AUCKLAND— Air New Zealand (NZ) has unveiled plans for a brand-new flagship Koru Lounge at Auckland International Airport (AKL), set to be the largest in its entire lounge network.
The 3,700-square-meter space will include two separate lounges—one for Airpoints Elite and Business Premier travelers, and another for Airpoints Gold, Star Alliance Gold, Airpoints Silver, and Koru members—boosting seating capacity by 70%.
Photo: Air New ZealandAir New Zealand Flagship Lounge at Auckland
The new Koru Lounge will mark a significant expansion from the airline’s current 2,000sqm facility at Auckland Airport (AKL), nearly doubling the overall footprint.
Air New Zealand (NZ) plans to deliver a next-generation lounge experience by incorporating customer feedback into its design.
CEO Greg Foran emphasized that the lounge will reflect the natural beauty of Aotearoa, offering improved comfort, modern aesthetics, and flexible spaces tailored to diverse traveler needs.
The upgraded facility will be built in two phases, beginning construction in early 2026. The current lounge will remain partially open during the first phase, which focuses on the Elite and Business Premier lounge.
Once this is completed, the existing lounge will undergo a complete transformation to house the second lounge and is scheduled to reopen by late 2027.
Photo: Air New ZealandLounge Features Inspired by Traveler Needs
The upcoming lounges are being developed to accommodate a broad spectrum of travelers—business passengers, families, and those seeking a relaxing atmosphere before boarding.
Each area will be purpose-built to address specific requirements:
- Business Workspaces: Quiet zones with private rooms, booths, and seating for productivity
- Relaxation Zones: Calming lounge areas with plush seating and ambient lighting
- Family Area: A specially designed section to cater to families traveling with children
- Barista Bar: Conveniently relocated closer to the entrance for quick service
Foran stated that customer feedback highlighted the need for more room and flexible options. “We’ve designed our new lounges around what our customers told us matters most—more space, more seating, and the ability to choose how they spend their time,” he noted.
Premium Experience for Elite and Business Premier Travelers
The lounge for Airpoints Elite and Business Premier members will offer a more elevated environment. This includes an expanded food and beverage menu, panoramic views of the tarmac, and spacious seating arrangements to provide a premium pre-flight experience.
With this development, Air New Zealand (NZ) is aiming to meet the evolving expectations of international travelers and reinforce its commitment to customer experience at its primary international hub.
Premium Economy; Photo- Air New ZealandConstruction Timeline and Customer Access
Construction will commence in early 2026, executed in two overlapping phases to ensure continuity. During this period:
- The current lounge will remain open with reduced capacity
- New temporary lounge arrangements will be communicated via the Air New Zealand app
- The second lounge (for Gold and Koru members) is set to reopen by the end of 2027
Air New Zealand (NZ) has confirmed that travelers will be continuously supported throughout the development process, with clear guidance and updates provided in advance.
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