Relax - The Auckland Airport experience

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AUCKLAND - The capital city of New Zealand is the country's major connection to the rest of the world. A visitor's experience almost always starts at the international airport in Auckland.

Though Auckland airport is smaller than many other international air terminal complexes, it is still very comfortable and beautiful, as befitting the country's reputation for being naturally beautiful.

This beauty is also reflected in the officially recognised Maori name for New Zealand - Aotearo, which means The Land Of The Long White Cloud. Indeed, the long and beautiful white clouds are part of the splendour of the land. Within the airport vicinity is a newly opened trailer caravan park, two new international hotels - a four-star Novotel and a two-star Formule 1. Both are situated close to the terminals as well as some of the many recreational activities available in the airport precinct.

COMFORT ZONE

There are not too many announcements and travellers can take a nap on folding chairs and couches, take a shower or rest on comfortable arm-chairs in the mini-theatre.

Airport staff are trained to offer the New Zealand "brand" of friendly services. It is an airport that takes care of you - taking away the inherently stressful experience of flying by looking after matters that count!

Like other well-operated airports, it offers a wide variety of facilities and a blend of state-of-the-art amenities with quality at international-level service standards.

A recent addition is the award-winning Premium Class Emperor Lounge with a fully inclusive lounge menu specially developed to suit both halal and non-halal dietary requirements. This is part of the overall premium offers which include free beverages, free WiFi access, shower packs and relaxing surroundings close to the airport's award-winning retail space.

In October 2011, the Emperor Lounge was initially opened to host premium customers on Malaysia Airlines. The lounge supports Malaysia Airlines' brand aspiration of Malaysian Hospitality by delivering a high quality lounge experience on the airlines behalf. It received the Best Third Party Lounge award based on an international survey conducted by Malaysian Airlines. The survey covered customers feedback and independent assessments of all the airline's Third Party Lounges around the world.

GREAT SERVICE

Auckland Airport Aeronautical Commercial general manager Glenn Wedlock says: "Our objective is to ensure that customers are getting great service. Meeting the high standards required of a five-star airline reflects a significant achievement for the airport."

Between its domestic and international terminals, there are over 16,000 sq m of shopping space, housing over 100 retail outlets, including world-class and iconic New Zealand brands at tax- and duty-free prices and a wide range of food and beverage options.

The international departure shopping area has also recently been upgraded to a world-class level with new shops offering international brands such Apple, Chanel, Dior and Hennessy, plus many more relaxing placec to dine and unwind before your flight.

In the last five years, the airport has won numerous international awards including excellent customer service. Today, Auckland Airport has been voted as one of the 10 best airports in the world two years in a row and was named in the top 10 airports by Skytrax.

More than 70 per cent of international tourists arrive and depart via Auckland Airport which handles over 13 million passengers a year. With more than 20 international airlines serving Auckland Airport, it is Australasia's second busiest international airport, after Sydney.

EARTHCHECK-CERTIFIED

As New Zealand's major transport hub, Auckland Airport is investing in giving the best traveller experience. Its unique location on Manukau Harbour makes it imperative to manage significant environmental impacts such as aircraft noise on the local community and environmental risks such as stormwater or groundwater contamination from airport operations.

The airport authorities monitor and manage the interaction with the local community and contribute to societal, economic and environmental preservation for long-term sustainability.

In order to benchmark against other sustainable businesses in the tourism sector, Auckland Airport is "Earthcheck-certified". Earthcheck is a global sustainable tourism certification programme, which involves annual independent third party audits of its operations and performance against a rigorous standard.

It is continually developing its capacity and services to ensure the airport will sustainably cope with an anticipated 24 million passengers a year by 2025, reflecting New Zealand's growing popularity as one of the world's popular tourism destinations.