iconic fashion ranges and exclusive lifestyle collections, cameras, computers and electronic accessories from some of the world leaders in technology and entertainment. AKL’s Duty Free stores also sell a rotating selection of high-quality local products that make the perfect souvenir for you or someone at home to keep.

The airport provides a complimentary pick-up on arrival service, allowing you to leave your purchases safe and secure at the airport and have them ready and waiting for you the moment you touch down, rather than lugging them around on your trip.

Lounge life

If you’re craving some peace and quiet away from all the sights and sounds of AKL’s busy International terminal, you’ll always be welcome in the Emperor Lounge - regardless of who you’re flying with or how you’re flying. Open from 6am to 1am every day of the week, the lounge offers complimentary international food and drink, books, newspapers, magazines, shower facilities and a children’s play area if you’re looking to relax and let the kids off the leash for a while.

If you’ve got work to do before you take off, the lounge also has a suite of private desks with business facilities and free, high-speed WiFi.

Although entry into the Emperor Lounge can be purchased on the day, it can quickly become full. Pre-booking your visit will always guarantee you a space and can often save you money as well.

Enjoy art at the airport

Auckland Airport is home to Artport, a unique gallery showcasing the best of New Zealand’s rich cultural heritage. The gallery's rotating displays often include traditional Maori carvings alongside paintings and sculptures by some of the country’s most celebrated artists and upcoming new designers.

All the work on display is for sale, so if you like the look of something, you can simply let the gallery attendant know. All purchased works are professionally prepared and packaged for travel either with you or via delivery to an address of your choice.

Bay watch

Take advantage of the 40 minutes’ free WiFi or get stuck into your holiday reading while watching all kinds of aircraft come and go from AKL’s top-floor observation deck. Weather permitting, you’ll also be treated to an impressive panoramic view of Manukau Harbour beyond and, if you’re flying in the evening, you might even be lucky enough to catch a spectacular sunset over the bay.

A massage in a moment

Feeling the jet lag after a nonstop week of travelling and meetings or just looking to get into the holiday mood before you fly? Both Auckland Airport’s International and Domestic terminal buildings have a number of ergonomic, coin-operated massage chairs that can ease out all your stress and tension in five minutes, leaving you refreshed, relaxed and ready for whatever you’ve got planned next.

Totally tropical

If you’re in the mood for something completely different, why not explore Butterfly Creek? Situated within the Auckland Airport compound, only a two-minute drive or a 10-minute walk away, Butterfly Creek is home to a huge range of unusual animals from New Zealand and elsewhere around the world, from over 700 free-flying exotic butterflies to a pair of enormous saltwater crocodiles.

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Top things to do near Auckland Airport

Monumental mountain

Only four miles (six kilometres) north of Auckland Airport is Mangere Mountain, one of the region’s best-preserved volcanic cones. Having erupted over 18,000 years ago, the mountain’s rich volcanic soil has cultivated a beautiful and diverse array of flora and fauna and, at 348 feet (106 metres) tall, its position on the coast offers breathtaking views of Manukau Harbour, the Hauraki Gulf and the Tasman Sea. Climbing up to the remains of an early Maori fort at the summit presents a great opportunity to explore the beginnings of New Zealand’s rich history whilst taking in the stunning landscape.

Walk between new and ancient islands

Rangitoto Island, one of the region’s youngest volcanoes, rose from the sea just 600 years ago. A scenic 25-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland, the island is a haven for a wide variety of endangered plants and animals, with recent restoration programmes successfully making Rangitoto a pest-free environment so that its unique ecosystem can survive and thrive.

Rangitoto is connected by a natural landbridge to the ancient Motutapu Island, where the rolling hills contrast starkly with Rangitoto’s volcanic landscape. Motutapu also played a significant role in World War II, protecting the region from offshore attack - the remains of bunkers, tunnels and gun emplacements can still be found amidst the wildlife.

Both islands are highly treasured conservation areas so, if you’re thinking of visiting, please check this important information before you set off.

Artistic Auckland

Auckland Art Gallery, established in 1888, was New Zealand’s first permanent gallery. With over 16,000 pieces, it exhibits the country’s most extensive and prestigious collection of national and international work, while also regularly hosting touring exhibitions from some of the world’s most renowned institutions and artists.

As well as holding an incredible array of Maori and Pacific Island artworks, the gallery also collaborates with the country’s up-and-coming artists, commissioning new works that reflect and contrast New Zealand’s incredible cultural history. Free to enjoy, only 12 miles (20 kilometres) away and easily accessibly by car, bus and train, Auckland Art Gallery is a great way to spend some time and soak up some culture before you fly.

Top of the tower

At 1,076 feet (328 metres) tall, downtown Auckland’s Sky Tower is the tallest freestanding structure in the Southern Hemisphere and the 23rd-tallest tower in the world. Featuring three panoramic observation decks at different heights, a 360-degree revolving restaurant and the opportunity - if you’re feeling especially brave - to walk on the tower’s exterior or even take the 630-feet (192-metre) cable jump from the top, the Sky Tower is as much a feat of architecture, technology and engineering as it is a breathtaking view of the city.

The tower is striking to look at, too, as it’s covered in a complex array of LED lights producing millions of colour combinations and patterns that have helped to make it an iconic part of downtown Auckland’s skyline.

See the stars

If you don’t have the chance to take in Auckland’s stunning night skies during your visit, a trip to the Stardome Observatory and Planetarium is an essential activity. Since opening in 1967, the Stardome has been sharing knowledge, research and explorations of space with the public through interactive demonstrations of its 2.5-tonne Zeiss telescope and the custom-built, 88-seat and 36-foot (11-metre) wide planetarium.

