Summary

  • Enjoy a taste of luxury before your flight with three pay-per-use lounges in NZ at AKL, CHC, and ZQN.
  • Strata Lounge in Auckland offers fresh food, bar facilities, and play areas – free entry for select card members.
  • Manaia Lounges are located in Christchurch and Queenstown.

While many of the world’s frequent fliers have memberships to various airline lounges worldwide that could have been purchased or awarded by the carrier to the individual, many of us may only take to the skies once or twice a year. With this in mind, many travelers do not need an annual pass for an airline lounge, so it’s important to identify where you can access airport lounges for a day pass if a little bit of luxury is needed before you take a flight.

While some carriers and their partner credit cards offer single-use lounge passes as part of their rewards program, this article examines the pay-per-use lounges available in New Zealand.

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Photo: Sravan Karayil / Shutterstock

Across New Zealand, there are three major pay-per-use lounges located in the following locations:

  • Auckland International Airport (AKL) – International Terminal
  • Christchurch International Airport (CHC) – International Terminal
  • Queenstown International Airport (ZQN) – International Terminal

Related

Air New Zealand Lounges: The Ultimate Guide

Six of its lounges are located abroad.

Strata Lounge

Auckland International Airport

Alongside other international airline lounges at the country’s busiest airport, Auckland, is the Strata Lounge. This lounge can be booked online 24 hours before departure and guarantees access. You can also pay a higher charge at the door. The benefits of the lounge include locally sourced fresh food, bar facilities, showers, bathrooms, and a children’s sound-proofed play area. Those members of Diners Club International, Dragonpass, Lounge Key, and Priority Pass can also enter free of charge (conditions apply).

The Strata lounge is open from 04:30 to 00:30 daily and is accessible after security in the international terminal. Depending on your travel needs, you can book a stay for up to four hours or extend this to eight. You will need to consult with your airline first to see what check-in limitations are. Children are permitted in the lounge; however, those under the age of 18 must be supervised by an adult and respect the tranquility of the space.

Strata Lounge is part of the Auckland Airport loyalty program that rewards customers through various points and tiers. You can join the Strata Club for free, and once you have spent NZ $250 ($151), you will gain Silver status, which allows you free drinks from participating food vendors when purchasing meals. Once NZ $800 ($486) is spent annually, you will receive other perks, such as airport parking upgrades and the Platinium tier, which entitles you to free Strata Lounge visits. You must spend a minimum of NZ $2,000 ($1,215) annually to achieve this tier status. For every NZ $1 ($0.71) spent at Auckland Airport, you will gain one Strata point, and after earning 500 points, it will entitle you to an NZ $5 ($3.04) voucher to spend at participating outlets.

Manaia Lounge

Christchurch International Airport

The Manaia Lounge is located in the international departures wing of Christchurch International, the South Island’s largest airport. It is one of just two lounges available for international departing passengers, the other being the Air New Zealand Lounge. The Manaia lounge is used frequently by eligible passengers traveling with Qantas, Emirates, Fiji Airways, China Southern Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Jetstar Airways; it is also available for pay-per-use travelers.

Located opposite gate 29, the lounge has an instinctive Kiwi feel and welcomes guests in for a range of food, drink, and tranquility. It is open for all international flights, and its hours fluctuate depending on flight schedules. Showers are available on request; however, additional charges may apply. Plaza Premium members can access the Manaia Lounge through their benefits.

Related

Which Airlines Serve International Destinations From Christchurch, New Zealand & Where Do They Fly?

Dubai, Fiji, and Sydney are just several destinations on offer.

Queenstown International Airport

Nestled in the Central Otago is Queenstown International Airport, commonly referred to as one of the most picturesque airports to fly into or out of. The Manaia Lounge in Queenstown is unique because it is the only lounge available airside at ZQN. The airport has one other lounge that Air New Zealand operates. However, this remains land-side to cater to both domestic and international travelers. Manaia, which translates in Māori for Protector of Land, Sea, and Sky, can host up to 150 guests and serves as a lounge of choice for Virgin Australia, Qantas, and Jetstar, who all operate international services from Queenstown. Free access is available for Priority Pass, Lounge Key, Plaza Lounge or Dragon Pass holders, otherwise paying guests can enter for NZ $65 (39).

From Queenstown, direct international flights operate to Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Melbourne, and Sydney, while Christchurch and Auckland airports serve a wide range of short—and long-haul destinations in Australia, Asia, North America, and beyond.


  • Air New Zealand Tile

    Air New Zealand

    IATA/ICAO Code:
    NZ/ANZ

    Airline Type:
    Full Service Carrier

    Hub(s):
    Auckland Airport, Christchurch Airport, Wellington Airport

    Year Founded:
    1965

    Alliance:
    Star Alliance

    CEO:
    Greg Foran

    Country:
    New Zealand

    Region:
    Oceania

  • Auckland Airport

    IATA/ICAO Code:
    AKL/NZAA

    Country:
    New Zealand

    Runways :
    05/23 – 3,535m (11,599ft)

    Airlines:
    Air New Zealand

    Terminals:
    Domestic Terminal | International Terminal

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