Auckland airport (AKL)

Auckland Airport (AKL), opened on 29 January 1966, is the main gateway to New Zealand and the busiest in the country. Located on the North Island, it serves as a strategic hub in Oceania, operating an extensive network of domestic routes and direct international flights to key destinations such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Vancouver, Santiago de Chile, Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Dubai and Doha.

Official Website: aucklandairport.co.nz

Telephone: +64 9 275 0789 / 0800 247 767

Social media:

Terminals

The airport complex has two main terminals located approximately 500 metres apart:

• International Terminal: Open 24 hours a day.
• Domestic Terminal: Operates daily from 4:30 am to 11:00 pm.

Both buildings are connected by a free shuttle service (Green Bus) running every 15 minutes between 5:00 am and 11:00 pm. There is also a signposted pedestrian walkway allowing the journey to be completed on foot in approximately 10 minutes.

Annual traffic (2025): 18.9 million passengers.

Information Points

Assistance desks are available in the check-in hall and on Levels 1 and 2 of the International Terminal, as well as next to Gate 4 of the Domestic Terminal and in the Air New Zealand baggage claim area. In addition, assistance staff, known as Bluecoats due to their blue jackets, patrol the terminals to provide guidance to travellers.

 Location

The airport is located next to the suburb of Mangere, 21 km (13 miles) south of Auckland city centre.

Parking services at Auckland airport (AKL)

The airport offers a wide range of parking options to suit all types of travellers, which can be booked online in advance to secure the best rates. Check prices and reservations at aucklandairport.co.nz.

Valet Parking

Valet parking service available next to both terminals. Drop-off and pick-up without the need to park your vehicle yourself; includes car wash and cleaning options. At the International Terminal, it is located on the ground floor of the Transport Hub. At the Domestic Terminal, it is on the first floor of the multi-storey car park (R).

Premium Parking

Covered parking, the closest to the terminals, ideal for stays of up to 5 days. At the International Terminal, it occupies Levels 2 to 4 of the Transport Hub, with direct covered access to the check-in and arrivals areas. At the Domestic Terminal, it is the multi-storey car park with a covered walkway to the terminal.

Standard Parking

Covered and open-air car parks within walking distance of the terminals, ideal for stays of 5 to 10 days. They feature partially covered walkways.

• D — Covered, near the International Terminal. Also recommended for picking up or dropping off passengers (7–10 minutes’ walk from the terminal).
• E — Open-air, near the International Terminal.
• K / L — Open-air, near the Domestic Terminal.
• M (Standard+) — Mixed (covered and open-air), next to the Domestic Terminal.
• O — Open-air, next to the Domestic Terminal. Recommended for stays of up to 5 days. Advance booking only.
• R — Covered multi-storey, next to the Domestic Terminal.

Park & Ride

The most economical option: open-air parking with a free shuttle bus to both terminals. There are two locations:

• Park & Ride North — On Verissimo Drive.
• Park & Ride South — On Puhinui Road, opposite Campana Road.

The shuttle buses are orange and black, equipped with ramps and adjustable air suspension for wheelchair users.

Short Stay

Short-stay covered parking inside the Transport Hub.

• P60 — Ground floor. The closest car park to the International Terminal. Maximum stay: 1 hour.
• P180 — Level 1. Maximum stay: 3 hours. The first 10 minutes are free of charge.

Waiting Areas

Free parking for up to 30 minutes, located a few minutes from both terminals, designed for those waiting to pick up passengers. There are three areas:

• Wait Zone 1 (North) — Access via Te Ara Korako.
• Wait Zone 2 (South) — Access from Geoffrey Roberts Road, next to car park L.
• Wait Zone 3 (International) — Access via Ray Emery Drive or Tahinga Lane, behind car park E.

Facilities for passengers with special needs

Auckland Airport offers extensive infrastructure and services designed to support passengers with reduced mobility, disabilities or other special needs.

Mobility Assistance and Wheelchairs

All airlines operating at the airport provide mobility assistance and wheelchairs for passengers requiring accessibility support. It is essential to notify your airline at the time of booking or at least 48 hours in advance to ensure appropriate assistance both in the terminals and on board the aircraft. Airport staff, identifiable by their blue jackets, are available at all times to assist you.

The airport features automatic doors, lifts, Braille signage, accessible drinking fountains and toilets for wheelchair users, as well as reserved parking spaces in front of both terminals.

For passengers requiring mobility assistance, there is a free electric buggy service operating from the accessible P60 car park at the International Terminal (between Zones 8 and 9).

Accessible Parking and Transport

Holders of a mobility permit have access to the Mobility Valet service, which allows vehicles to be dropped off directly at the International Terminal Transport Hub with assistance included. It can be booked online via the airport’s website.

The Dial-A-Ride service provides transport in specially equipped wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAV) to and from the airport. It is recommended to book at least two days in advance. Several airport taxi and shuttle companies also participate in the national Total Mobility Scheme and offer vehicles fitted with lifting platforms.

The Park & Ride service includes buses equipped with ramps and adjustable air suspension, as well as accessible parking spaces located near the stop.

Hidden Disabilities

The airport participates in the international Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme, which allows individuals with non-visible disabilities (such as autism, anxiety, dementia, chronic pain, visual or hearing impairments, among others) to discreetly indicate to staff that they may need additional support, more time or understanding while travelling through the airport.

Wearing the sunflower lanyard is entirely voluntary. Airport staff are trained to recognise it and provide appropriate assistance.