Qantas’ new lounge ‘best on the network’ – but it’s not in Australia

An idea first floated a decade ago has finally become a reality at Auckland Airport, with Qantas unveiling its completely revamped International Lounge.

The refurbished space will officially open on December 17, just in time for the busy Christmas travel period and ahead of schedule – but I was given a sneak peek before the inaugural Qantas flight from Auckland to Perth on Sunday.

Stepping inside, the first impression is calm. The muted colour palette, travertine and terrazzo tiles, soft lighting and curved walls create a sleek, softened space. Considering a one-way business class ticket from Auckland to Perth starts at $1434, this is the level of quality Qantas customers expect.

The regional general manager for New Zealand and Pacific Islands, Michael Gulliver, tells me Qantas first started talking about refreshing the lounge in November 2015.

“So for a lot of us here in New Zealand, to have an opening in December 2025, a product that is next level for our New Zealand-based customers – but also for our customers that are coming through from all of our other destinations like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, making their way through to New York – it’s just a phenomenal feeling.

“I’m just so excited for people to see it and experience it. I’m going to call it the best one on the network.”

It has taken eight months to build the lounge with a footprint 60 per cent larger than the previous space, expanding into what was office space at the airport, to provide capacity for more than 370 customers.

Is that big enough to meet demand? Gulliver says, “I don’t think we were ever turning people away in the old lounge. We have a lot more capacity across the Tasman, but a lot of thought has gone into making sure it’s the right size for the network that we have over here.”

The new lounge has 15 shower suites built for customers to freshen up during long-haul journeys, particularly those transiting from Australia to the non-stop Auckland-New York service. The entrance looks like a day spa, with rolled-up towels making a feature of themselves behind the stone-top desk. A Quench station will help travellers to stay hydrated ahead of their flight with flavoured waters and teas.

Designed by Australian industrial designer David Caon, who is also behind key elements of the Project Sunrise onboard experience, the lounge includes living walls with porthole-style plant displays – a nod to how we used to travel before the invention of planes. And, fitting for 2025, 70 per cent of the custom-made furniture includes charging points.

For Platinum and Platinum One Frequent Flyers, there is a dedicated a la carte dining area serving dishes like local fish and chips and options popular with Qantas First customers: salt and pepper squid and signature pavlova.

Although the area is exclusive it still feels very much a part of the lounge space.

For all lounge users, the gelato station and cocktail bar don’t know what time of day it is, and the rest of the buffet serves up fresh fruit, pastries and omelettes.

The lounge has catered to its smallest guests, too, with the Joey Club, a room with soft furnishings and toys where parents can sit and watch their kids play before a flight.

Although Qantas is Australia’s national carrier, a striking artwork of North Head in Devonport anchors the space to Auckland – a reminder of where travellers are coming from, or what they might soon be missing.

Who is eligible for the lounge?

Qantas Frequent Flyer members who are Platinum One, Platinum or Gold status, or those flying in business class. Qantas Club members, and those with eligible status in Emirates or the oneworld alliance, may also enter.

Travellers can also use a complimentary lounge invitation or purchase a single-visit Qantas Lounge Pass if available.

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