While Auckland is a popular destination itself, New Zealand’s biggest airport is a common layover point for flights from Australia to the United States and locations throughout South America. If you’ve got a stopover in Auckland but you’re not sure what you can do there, Skyscanner Australia’s guide to the hotels, lounges, and things to do around Auckland airport will help you out.
Whether your stopover is four hours or ten, come and enjoy New Zealand’s largest city. Start with searching for cheap flights to Auckland:
What can you do at Auckland airport?
Auckland Airport’s international terminal is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, although not all facilities remain open around the clock. As well as services like currency exchange, showers, and a smoking deck, passengers have a wide range of shops, dining outlets, and the Strata Lounge to make your wait more pleasurable.
The Strata Lounge has shower facilities, fast Wi-Fi, snacks, drinks, and newspapers on hand. Book online for $66 at least 24 hours in advance. “Pay on the door” walk-up travellers are accepted upon availability.
What facilities are there at Auckland Airport?
- 45 minutes on the free Wi-Fi (90, if you join the Strata club)
- Restaurants, bars
- Shopping outlets
- Currency exchange
- ATMs
- Car hire
- Conference centre (only in the domestic terminal)
If you have a layover in the airport, you may be more comfortable in a lounge, but there are still options to keep you entertained elsewhere.
While there are plenty of international names on the list of cafes and restaurants, you can get a touch of New Zealand on your trip by visiting a local vendor. Shaky Isles is a coffee outlet with half a dozen stores across Auckland, Bar 1958 serves local wine and beer alongside a mixed menu (prominently featuring pizzas and Asian dishes), and 1Above is a local company that sells a unique travel recovery drink. All three can be found by the departure gates.
The shopping side of things is also evenly split between international and New Zealand offerings. Around NZ and Artport sell gifts with a local influence, while Icebreaker and Kiwi Discovery both specialise in warm merino wear, perfect if you’re travelling to America during their winter.
What’s the best accommodation near Auckland Airport?
If you need a hotel close to Auckland Airport
Even if you’re only staying a night (or shorter — day stays are also available), the Novotel Hotel Auckland Airport has so many perks you’ll want to stay for longer. The soundproofed rooms mean you’ll get a good night’s (or afternoon’s) kip.
Alternatively, you can quaff fine New Zealand wines at the bar or stroll out for a game of mini golf. The hotel is located next to the airport with a car park and 24-hour reception, so you can get to your room no matter how jetlagged you are on your return journey.
Address: International Terminal Ray Emery Dr, Auckland Airport, Auckland 2022.
The Holiday Inn is another nearby option, which may be tempting for families as children stay and eat for free. A $6 shuttle service is available from the international terminal to the Holiday Inn, making getting there a simple process.
Address: 2 Ascot Rd, Mangere, Auckland 2022.
If you need accommodation near Auckland Airport with a free shuttle
Need a cheap place to stay near Auckland Airport? The Oakwood Manor Motor Lodge is a little farther away from the airport and has family rooms, food, and a bar. They also offer a free shuttle service to and from the airport (it doesn’t matter how late or early your flight is).
Address: 610 Massey Rd, Mangere, Auckland 2022.
What can you do on a stopover day outside Auckland airport?
If your stopover is lengthy, or you’ve organised your flights separately and found yourself with a bit of time in Auckland, it can be beneficial to leave the airport and explore the city.
Bear in mind you will have to return three hours before an international flight, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get back to the airport.
When you have five hours to spare on your Auckland layover
Five hours is a tight squeeze for visiting the city centre, so try Villa Maria Winery or Butterfly Creek instead.
Butterfly Creek is ideal if you’re travelling with children, as they have animal exhibits and a butterfly garden. For older travellers, Villa Maria is an oft-award vineyard that gives visitors a chance to try some of New Zealand’s best wines, perhaps making it the perfect place to visit before a long overnight flight!
Both the creek and winery are within ten minutes from the airport in a taxi. However, as taxis charge a minimum flag fall of $25, you may prefer to call Butterfly Creek (0800 132 101) when you land to arrange a pick-up in their courtesy shuttle service.
When you have eight or more hours to spare during your Auckland airport stopover
You’ll wait an hour to get out of customs, then it’s up to half an hour to get to the city. When you arrive, the Hop On Hop Off Bus tour is an easy way to get the major sights in with just a few hours. If you prefer to explore under your own steam, the Sky Tower, Auckland Museum, and Mount Eden are a few of the top spots to fit into a short visit to Auckland.
Auckland Museum is the only location in the city with daily Māori performances. These run at 11 am, 12 pm, and 1.30 pm (and 2.30 pm between November and March).
Want to make it into a city break? Here’s our budget guide to Auckland for less than $300
You may well find that this short visit makes you want to spend more time in Auckland. Luckily, the NZ city is one of the quickest and cheapest overseas destinations for many Australians to get to.
Want to read more?
- How to get the most out of Australia’s top cities on a budget
- Your holiday budget: how much can you save?
- Ready to hit the road? Top hacks for mini trips from Australia
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