Auckland Airport (AKL) Pay-Per-Use Lounges Guide

Auckland Airport (AKL) is New Zealand’s main international gateway, with separate terminals for domestic and international flights. All pay-per-use lounge options are in the International Terminal. (There are no public lounges with day passes in the Domestic Terminal).

This guide covers all pay-per-use lounge options at Auckland Airport, helping you find the right space for your budget and needs.

The Strata Lounge is an independent lounge in the International Terminal. It serves all departing international passengers and also acts as a contract lounge for several airlines. It's a mid-range, modern lounge with a mix of dining, working and resting areas.

Level 2 of the International terminal, airside. After security and passport control, walk into the main duty-free hall, then follow signs for “Lounges” near Gates 15-18. Take the escalator or lift up one level and follow the corridor.

04:30 to 00:30 (4:30am-12:30am).

Standard stays run up to 4 hours, with extended stays up to 8 hours available on some booking channels.

Strata Lounge is a large, single-level space with seating for roughly 200 guests. There are dining tables near the buffet, armchairs throughout the main room, and some quieter pockets away from foot traffic. Note that the space can feel crowded during large departure banks.

The lounge has several complimentary shower rooms with towels and New Zealand–made Ashley & Co toiletries, plus basic amenity kits such as toothbrushes are available on request. Join the waitlist at reception as soon as you enter the lounge to save time.

Travelers on longer connections can also book private relaxation rooms for rest directly through the lounge for an additional NZ$99 (US$55) for 4 hours or NZ$247 (US$138) for 8 hours.

There is also a small, glass-fronted children’s room with TV and toys. This keeps noise away from the main seating area while still allowing parents and caregivers keep an eye on children.

Power outlets appear around work desks and some seating areas, though not at every seat. The lounge has its own Wi-Fi network, flight information screens and a small business area with a meeting room and printer.

There are a few luggage lockers.

Strata Lounge runs an all-day self-serve buffet. In the morning, you can expect cooked breakfast items, cereals and pastries.

During the rest of the day, the buffet rotates through hot dishes such as pasta or curries, plus salads, sandwiches, cheese and desserts. Food is prepared in an open kitchen and replenished during peak banks.

A self-serve bar area offers New Zealand wines, beers, basic spirits, and mixers, and a separate station offers soft drinks, juices and water. Coffee comes from an automatic machine and, during peak hours roughly 06:00–16:00 (6am-4pm), a barista service operates for made-to-order coffees.

Travel Codex describes the selection as solid for a contract lounge, with steady replenishment when the lounge is busy.

• Flexible Day Pass:

• Other Advance Purchase Options:

  • Auckland Airport sells advance access from NZ$69 (US$39) for a 4-hour stay and NZ$95 (US$53) for an 8-hour stay.

  • Lounge Pass offers 3-hour passes for ~NZ$76 (US$43). This option requires selecting a specific date and time for your visit, and you must purchase your pass a minimum of 24 hours before your planned visit.

  • Dragonpass offers 3-hour passes for ~NZ$98 (US$55).

• Lounge Memberships: Dragonpass, LoungeKey and Priority Pass members can tap their membership card or digital pass at reception. Complimentary guest entitlements depend on how you have obtained your membership with these programs. These programs allow for a maximum 3-hour stay.

• Airline Invitations: Several airlines send eligible passengers to Strata as they do not operate their own lounge. You will usually be advised on check-in whether you are entitled to visit this lounge.

• Walk Up Access: You can purchase a 4-hour pass at the reception desk directly from NZ$75 (US$42; subject to capacity).

Children can enter Strata Lounge with an adult. Children under 5 enter free with a paying adult, while older children pay a discounted rate through select channels.

Smart-casual dress code applies and large groups should contact the lounge or airport in advance.

The Emirates Lounge in Auckland serves Emirates first and business class passengers, Skywards elites and eligible Qantas elites, along with Emirates economy passengers who pay for access on the day.

The design follows Emirates’ global lounge style, with a calm, traditional look and runway views. It was refurbished in early 2025.

The lounge sits on Level 2 of the International Terminal, close to the gates used for Emirates flights. After clearing security, follow signs to “Airline Lounges” and then “Emirates Lounge”.

• Until 16 December 2025: Extended all-day hours to cover Qantas flights

• From 17 December 2025: 15:30-20:30 (3:30-8:30pm)

The lounge includes a mix of armchairs, dining tables and business-style seating for 220 guests. Large windows run along one side, giving runway views with good natural light.

Complimentary showers are available for passengers to freshen up before the 17-hour trek to Dubai.

