A new Qantas Auckland International Lounge for the New Year

Entering the former separate Qantas Business and First lounges in Auckland was like stepping back in time. A time when carpets, desktops, and an abundance of dark wood panelling were not just the norm, but the future.

But times are-a-changing. Qantas travellers travelling through Auckland Airport will now be treated to an all-new combined Business and First lounge. The new lounge is called the Auckland International Lounge. The concept mirrors other combined Business and First lounges in the Qantas network. These include those in Brisbane and Hong Kong, to name a few. But a new perk is also being introduced for some Qantas Frequent Flyers.

A much-anticipated refresh for the Qantas Lounge

Auckland is one of Qantas’ most popular destinations. As such, there is much focus on its lounge offering among Business and First Class passengers and top-tier frequent flyers. Until this year, the lounge format was one of the last remaining that had separate Business and First lounges. But for cities without a large First Class presence, this concept is making way for the ‘combined Business and First’ model, which Auckland sits quite nicely in.

The new lounge will accommodate 370 passengers comfortably, marking a 60 per cent increase in the lounge footprint. There are dedicated zones for dining, relaxing and working. So whether you wish to unwind or catch up on last-minute work, there is a dedicated spot for everyone.

Seventy per cent of the lounge’s seats are fitted with charging points, and there are also 15 shower suites available, which will come in handy, especially before the Auckland to New York service.

[Source: Qantas]

[Source: Qantas]

[Source: Qantas]

[Source: Qantas]

The lounge is a far cry from the old Auckland Business and First Lounges, which included areas that, in today’s modern world, have become quite obsolete. Think desktop stations and stands for printed magazines. all have which made way for today’s new gadgets.

The design and offering of the new Qantas lounges have added a touch of localisation, with the Auckland lounge being no exception.

The new Auckland lounge celebrates the best of New Zealand and has been thoughtfully designed for how our customers want to use the space, whether that’s working, relaxing over a meal, or freshening up during transit.

Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace

Passengers will enjoy the best of New Zealand’s produce and local wine. And the dining area will feature a buffet, a gelato station, and a cocktail bar serving premium beverages and barista-made coffee.

Designer David Caon has designed the lounge to ‘bring the outside in’. Living green walls, travertine tiles, and terrazzo tabletops all help create a natural and relaxed atmosphere.

The Auckland International Lounge celebrates the natural landscape of New Zealand while staying true to Qantas’ design across its lounges throughout the world.

Designer David Caon

A new perk for Platinum One and Platinum Frequent Flyers

For Platinum and above frequent flyers who might not be sold on the ‘combined Business and First’ lounge model due to the removal of a First Lounge, you can relax. The Auckland International Lounge is the first in the Qantas network to debut an exclusive á la carte option within one of its combined lounges for Qantas Platinum and above frequent flyers. This also includes oneworld Emerald members from Qantas’ partner airlines.

The menu includes a seasonal menu by Qantas Creative Director of Food, Beverage and Service, Neil Perry. One dish on offer is the crumbed local fish and chips. And of course, no Qantas lounge is complete without the perennial favourites, salt and pepper squid and signature pavlova!

This is a great touch and represents an elevation in the service offering from the previous First lounge. It will be interesting to see whether this feature is introduced in other combined lounges in the future.

An exclusive area for Qantas Platinum One and Platinum members to enjoy à la carte dining.

This special dining area is quite large, but may get crowded during busier times. [Source: Qantas]

Summing up

It is fantastic to see Qantas continuing to invest in its lounge network. The refresh of the Auckland lounges has been at the top of its list, and it’s great to see that it has come to fruition.

Eligible Qantas passengers will benefit from a modern, spacious lounge offering a variety of local cuisine. Platinum and above frequent flyers will see an increase in the product offering compared to previously, with a dedicated á la carte service and dining area available.

All in all, Qantas passengers will be happy with this refurbishment. The Auckland lounge has moved into the twenty-first century, and even the most nostalgic among us will not be disappointed.

Daniel Sciberras attended the lounge preview as a guest of Qantas.