Auckland Airport

Pier B (gates 15 16) does take a walk and possibly needs more shops for departing traffic but it is very spacious. Inwards passport control couldn't be faulted also the departing check. Still a good airport in the 5m international pax per year category.

Returning from Sydney it was sad to see that the entrance to Auckland is now also through (rather than beside) the duty-free shops. It's quite a long walk from the new gates built for the A380 and although the line for Immigration was moving fairly quickly it still took another 15 minutes to reach the desks where everyone appeared to get a really friendly welcome. Free tea and coffee available in the baggage area but because of the delays my suitcase was already on the carousel. Although I haven't seen it anywhere else Agricultural Quarantine screening is something all New Zealanders are very grateful for.

Had checked in online which meant only a few minutes in the queue to deposit suitcase. Friendly staff all the way from checkin through Customs and Immigration. However this was the first time I had used the new pier built for the A380 (although I wasn't fllying on one). There are four travelators because it's a long way from the main departure concourse (at least 400 metres) to the lounges at Gates 15 and 16 but only the first (and shortest) was working. Very comfortable seating in the gate lounge but no entertainment that I could see.

Auckland has always struck me as one of the most pleasant and welcoming of airports arriving and departing through the new international pier felt slightly less so. Despite the artwork and some stunning views the new area felt somewhat cold and stark. The ability to pre-order duty free and to collect it in the baggage hall on arrival is a real advantage. From plane to kerbside took less than 40 minutes. Departing on a flight to Sydney was spoiled by one very surly and inefficient official manning the NZCS Pre-Clearance desk. I have always found staff at the airport to be pleasant and most helpful and was saddened that this one individual didn’t understand that his attitude reflected poorly on the airport and on New Zealand.