Auckland Airport: complete and updated guide 2020

LAN plane landing at Auckland Airport

Auckland is also known as the economic capital of New Zealand.  Due to its role as the main commercial axis of the country, Auckland hosts the headquarters of important international corporations. It is also considered the most cosmopolitan New Zealand city and is currently home to the largest Polynesian population in the world. If you are traveling to the city, it is essential that you know how Auckland International Airport works. That is why this time we have prepared an article that can serve as a guide in case you need it.

Auckland International Airport is 13 miles south of the city center. It opened in 1966 and currently is New Zealand’s largest and busiest airport. It serves as a hub for the New Zealand airline Air New Zealand. In addition, it hosts other companies such as Jetstar, Qantas and Virgin Australia. The airport ranks at Skytrax index with 4 out of 5 possible stars, which is already an awesome business card to the passengers.

How many terminals are there at the airport? 

Auckland International Airport has two terminals: one for international flights and another for domestic ones. The international terminal offers its services 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, while the domestic terminal remains operating the same way every day but with limited schedules, Monday through Friday from 4:30 am to 11:00 pm and weekends from 5:00 am to 11:00 pm.

Terminals are separated by a walking distance. In addition, the airport also offers passengers a free shuttle connecting them, every 15 minutes.

How do I move from Auckland airport to downtown?

There are several options of ground transportation that allow passengers to get comfortably to Auckland city center. 

SkyBus

SkyBus is a well-known network of fast buses that operate from both terminals of the airport. They provide services every day of the year 24 hours a day. The adult ticket costs NZ$ 18.00 (around 12$) and the family one can cost up to NZ$ 36.00 (24$). The tickets to board them can be purchased online at Skybus website, or directly at the airport. These buses (Auckland City Express) are usually quite regular, you will find one every 12 minutes in pick times. Travel time to downtown is about 60 minutes. It is very easy to find the output stations of the same ones following the signs that there are at the airport.

SuperShuttles

These are very popular with visitors arriving at the airport. This is a shared minibus service that offers great discounts when it comes to families. Through it you will have the opportunity to get right to the door of your destination within the city. You can book your transfer on company’s website or at their airport facilities.

Taxis

Taxis are always available at the airport. Depending on the company, the fixed fare to downtown can cost up to NZ$ 75.00 (around 50$). You can make use of them at any time of the day and you will find them in the arrivals area (gate 8) of the international flight terminal and in gate 4 of the domestic flight terminal.

Car rental

You will find major rental car companies are located in each of the terminal buildings: Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and also Thrifty.

Parking at Auckland International

You will find four different categories of parking at Auckland airport:

  • economy: located nearby the airport, offer lower prices for long stays. 
  • standard: very near the terminals, is passenger’s most comfortable choice. 
  • executive: enhanced by further services like valet parking and grooming. 
  • pick up: for really quick stops, with just enough time to pick up or drop off someone. You can book the parking in advance through this link.

Services available at the airport

Auckland International Airport offers passengers a wide variety of services to provide the best of stays:

  • pharmacies and clinics to attend medical emergencies;
  • foreign exchange offices;
  • bank branches;
  • ATMs.

It has all the conditions created to facilitate access for people with reduced mobility and wheelchairs. You will find plenty of usual facilities such as bathrooms, showers, baby changing rooms, and nursery rooms.

In case of longer stops at the airport, a shopping center is available at the entrance of airport’s complex (at the corner of George Bolt Memorial Drive and John Goulter Drive). Ground transportation connects the terminals with the shopping center.

Shops

Within its facilities, there are more than 60 shops where you can find any object you need. They represent the ideal place to take home magnificent souvenirs at really tempting prices.

Its stores with tax-free prices as well as having very good offers on items of excellent quality offer the possibility of shopping online through its website.

Definitely, a place to eat

As well as a wide variety of shops, there are also numerous bars, restaurants, and fast food cafes. Within airport’s modern environment you can taste both international and local flavors. On this link, you can find a list of the most recent openings. 

Internet access

All airport area is covered by an efficient wifi service, with 2h of allowance to every visitors. If you need more, you’ll just need to login and select one of the offered plans to keep connected.