Air New Zealand

Crowded and loud noise. School holidays and full of children. Given the very permissive nature of Koru club membership and size of all the Air NZ lounges in NZ this is not a good time to be a business traveller.

The lounge has had a bit of an update which looks heaps better. I had the misfortune to meet the late night staff (duty manager I think) while trying to catch the Aus vs Fra rugby test before my flight to Singapore. A rather unpleasant experience all round. Not to mention the fact that she then got the departure gate staff to grill me when I boarded (as a result of the exchange in the lounge with the business lounge manager). Quite a miserable front to present to traveling public. I try to not fly Air New Zealand when I can help it amongst others for these reasons. unfortunately the Air New Zealand lounge hosts other airline business passengers so I will have to live with the luck of the draw as to who is on duty when I and others pass through AKL.

Initially looked pleasant. Air con did not work properly. When I asked why I was told that they have no control over the temperature that they had complained countless times to the airport facilities management but no improvement. Food was from the buffet reminded me of a British Rail buffet carriage from the 1980's. Upholstery was in a state of complete disrepair dirty and dilapidated. If the airport outside the lounge were not such a nightmare glorified shopping mall I would not have stayed there.

This lounge is small considering the number of airlines and flights it is supposed to accommodate. On my visit there were no seat available and I was forced to find a seat in what must have once been the business centre which is now a run down little room with a bench desk (no computers). Food options are limited but being breakfast there were scrambled eggs and beans available which weren't bad. Not a toaster in sight however. After the Auckland flight was called and those passengers had left the cleaning staff came out with portable vacuums and vacuumed for a good 20min which ensured there was no relaxation at all. This is a frequent occurrence in this lounge. Showers are available.

Air New Zealand use the Faa'a airport lounge in Papeete. Next time I'm not sure I would bother. The food offerings were poor. Actually mostly pre packaged snacks. If you want a beer or soft drink you'll be ok but don't expect any ice for spirits or mixers and don't dare ask a staff member for any ice. Staff are rude and abrupt. At least it's air conditioned unlike the rest of the airport.

Situated in the bowels of the terminal the ambience is gloomy and it looks very tatty and tired. Very uninspiring food (hot or cold) which isn't replenished as frequently as it should be. Dirty/used crockery stayed on tables way too long as staff were scarce. I visit this lounge fairly frequently and it's the same depressing experience. I don't know if it's bad feng shui poor design neglect or cost cutting but compared to other lounges even other Air NZ lounges this isn't one I look forward to visiting.

Very disappointing. No food lounge overcrowded. No plates or cups to get the limited food there was or make a coffee. Barista on duty but woefully out of their depth making 6 coffees. Air NZ staff happier gossiping around the front them providing assistance. No premium feel as overcrowded. Seating configuration forces people together and eliminates private space. Seen better lounges in Asia.

A very nice lounge. Good food and drink selection not especially crowded and good facilities. A few signs indicating where it is would be helpful having said that as it's a star alliance lounge I think?

I used the lounge prior to a flight to Hong Kong very full with several flights leaving. Just 1 staff was trying to keep the place clean. Food selection was dire. The hot option ran out and not replaced for over an hour. Even the cheese and crackers ran out. Leaving only some very unappetising looking muffins and scones with some soup. There was plenty to drink that is always well stocked. The lounge and bathrooms were reasonably clean. I would like to see Air New Zealand up their game with this lounge. For what is charged per annum for a Koru membership a lot more should be provided.

Fantastic lounge. Plenty of seat choices and a large food/beverage area. Staff keep the place impeccably clean –our empty cup/plate was removed what felt like seconds after you finished. We arrived just at the end of the breakfast service but you could still pick up some items off that menu – cheese & bacon muffins were delicious! The soft drinks were dispensed via a soda machine and my only quibble was that the glasses could have been done with being bigger. The ones there were more for adding a mixer to alcohol than someone just having a soft drink. Good free unlimited wifi too once you get the password from the receptionist on the way in.