Air New Zealand Auckland International Lounge — Attraction in Māngere-Ōtāhuhu

I rated this 3.5 out of 5 for the following reasons; I travel alot using business class, therefore this review is based on my world-wide knowledge of the style and levels of service that are available for business lounges, for the savvy avid traveller.

Service; Service upon entering is not what I would imagine for the flagship newly renovated premiere lounge for Air New Zealand - the entrance level receptionists looked a little nervey and slightly judgemental, or perhaps the amounts of people that were inside, had jarred upon their sensibilities? However, quick interrogation, to see if I was worthy of entering (I was) and then once I passed the gustapo - I was in!

Yassssss - aaah no, upon closer inspection (I was there to review the place and see if my dollars were well spent) complete waste of my money and time, no comfortable seats, the only thing that was vacant was probably the manners of the ladies at the front of house.

Facilities; Since the renovations, the business lounge is fit to service up to what looks like a couple of hundred at one go. However, the only thing with this increased space is more demand and longer cues in the business lounge during peak time, compared to outside in normalsville. Granted NZ is first to spearhead chefs and bar-staff serving up cocktails in a lounge environment, however the downside is that, there are larger numbers all vying for cocktails, espresso martini's, kiwitini's and coffee - result, service level has downgraded.

Vibe; When I arrived, I could see why the ladies at the front area were frazzled-the staff on the inside were inundated with huge amounts of public, all wanting coffee, all wanting at (9am in the morning -drinking champagne, really!!!), and all vying for a coveted comfy seat, rather than have to sit on the hard seats in the dinning area.

Food/wine; wine selection and beers were the usual suspects, as well as some good New Zealand sauvignon blancs, pinot noirs, nz beer and sparkling wine. I however, could not see any French champagne such as Verve, Moet, or otherwise, which was just not good enough for the discerning travellers that pay top dollar and expect top shelf wines, beer, champagne etc. Food;I like the fact that croq monsieur was being served up as well as lots of good, tasty food, this was the only place were there were loads of seats All other smart travellers, who obviously knew better than I to get in fast, get a seat, and sit, and stare at mobile phones, ipads, laptops. Vibe; as a result of the increased numbers, I really felt like I should be drinking at 9am to overcome the sheer stress. However, due to the competition for seating, cocktails and coffee....(I mean, coffee made by the barista that is), the cool kiwi spirit vibe, is lost in the mayhem.

Value for money; being an avid traveller in business class, I do not think that this lounge is worth spending the hard-earned dollars of little old me on, therefore, Won't be visiting, unless I got a free invite to re-review the place again. In the interim, please recruit more staff for peak hours such as 9am - 5pm.

Not good enough Air New Zealand, I expected and deserved...

I've visited this lounge twice. It's very nice and spacious. There are couches and loungers if you need to lay down. There's also a shower here. There are plenty of comfortable seating and a couple of televisions. There is one room that shows sports. On my last visit, besides salads, breads, and desserts, there was some delicious salmon. I am a gold member with United Airlines. Air New Zealand is an alliance partner, so I was offered complimentary lounge access. If interested in visiting this lounge or any other at a complimentary rate, it's a good idea to sign up for airline membership. Delta, United, and American Airlines are free to sign up. Whenever you fly, no matter the airline, check to see if they are in alliance with one you are signed up for. You may be able to add miles to one of your accounts for benefits later. For example, I am a gold star alliance member with United. United is in alliance with 26 airlines. So if I fly Air New Zealand, Air Canada, etc, miles can be applied to United, I just provide my member number at check-in. Delta is an alliance member with Skyteam, which includes 18 airlines. So if I fly Virgin Atlantic or etc, at check-in, I provide my Delta number. America Airlines is under Oneworld alliance and has 24 partner airlines. I lost a lot of miles early on because I didn't understand how the partnerships work. No photos from the lounge. I just relaxed...

. (01/2018) One of the best international lounges I've been to. A great example of customer service. Amazing ambiance supported by great interior and wall decor. Most of it is filled with dim lightening and there are corners with good lightening in case you need that. Good food selection clearly marked with dietary specifications. Food itself is well prepared and delicious. Staff is very helpful and knowledgeable around beverages and edibles. Offers buffet or all-you-can-eat. There is a bar which offers good choice of non-alcoholic drinks as well. Spacious seating and different seating arrangements for people with different needs. In fact there is place to lie down in case you want to straighten your back. The open seating area at back provides peaceful and relaxed atmosphere which is created to appear close to the nature with vertical cover of greens over walls. Free Wi-fi is available at this location. Shower facility is available as well. Can get crowded at times but there is seat for everyone. Enjoyed...