If you’ve got a day to spare before or after you fly, the Stardome is only eight miles (13 kilometres) away from AKL and easily accessible via public transport, but be sure to book your tickets in advance as popular events can quickly sell out.

Two miles of style

At almost two miles (three kilometres) long, downtown Auckland’s Queen Street is the city’s cultural, culinary and commercial backbone, with a bevvy of flagship department stores, hundreds of nationally and internationally renowned retailers and restaurants with menus carefully curated by some of New Zealand’s top chefs (taking full inspiration from the city’s rich connection with the sea).

In fact, Queen Street is so popular that it has become a national icon, giving its name to the most expensive square in New Zealand’s version of the world-famous board game, Monopoly.

Only a 20-minute drive from AKL, a walk down Queen Street will show you Auckland at its vibrant and eclectic best.

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Which terminal?

Auckland Airport consists of two terminals: Domestic and International. The two terminals are located approximately 1640 feet (500 metres) apart and are connected by both a free shuttle bus service and a signposted walkway.

Both terminals are used by some of the world’s major airlines. The domestic terminal serves as a hub for Air New Zealand and Australasia’s premier airline, Jetstar Airways, while the international terminal is a base for Virgin Australia and sees regular long-haul flights for airlines such as American Airlines, United Airlines and Emirates.

Check the departures board if you are unsure what terminal your flight is leaving from.

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How to get to Auckland Airport

Car

Located on the coastline between the cities of Auckland and Manukau and easily accessible via the region’s extensive State Highway network, you can navigate to Auckland Airport by using the post code Auckland 2022.

The airport is connected to the north west by State Highway 20A and the south east by State Highway 20B, providing convenient access to AKL from the wider region and the rest of the country. The Waterview Connection Tunnel is intended to significantly reduce travel times by allowing drivers to reach the airport directly from Auckland city centre.

Both terminals and all of the parking facilities at Auckland Airport are clearly signposted, so whichever direction you’re driving from, finding the right car park near your terminal is easy.

Bus

A variety of shuttle bus services also take advantage of the airport’s highway connectivity and run between the terminals, Auckland city centre, nearby Manukau city and the surrounding region. There are numerous bus routes between downtown Auckland and AKL that run 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and take between 40 and 60 minutes depending on traffic.

Train

AKL doesn’t currently have its own dedicated train station, but the Papatoetoe and Onehunga Rail Stations are only 10 minutes away by taxi and both are prominent stops on many of the airport bus services.

You can find more information and up-to-date timetables on all of Auckland’s Airports transport options here.

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Useful tips

Leave plenty of travel time

As New Zealand’s biggest airport, AKL sees approximately 45,000 visitors every day and the airport’s check-in, parking facilities and surrounding roads can become busy, especially during peak hours. If you’re flying domestically, it’s a good idea to leave at least one hour between arriving at the airport and take-off and, if you’re travelling internationally, it’s best to arrive no less than three hours before you fly. Use AKL’s live arrivals/departures feed to stay up-to-date with all your flight information.

Freshen up with a free shower

Complimentary shower facilities are available in both terminals at Auckland Airport, with towels and a range of bathroom essentials, should you require them, available to purchase from a number of nearby retailers.

Opening hours

AKL’s international terminal is open 24/7, but the domestic terminal closes between 11pm and 4:30am every day. The majority of the shops, cafés and restaurants will close after the last arrivals and departures, although a selection of retailers in the international terminal provide food, drinks and travel essentials 24 hours a day.

Welcome to the Wait Zone

If you're picking someone up and arrive at the airport ahead of schedule or if you want to spend some time saying farewell, AKL’s Wait Zones make picking up and dropping off travellers easy, whether they’re flying domestic or international. Each terminal has a dedicated zone just two minutes away where you can wait, completely free of charge, for 30 minutes. From there, it’s a quick drive either round to the terminal pick-up/drop-off bays or back onto the State Highway.

Need some help?

Auckland Airport’s hospitality ambassadors, affectionately known as the ‘bluecoats’, are easily recognisable by their distinctive blue jackets and are there to make sure you get the best out of your time at the airport. Whether you need to double-check your gate number or want some advice on where to eat before you fly, the bluecoats will be happy to help.

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Auckland Airport FAQs

How do I get to Auckland Airport?

As it is so close to Auckland and only minutes from the State Highway, getting to AKL is easy via the post code Auckland 2022. If you’re not driving yourself there, however, a selection of 24/7 bus services run routes between the airport, surrounding cities and the nearby rail stations, making it easy to reach Auckland Airport from anywhere in New Zealand.

How do I get between terminals?

Auckland Airport provides a free terminal transfer bus service that covers the 1640 feet (500 metres) of ground between the international and domestic terminals every 15 minutes. There is also a clearly signposted walkway between the two that will lead you from one terminal to the other in around 10 minutes.

Why should I pre-book parking?

Booking your parking at AKL in advance guarantees you a space regardless of how busy the airport is when you’re travelling. Simply follow the clear signage on-site and keep an eye out for your car park’s allocated letter. Parking can be booked up to 12 months in advance and short-stay parking can be booked four hours before arrival, if your plans suddenly change.

Is there anywhere to charge my electronic devices?

There are a number of power points available before and after security at AKL, as well as in many of the airport bars, cafés and restaurants. They are, however, often for customer use only and may not be accessible when the outlet is closed.