Auckland Airport school holiday advice

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29 September 2022

This October school holidays will be Auckland Airport’s busiest period of travel since the start of the pandemic. Here are some tips for the next couple of weeks of travel:

  • At times the departures area will be busy, particularly first thing in the morning when there can be up to six flights heading out within a 15-minute window. This means queues may form, but we anticipate they’ll be reasonably fast moving so please be patient and factor in some extra time for your journey
  • Take some of the stress out of flying with kids by using the Family Lane operating at Customs and Aviation Security screening for international departures
  • The recently updated Covid-19 protocols mean mask wearing is no longer a requirement for anyone in the airport terminals, international travellers don’t need proof of vaccination, and self-testing on arrival isn’t required although international passengers will be offered a free antigen test before leaving the arrivals area
  • The New Zealand Traveller Declaration is still in place, so completing it online up to 28 days ahead of the flight to New Zealand will smooth the way through border formalities. And make sure you double-check any entry requirements in the destination country
  • Travellers play an important role in protecting New Zealand's economic and environmental wellbeing by making sure bags are checked that they don’t contain fruit or other items that could bring unwanted pests and diseases into the country. Biosecurity New Zealand has also stepped-up work at the border aimed at keeping New Zealand Foot & Mouth Disease free, so expect some extra checks for arriving passengers
  • Options for shopping and dining are growing daily at the international terminal, but if you have a favourite store or place to grab a bite to eat check the Auckland Airport website before you travel for the latest on what’s open and when. Everything is open and running as normal at the domestic terminal
  • Our car parks are also busier during school holidays so if you plan on driving to the airport make sure you book parking in advance to get the best deal and double-check the journey to the car park – we’ve made a number of changes including closing the main international car park to build a new Transport Hub
  • Leave the car at home and catch a taxi, rideshare, SkyDrive bus or take advantage of half price public transport fares to try the train-bus connection via the AirportLink
  • Mobility card holders have the option of using the mobility valet for the same price as an international car park with the ease of parking right alongside the international terminal
  • The pickup/drop off areas at both terminals are all running as normal, but the easiest way to pick up arriving passengers is to use one of two Wait Zones. Located just a few minutes’ drive from either terminal, the Wait Zones give you 30 minutes free parking until your traveller lets you know they’re ready and waiting for pick-up. Look for our bright pink Wait Zone signs
  • Meeters and farewellers are welcome into the terminals, but with the closure of the main international car park the closest car park for people meeting or farewelling friends and family in the international terminal is now Car Park D, a five-minute undercover walk and to the north of the terminal building
  • The Sunflower Hidden Disability lanyard is now recognised at Auckland Airport. Check out the resources and support available to help make travel easier for those with invisible disabilities.


October school holiday travel in numbers

  • Top international destinations: Australia, United States, Fiji
  • Top domestic destinations: Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown
  • Three busiest days for international arrivals: Sunday 2 October, Sunday 16 October, Sunday 9 October
  • Three busiest days for international departures: Friday 7 October, Saturday 15 October, Sunday 16 October
  • Three busiest days for domestic arrivals: Sunday 2 October, Sunday 9 October, Sunday 16 October
  • Three busiest days for domestic departures: Sunday 2 October, Friday 7 October, Friday 14 October

Full school holiday data: The Americans are back at Auckland Airport: Boost to North American connections across October, 27 September 2022.

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