Biosecurity is taken seriously here - any plants/foods you take may damage local flora and fauna. Make sure to throw most foods away before control. Chocolate and cookies are ok though ;)
Good airport to be in with great environment, and even better if you have lounge access. However the resting area has been improved these last few years and are quite comfortable now.
Clean, open, efficient and airy space. Lovely people. Good security approach that doesn’t make you want to murder everyone. If you’re going to the US get to the gate a bit early for extra security.
Very busy airport at peak times. If you're meeting international arrivals, it can take between 10-75 minutes for them to clear immigration, customs and biosecurity depending on number of flights.
Need a PowerPoint post check I and bag check? Head upstairs to espresso past above 1 drink stand up the escalator. On your right is espresso behind it there are two black plugs by the window lking out
The lounges are fantastic and the Kiwis are even better. Learn a few greeting in the native Maori language to show respect for the indigenous peoples. Kia Ora
The Emirates A380 gates 15 and 16 (usually used for the Sydney and Melbourne flights) are far away - make sure to account for around 15 minutes of walking.
Need to extend lounges for overnight layovers (24hr lounges) as it’s not always convenient to check into hotels for just a couple of hours in the middle of the night. Currently they close about 12-1am
Overnight waiting for a connectiong flight? Head upstairs to the observation deck but bring warm clothes and a small cushion to sit, as it is cold and seats are mostly occupied by people sleeping.
Use SmartGate if you have an NZ or AU ePassport. It is so much quicker. No longer will you have to buy something from duty free just to skip the queue. Those were the days.
If you're following the green line to get to the Domestic Terminal don't get confused when it stops suddenly. Check the opposite side of the road. The line continues there.
If you want to tour the film locations from The Lord of the Rings & Narnia, then join other Narnia Fans in the Long Expected Journey tour: November 23 to December 6, 2012. Click more info for details. Read more
VIDEO: The Rock of the Pacific has the best diving in the Pacific Ocean! The only way to get there is through New Zealand. - Phil Keoghan, Host of "The Amazing Race" Read more
If you are a tourist and need a local sim card for the stay go to the information Centre, here or in the domestic airport. The give you one for free. The just buy a voucher for top up at a shop.
If you're running outta power on your cellphone or laptop, there's a power in gates 30-32 area. Rear far-left seats. Great for charging up before that long flight ;)
Make sure you avoid light aircraft on approach. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10798890. That guy almost killed us! Pillock.
Welcome to Auckland Airport, New Zealand's gateway. We’re the first to welcome you to our beautiful city, the last to farewell you from the islands of New Zealand. E nga iwi o te ao katoa, Haere mai ki te whenua o Aotearoa