Auckland Airport

Details for International and Domestic travel !

It has over the last year or three had a major upgrade and if anything, the ongoing work is the biggest problem. But as that is outside, unless you are driving yourself, it will be your driver who has to cope with that!

Getting to and from the Airport

There have been very recent upgrades to the public transport options for getting to and from the airport.

There is an Airbus Service - Airbus Express - from downtown Auckland. It leaves every 15 minutes from the Pier 1 Car Park beside the downtown Ferry Terminal. It also stops en route at Langham Hotel in Symonds Street, and according to the timetable - at Mt Eden train station. The trip takes around 40 minutes, and costs $22 return.

If you can take a train there is a connecting bus from Papatoetoe Station which takes approximately 55 minutes but only costs $8 one way – or $16 return.It starts at Manakau Shopping Centre.
Both routes go to both the domestic and international terminals.

You can of course do the reverse when you arrive .
For up to date details you can check at http://www.maxx.co.nz/

TAXI

You can catch a taxi to Auckland Airport for anywhere from $50 - 100 depending on where you are coming from.There are always plenty of approved taxis waiting for new arrivals

SHUTTLE TAXI

A Shuttle is a mini bus that is similar to a taxi but takes several people for a much cheaper fare. The draw back is you do not travel directly to your address. You may do the rounds of hotels.Not a bad way to have a little city tour for an over view if you have time.

Check In - Auckland Airport

NOTE : There is no longer a $25 tax to be paid.

The Domestic Terminal is walking distance from the International terminal. There is a free bus running constantly between the two terminals. There is also a blue line you can follow between the terminals, if you want to stretch your legs and walk.

You need to allow 30 minutes check in time for domestic flights. Note the Qantas and Air New Zealand check in’s are in separate buildings.

Auckland Airport International Terminal

Once checked through you can take the escalator or lift upstairs and relax until you need to check through immigration. There are a lot of good restaurants and cafes including Italian, Japanese, and Chinese meals. The shopping is excellent with some very lovely New Zealand

SHOPPING

Products for last minute gifts and purchases. I have found the prices are very comparable to anywhere else, and the selection is expansive. If you are looking for New Zealand memories or gifts these are a small list of choices:

• T shirts

• Possum/Merino wool garments

• Jewellery – greenstone, paua, shell

• Art

• Sheepskin products

• Leather coats

• Toys

• Slippers

• New Zealand food – honey, jams, chocolates etc

Duty Free

• Duty Free liquor

• Cosmetics

• Jewellery

• Cameras , Electronics etc

• Books and Magazines

Once you have gone through immigration there is a good selection of the same and similar shops on the other side.Banks and Money Exchange Travelex have several outlets – both downstairs and upstairs.

Immigration at Auckland Airport

In line with other countries New Zealand has the same regulations with liquid gels. This includes lotions, lipstick and cosmetics, water etc.

Any taken on board must be in containers under 100 ml in size and in a clear plastic bag. They will check, and do x-ray your bags, where they will show up.

As you go through, assistants will check you have your

• Passport

• Exit papers filled in

• Boarding pass

• That your luggage complies with regulations

Your luggage will be scanned, and you may be taken aside for a security check. You are selected at random. So don’t be offended. Unless the scanners have shown something unusual, which is a different matter.

NOTE: RE WATER: You can take an empty water bottle through and refill it at a water station near the lounge gates.

It is quite a long walk to the lounges so you do need to allow 15 minutes minimum to get there. There is a lot of comfortable seating, so you can wait in the lounge allocated to your gate.

Arrivals – What to Expect

Once your passport and entry papers have been checked you can pick up your luggage.You are then directed to different lanes, depending on what you have declared.

You MUST declare any food – most are totally forbidden.

New Zealand’s industry is mainly agricultural. We cannot afford to have any diseases or pests introduced that could do major harm to our agriculture or horticultural industries. So they are strict!

All bags are put through a scanner for detection of anything illegal.

There is an instant fine of $400 or more depending on what the illegal products are.

NEW ZEALAND CITIZENS

You can now go through an automated system where your fingerprints are scanned and you answer questions on a machine, for fast processing. You will likely have dogs checking your luggage to verify your answers!

Getting Away from Auckland Airport

You can exchange money at the airport Travelex booths.

TRANSPORT

Once you are finally “In New Zealand”you will probably need transport.

There are buses every 15 minutes to down town.( See notes above) Shuttle buses, and Taxis are also available.If you need information there is a help desk near the door.

Now go and look at the rest of this site to organise an interesting holiday itinerary. Have a wonderful New Zealand Holiday!

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