Auckland Airport

Passed through Auckland Airport to and from Apia last week. I have smart passport so it was a breeze to and from immigration wise. On the way out I used the men's toilet next to the Relay bookshop they were disgusting. Not entirely the airports fault but their cleaners should be checking more carefully. Also airside the whole terminal looked as if it could do with a good clean.

In general this airport is not so bad however feel that over the pas few years they have invested heavily in nice shops however not enough into the actual infrastructure such as double Aerobridges at the gates to unload and load passengers faster on wide body aircraft which at times takes long time to embark or disembark from. Also the majority of the gate lounges are run down with old seating and carpet with the actual Aerobridges in a not much better state. Also the check in hall needs a major overhaul to modernize it and get rid of the ugly vinyl flooring and arrival baggage claim is still way too small in order to handle extra capacity in peak times meaning waiting for you baggage a long time. All in all the airport really has a lot of work to do in a lot places when it comes making it more modern and in line with the rest of the upgrades done in previous years.

This airport is purely and simply a cash cow. The casual parking rates are simply outrageous. The airport company obviously does not want the public to linger in the terminal. But if you do want to linger it has all the ambience of a super large McDonald's. Not a public minded airport in any way.

Upon traveling in and out of Auckland International airport recently we found the following disasters: Toilets were filthy flushing systems not working some mens toilets closed off. Food preferences at 7.00 am were poor with no cooked breakfasts available at all only cold sandwiches or muffins and coffee although the bar was open for alcoholic drinks! Electronic passport processing was not working properly with some machines sign posted as 'Not Working' No electronic processing at all through customs clearance upon departure. Poor assistance from airport staff in respect of electronic passport issues. Staff being too few and difficult to identify and mostly talking one another referring me to other machines (I tried 4 unsuccessfully) or to other staff members. A total lack of warmth from mostly foreign staff with poor English language or Kiwi culture knowledge. I felt like a foreigner in my home town. Lastly I resented being hindered by foreign Duty Free shopping staff as I moved through to Customs. Overall a poor International airport experience and a poor reflection of the real New Zealand culture.

Very modern clean and efficient airport. The sounds and the setting are a lovely way to enter NZ. A far cry from the sterile dilapidated interiors we are used to in the UK. Passing through security was a breeze and the staff very helpful and friendly.

Airport is generally good staff are friendly and for a small airport the facilities are excellent. Only gripe is the queue at immigration on the way in - one person at the desk and a 40 minute wait really isn't good enough.

Arrived from SYD. Everything was fine until the Immigration line. The lines were amazingly long and it appears there were only 3 officers working. After immigration / customs was able to acquire the rental car and out of the parking lot within 20 minutes.

What an extraordinary range of reviews for this airport and I guess it reflects different times / dates and expectations. I use it fairly regularly - admittedly mostly going to and from Aus and have found it very good (far superior to Sydney). I agree with the comments about the pushy Duty Free salesman but overall I always find going in and out either alone or with my infant son very easy. On a recent arrival I mentioned the pushchair had been on the beach and in the forest in North Queensland and they happily took it away and cleaned the wheels thoroughly - great service! Enough food options - how many do you need? And with one exception I have found all customs immigration staff very helpful and friendly.

The airport is now contemporary and modern with excellent shopping. Staff are friendly but obtrusive and most surprisingly many don't know what they are talking about. So double check. I was assured a window seat on TG but was seated smack bang in the middle. The girl at the curio shop asked how I sneaked through with a duty free bag. Strange. Small and cosy airport that mostly serves the Pacific islands. It would qualify as a small section of LAX. Like in the US they don't stamp your passport on your way out. Upside: If you are flying in from the west or north at day time get your camera ready for some great sights as you approach the Island. The drive to the city on a sunny winter day has gorgeous views. Rolling hills crisp cool air bright sunny skies. Its breath taking. As for Auckland Airport: its pretty mediocre. Its getting into and out of the airport by air or land that's so scenic.

In regard to the previous comment if you're from a foreign country you should expect to be questioned on arrival. In regards to finding your gate number I admit I've always found it a bit odd at Auckland that check in sometimes don't know it but the information is easily available on the many information boards before and after you pass through security. Auckland is a good airport and is a breeze to use polite helpful staff and a large departure hall plentiful food outlets and you don't have to walk miles to get to your gate. You also don't get ambushed by staff trying to sell you things as you do at many American airports as you walk through duty free to reach your gate. The arrivals hall is attached to departures so if you need to transfer its a 2 minute walk. Buses / taxis etc are within easy reach and there is a 24 hour airport bus service to the centre of Auckland for 16 NZD. If you want an airport with poor transfer links try Sydney! Auckland has got it right be it the staff or the facilitates.