According to global travellers, New Zealand has both the best and worst airports for sleeping in the world.
While most of us hope to never spend the night in the airport, it’s only when you end up spending more time than originally intended that you truly explore what an airport has to offer. In general, most of us are looking to while away a few hours waiting for a connecting flight, hoping to collect our luggage and be on our way.
With that in mind, here’s our list of the best and worst in New Zealand’s airports:
Best view on approach
The approach to Queenstown Airport offers views of the Southern Alps, rivers and lakes and was voted as the best view on approach in the world by travellers. Queenstown beat out Nice, France and Las Vegas for top honors.
Best airport for sleeping
Auckland Airport won the traveller award for best airport to sleep in. Key benefits cited by travellers included:
- Space to lay down including bench seats with no fixed armrests
- Free wifi
- Free showers
- Round the clock availability of food and drink
Best on-time arrival record
Last year both Christchurch and Wellington airports placed in the top 10 worldwide for on-time arrivals, making it less likely that you’ll end up sleeping in the airport.
Best app
Auckland Airport offers integration with the travel planning app TripIt to help organise travel itineraries, track parking and lounge reservations, and manage duty-free shopping.
Best airport bar
Christchurch Airport ranks alongside Dubai and Ibiza with one of the top 10 airport bars in the world. The South Bar and Café offers both casual and formal dining with views of the airfield.
Best airport lounge
If you’re not flying business class or can’t get access to the Koru lounge, the Emperor Lounge at Christchurch Airport is consistently rated the best lounge. While visitors can’t stay overnight, the lounge is open until midnight and day passes start at NZ$49.Lounge benefits include workstations, wifi, buffet, showers, and a quiet relaxing space.
Best overall New Zealand airport
Queenstown Airport won the Airport of the Year award from the New Zealand Airports Association. While this award largely focuses on the management of the airport, it also reflects the experience visitors have.
Worst airport for sleeping
This may be connected to having the best bar, but Christchurch has been named the worst airport for sleeping by travellers. Most complaints from travellers came during the remodelling of the international terminal as sections of the airport were closed overnight. Hopefully the improved on-time performance means fewer travellers have been spending the night.
When planning your next trip, protect yourself against travel delays and missed connections by getting a quote for travel insurance before you leave. Then maybe you won’t have to find out about how comfortable the airport is for sleeping.
Image courtesy of Flickr user Gwydion M Williams; cropped from original