Auckland Airport

Domestic is nothing special. If you not a Star Alliance member don't even go through to the gates till the last minute you cannot even buy a coffee. International was great - speedy check in quite a lot to look at and the oneworld lounge served great wine and food - rather a small lounge though. Much friendlier than Sydney especially at immigration.

Check-in very quick and painless as I had checked-in online. One great thing about Auckland is that because it has fewer international flights than most comparably sized cities elsewhere in the world there is not the major panic to get through Emigration and Security to make sure that you don't miss your flight. Result - a much smoother transition with staff who are generally smiling and friendly. As I live fairly close to the airport I don't normally bother eating there although prices don't appear too much worse than in the city (certainly not the eye-gouging 500-600% markup I saw in Russia). The only criticism I would make airside as I have before is that it's a very long walk to Gates 15 and 16 and that more than one short travelator would be welcomed by most. Returning was easy for me - although there were quite long queues at Immigration I was directed to the new SmartGate as I have an e-Passport. Through and done in under a minute - brilliant! Luggage was already waiting on the conveyor and I was through MAF screening and out in the concourse in just a few minutes.

I have never really had any hassles with customs/immigration. While not gushing with joy the immigration officers are not rude. I agree that transport from the airport to the city is terrible either a bus that takes forever for NZ$15 or a cab which takes equally as long for about NZ$60 depending on which way the driver goes. Airside is limited and expensive (like all airports).

Arrived in Auckland and after going through Immigration our travelling party was given the 3rd degree. Unsure why although having a Chilean citizen with us may have been the issue as the questions were all directed at him. Was sent down a corridor for further screening and the woman there was not sure why. She went away for a moment and came back and said it was a mistake and to just go through. A nice warm welcome to NZ ? Left 6 days later - painless check in and customs clearance. Airside at Auckland is a bit lousy. Not much going on and if there are a few flights leaving it can get a bit crowded. An OK airport but I can't believe it was judged best airport in Oceania.

Public Transport to/from Auckland Airport is awful and very expensive. Landside is fine and with the introduction of Smartgate Immigration & Security are good but once you reach Airside there are about 2 places to eat a meal which I don't think merits the 5/5 ratings. All in all Auckland is a relatively efficient airport but there are still a few things to improve.

Use AKL airport 15+ times a year not a great airport no express immigration for long-haul premium passengers and queuing after the duty free shopping. Immigration like to pick on passengers who are not NZ residents from the moment you step off the plane. Terminal itself is fine but software is bad as referring to the services.

Disappointingly shabby compared to two years ago. The immigration officer was unsmiling and unfriendly. Not the best welcome to New Zealand after 25 hours of flying.

Flew Auckland-Apia (Samoa) return. No queues and best bit was clearing immigration in less than 1 minute using the new Smartgate self processing kiosks available to NZ/OZ passport holders. Then straight down to baggage claim. Would have been out in less than 10 minute after landing but for needing to go through Red lane (goods to declare). Even after being stuck behind a gaggle of passengers was still out of airport 15 minutes after landing. Only weird note is ladies calling to you from the inbound JR duty free to come visit their store - and offering mini-Toblerones as an inducement. JR Duty Free if you are reading this review I cringe at your sales antics.

Flew through this airport twice in the last month and the upgrades have made it more pleasant. The retail area at the international terminal has been expanded and a lot of natural light let in which is pleasant. Queue's at Check In and Border Security were exceptional less than five minutes each outstanding for an economy class traveller. The toilets and showers are well maintained. The Domestic Terminal is also very good with plenty of shops and food options and Air New Zealand's self check-in is easy and uncrowded. Duty Free on arrival at International is huge and the new arrivals facilities are brilliant.

I've been through Auckland airport 6 times and agree it's small and doesn't have the shopping facilities that the large ones have but have always found the exit through customs fast and very friendly.