A business center area offers desk seating, shared computers and printing facilities. Power outlets are scattered through most seating zones.

Expect a buffet with hot dishes, salads, mezze-style items and desserts, reflecting a mix of New Zealand produce and Emirates’ worldwide network. The quality of the food is above that of a contract lounge.

A self-serve bar area carries Champagne, wines, beers, and a range of spirits. There is also a coffee station with barista-made espresso drinks.

For many travelers, this lounge offers a complete pre-flight dining solution, especially before long-haul flights where they prefer to sleep after take-off.

• Advance Purchase: Economy and premium economy class passengers on Emirates can purchase access for 4 hours for US$144 for Emirates Skywards members (join for free) or US$178 for non-members. No complimentary guests (even children) are included.

Dress code is smart casual; lounge staff may turn away travelers in sleepwear or clothing with offensive prints.

The Qantas International Lounge serves Qantas and oneworld passengers in the International Terminal.

Qantas is replacing its previous separate First and Business lounges with one larger combined lounge that will handle increased traffic, including nonstop long-haul services to New York.

The lounge sits on Level 2 of the International Terminal, in the same lounge zone as Strata and Emirates. After security, walk through duty-free and follow signs to “Qantas Lounge”.

The new lounge will occupy an expanded footprint that combines the previous lounge spaces, with views over the apron and close access to Qantas and Jetstar departure gates.

When open, the Qantas International Lounge will align its hours with Qantas and Jetstar departures. Expect opening from several hours before the first international Qantas or Jetstar flight of the day until the last evening departure.

The rebuilt lounge will seat around 340 guests, roughly 40% more than the older combined capacity. Seating zones will include dining tables, bar seating, workbenches with power points and softer seating in quieter corners.

High-speed Wi-Fi and widespread power outlets, including USB-C ports and some wireless charging pads, make it easy to work and charge devices.

The lounge will include upgraded shower suites, restrooms, and parents’ facilities, reflecting Qantas’ newer lounge standards.

Design cues draw from New Zealand materials and landscape themes, so expect natural textures and a calm palette.

Qantas is installing a full commercial kitchen, which should lift food quality compared to the previous lounge. Guests can expect a buffet with hot dishes and salads, plus some made-to-order or chef-served items at peak times. The menu will focus on New Zealand produce where possible, paired with local wines.

A barista station will serve espresso coffee, while the main bar will stock New Zealand wines, beers, and standard spirits. Soft drinks and water will be available at self-serve stations.

Qantas and oneworld passengers without status and flying in economy or premium economy class can enter through one of the following access methods:

• Digital lounge passes: Qantas issues single-visit digital lounge passes, sold for cash or Qantas Points, which travelers can link to eligible Qantas or Jetstar bookings. Pricing is dynamic and will fall in the NZ$70-$100 (US$39-56) range.

• Qantas Club: Qantas Club members can use the lounge when flying Qantas or Jetstar.

• Credit card invitations: Some Qantas-branded credit cards provide complimentary lounge invitations that can be linked to eligible flights and used at this lounge.

The Strata Lounge delivers the best value for most international passengers. Pricing is significantly lower than the Emirates Lounge, and you can buy a pass through LoungePair, Auckland Airport, Lounge Pass or Dragonpass. Amenities such as showers, hot food and bar service cover most needs for a stay of 3-4 hours.

The Emirates Lounge suits Emirates economy and premium economy passengers who want a more airline-branded experience with higher-end food and drinks and who are comfortable paying a higher fee.

The Qantas International Lounge will likely be a strong option for Qantas and Jetstar travelers who can secure a digital lounge pass or use their Qantas Club membership, especially on longer routes to Adelaide, Perth and New York, where a proper meal and shower before boarding make a difference.

These three airline lounges at Auckland Airport are generally accessible premium cabin travelers and passengers with elite status flying on Air New Zealand and its Star Alliance partners:

• Air New Zealand Auckland Domestic Lounge (Domestic Terminal)

• Air New Zealand Auckland Regional Lounge (Domestic Terminal)

• Air New Zealand Auckland International Lounge (International Terminal)

Auckland Airport provides three lounges with some form of pay-per-use access in the International Terminal (though the Qantas lounge remains under renovation until 17 December 2025). The Strata Lounge stands out for broad eligibility and comparatively low pricing, particularly when accessed through LoungePair or used with a lounge membership.

Emirates and Qantas focus on their own customers, offering higher-end spaces at higher prices, usually tied to airline status, premium cabins or day passes.

If you want lounge access without memberships or elite status, the Strata Lounge is most likely your best-value option.