Exploring Auckland Airport: Activities And Attractions

what can you do at auckland airport

Auckland Airport offers a range of amenities and activities to keep travellers entertained and comfortable during their layovers. The airport provides free Wi-Fi, sleeping spots, and shower facilities, as well as a smoking lounge and a non-denominational chapel for quiet contemplation. Travellers can also access VIP lounges and enjoy nearby attractions like Butterfly Creek, Ambury Farm, and various shopping and dining options. For longer layovers, exploring Auckland city, visiting Mission Beach, or even climbing Mt. Eden are all worthwhile options.

Characteristics Values
Places to eat Wondertree, Blue Marble Lane, Ahora Cafe & Bar, Dunkin' Donuts, Burger King, McDonald's, Allpress Espresso, Take Home, Mission Beach Belgian Beer Cafe, Percy, Kawau Kitchen
Places to stay Novotel Auckland Airport, Ibis Budget Auckland Airport
Transport Rail replacement buses, Uber, train
Shopping Manawa Bay, Butterfly Creek, outlet mall
Entertainment Massage chairs, arcades, golf range, Ambury Farm, Auckland Botanic Gardens, Sky Tower, mini golf, sculpture garden, paintball, laser tag, rope climbing, high ropes, cycling, walking, Jetts fitness
Amenities Free showers, airport lounges, smoking lounge, non-denominational chapel, prayer mat, WiFi, lost property office, trolleys, post boxes, phone cards

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Eat and drink at cafes, restaurants, and bars

Auckland Airport offers a wide range of dining options to suit different tastes and preferences. With over 20 eateries across the International Airport and 15 food and beverage stores within the domestic terminal, travellers are spoilt for choice.

For those seeking a modern twist on classic dishes, the gastro pub located at the bottom of the Ibis Budget Hotel offers a cosy atmosphere, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This popular spot also offers a range of New Zealand brews on tap and local wines.

If you're craving Asian cuisine, Restaurant Lunar and Bar at Naumi Auckland Airport serves a blend of hearty Asian dishes with a modern touch. The menu is inspired by the ancient Zodiac legacy, allowing diners to choose dishes based on their Zodiac animal.

For a healthy and delicious option, Kawau Kitchen, also located near the airport, offers a menu focused on wellness and sustainability, showcasing the best of New Zealand produce. From boutique coffee and pastries to clean, lean smoothies and cocktails, Kawau Kitchen provides a well-rounded dining experience.

Travellers seeking a quick bite before or after their flight can visit Try It Out Restaurant, a family-owned Vietnamese eatery just minutes from the airport. This affordable spot is known for its homey ambiance and extensive menu, featuring iconic dishes like Special Pho Beef Noodle and Lemongrass Chicken Rice.

In addition to these options, Auckland Airport also houses international chains like Dunkin' Donuts, Burger King, and McDonald's for convenient meals. For a true taste of New Zealand, travellers can also indulge in a flat white, the locals' favourite coffee style.

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Relax in airport lounges and VIP rooms

Auckland Airport offers a variety of lounges and VIP rooms for travellers seeking a relaxing and comfortable experience. One notable option is the Strata Lounge, which provides a peaceful escape from the bustling airport. The Strata Lounge offers bookable private relaxation rooms, luxury bathrooms, and a calm and friendly environment to unwind, dine or work. It features a range of hot and cold food options, including savoury, sweet and cheese selections, prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Complimentary Wi-Fi, workstations, and a children's soundproofed play area are also available.

For Air New Zealand passengers, the airline's international lounges in Auckland Airport offer a modern and elegant space to relax or work. These lounges feature tailored seating zones, a covered outdoor terrace, and a fireplace, providing a comfortable environment for travellers with different needs. Airpoints Elite, Gold, Elite Partner, and Koru members, as well as business premier passengers, can access these lounges and are allowed to bring guests under certain conditions. The lounges offer light refreshments, a self-service food buffet, a bar, and various amenities, including Wi-Fi, magazines, TV, and shower facilities.

In addition to these options, Auckland Airport also has pay-to-enter lounges that offer additional comfort and convenience. These lounges provide access to any traveller, regardless of the airline or flight class, for a fee. They are an excellent choice for those seeking a quiet environment with amenities such as food, drink, Wi-Fi, and shower facilities. Some lounges even offer bookable relaxation rooms or sleep pods, providing a private space to rest and recharge before your flight.

When it comes to VIP rooms, Auckland Airport may have specific options for premium passengers or members of exclusive airport lounge access programs such as Priority Pass, LoungeKey, and DragonPass. These rooms or lounges offer an exclusive and luxurious experience with enhanced privacy and personalised services. It is recommended to check with your airline or lounge program provider to understand the specific offerings and eligibility requirements for accessing VIP rooms at Auckland Airport.

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Play games and ride in the arcades

If you're looking for some entertainment at Auckland Airport, there are two arcades in the International Terminal offering games and small rides. This makes for a perfect distraction if you're travelling with kids or just want to zone out and have some fun!

Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq in Newmarket offers VR, dodgem cars, ten-pin bowling, arcade games, and endless prizes. You can also treat yourself to some delicious food and cocktails at Dazzler's Diner. Arcade games cost between $2 and $5, and you'll need a Bank of Archie Bros card to play, which you can purchase when you arrive. If you're planning to visit with kids, check out their great offers for children, and if you're staying late, be sure to bring a valid form of ID if you plan to purchase alcohol or be in the venue after 8 pm.

If you're looking for a more relaxed experience, you can find massage chairs in the International Terminal, particularly near Gates 2-4. For a few bucks, you can sit down and work on those post-flight tight muscles.

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Shop at Manawa Bay or in the airport

If you're looking for a spot of retail therapy, Auckland Airport has plenty of options. The airport itself boasts over 120 stores across its terminals, offering a mix of local and international brands. You can also find a variety of dining options, ranging from quick bites at chains like Burger King and McDonald's to sit-down meals at places like Wondertree and Blue Marble Lane. Several lounges provide access to travellers regardless of their airline or flight class, offering a quiet space to relax, as well as shower facilities and WiFi access.

Just minutes from the airport, you'll find Manawa Bay—Auckland's newest premium outlet shopping destination. With over 100 stores, Manawa Bay hosts a range of fashion, footwear, accessories, and food and beverage outlets. Notable brands include Kate Spade, Coach, Puma, and Fila. The dining area offers a water-facing ambiance with light-filled, open spaces. Manawa Bay is committed to eco-friendly practices and aims to secure a five-star Green Star rating. It is focused on enhancing energy efficiency, improving indoor air quality, minimising waste, and utilising renewable energy sources to reduce its carbon emissions.

Whether you're an avid shopper or simply looking for a place to stretch your legs, Manawa Bay and Auckland Airport provide a diverse range of shopping and dining experiences to suit your needs. With convenient transport links and a well-connected location, you can easily access these destinations and enjoy a day of exploration and relaxation.

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Explore the sculpture garden and nearby nature spots

If you're looking for a peaceful escape from the airport, Auckland's newest sculpture garden is hidden among native trees on a lakeside. This outdoor gallery showcases twelve pieces of art from some of New Zealand's best artists, including a stainless-steel piece called "Fragmented Interactions" by Gregor Kregar. The park is open to the public, free of charge, and you can even pack a picnic to enjoy amidst the art and nature.

The sculpture garden is part of a larger effort by Auckland International Airport to create a network of green spaces. The estate features a shell-inspired pedestrian esplanade that serves as a shared entrance to the sculpture garden and walk. This park combines ecological and artistic goals, with paths winding through native trees and groundcover plantings. The primary stormwater retention pond is at the centre, surrounded by plants that bolster wildlife habitat and a corridor of trees that protects birds by leading them away from the airport.

Near the sculpture garden, you'll find The Runway Mountain Bike Park, designed with input from local experts and enthusiasts. It offers approximately five kilometres of novice and intermediate trails with airport-themed names like "Takeoff" and "Final Approach". The park is located next to an existing soccer field and demonstrates the airport's commitment to providing free, public recreation.

If you're willing to venture a bit further, the Kaipara Coast Sculpture Gardens is located 45 minutes northwest of Auckland and offers stunning views over the Kaipara Harbour. This rural property features a 1km trail that showcases approximately 40 sculptures by established and emerging New Zealand artists, along with inspiring gardens and a cafe.

For a nature fix closer to the airport, try walking or jogging along Oruarangi Creek at the Landing Business Park, or head to Cornwall Park, which offers beautiful views and a children's playground.

Frequently asked questions

There are plenty of things to do at Auckland Airport to keep you entertained during a long layover. You can enjoy a sit-down meal at restaurants like Wondertree, Blue Marble Lane, or Ahora Cafe & Bar. If you're looking for a quick bite, there are international chains like Dunkin' Donuts, Burger King, and McDonald's. You can also find free showers, massage chairs, arcades, and VIP lounges at the airport. If you want to explore outside the airport, consider visiting Manawa Bay for shopping, the nearby golf range, or the Ambury farm for a walk.

Yes, Auckland Airport offers a few options for those seeking quiet spaces. The airport has a non-denominational chapel as a quiet place for contemplation, and you can find its location on the airport maps. Additionally, the Strata Lounge offers bookable relaxation rooms if you need a private space to rest.

Auckland Airport provides landscaped public spaces for outdoor recreation. You can enjoy cycling, jogging, or walking alongside waterways. There are also team-building activities available, such as paintball, laser tag, and rope climbing. Nearby, you can visit Butterfly Creek, a popular spot for a leisurely day, or explore the Esplanade trail for a brisk walk or run.

If you need a place to stay near Auckland Airport, there are several options. The Novotel Auckland Airport is adjacent to the International Terminal, offering convenient access. Another option is the Ibis Budget Auckland Airport, located 800 meters from the International Terminal, which may be more affordable. Additionally, there are other hotels within a 5-minute drive that might provide free shuttle services.

Auckland Airport and its surrounding area offer a variety of dining choices to suit different preferences. For a sit-down meal, you can visit restaurants like Wondertree, Blue Marble Lane, or Ahora Cafe & Bar. If you're looking for quick options, international chains like Dunkin' Donuts, Burger King, and McDonald's are available. Outside the airport, you can explore places like Percy, Mangere Bridge, or Kawau for cafes and eateries.

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