Auckland International Airport, an airport that is the major and busiest airport in New Zealand and is the fourth busiest in Australasia has so much to offer to its visitors. People around the world are simply coming here to explore the major attractions of Auckland by enjoying the facilities provided to them at the airport. More than 13 million passengers arrive at this airport every year. It is located in Mangere, which is a western suburb of Manukau City and is also situated at a distance of 21 kilometre to the southern direction of Auckland City Centre. The Auckland International Airport is the central hub for Air New Zealand.
The airlines that are operated from this airport are Aerolineas Argentinas, Air Chathams, Aircalin, Air New Zealand, Air New Zealand, that are operated by Air Nelson, Air New Zealand again operated by Eagle Airways, Air New Zealand operated by Mount Cook Airline, Air Pacific, Air Tahiti Nui, Air Vanuatu, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Great Barrier Airlines, Jetstar Airways, Korean Air, LAN Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Mountain Air, Qantas, Royal Brunei Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways International, Virgin Blue operated by Pacific Blue and Virgin Blue which is operated by Polynesian Blue.
The code of this airport is AKL and has two terminals to serve the passengers. It has its own official website as well which is www.auckland-airport.co.nz. Expansion project of this airport is under consideration for the Arrival facilities and construction of a new runway will also be held for hosting of the Rugby World Cup. This expansion will be finished to 2011 when the even is about to held. Visitors can solve their queries from the Visitors Information Centre which is situated on the ground floor of the Arrivals hall. It could be found in the International Terminal and in the Domestic Terminal as well.
Basic facilities could be enjoyed at the airport like Money and communications where banks with bureau de change facilities could be found everywhere in the International Terminal. ATMs facilities are also available at the airport. With this internet facilities and mobile phone hire are there available. Apart from this, eating and drinking facilities like restaurants, cafes and bars are available at the airport. Even Jean Batten Food Court could be found at the first floor where many eateries like espresso bar, Asian cuisine and also a sushi bar could be found.
Left luggage facilities and lost property services are there available in the Visitor Information Centre. Medical centre, nurseries, a chapel, a children’s play area and playgrounds, museum, exercycles, massage and free showers, golf course, mini golf, day room for hire all are available at the airport making it among the best airports in the world. On the top floor of the International Terminal there are two conference rooms situated for those who want conferencing and business facilities. At the Domestic Terminal three other rooms are available in the Air New Zealand section. Along with this, every International Airline offer VIP lounges and paid-for Wireless Internet access are also available at many locations.
Facilities for disabled travellers like automatic doors, lifts, wheelchairs, toilets, showers, ATMs with Braille Keys, disabled parking space all are available. Disabled traveller should contact the airline for assistance. With all the facilities provided to the passengers, they can try shopping at the airport where more than 75 shops are available to serve them along with duty-free shops. For accommodation the Grand Chancellor Auckland Airport and Jet Park are the best hotels. Other hotels could be found close to the airport and reservations could be done at the Visitors Information Centre.
In front of every terminal, car parking facilities are available. Long term car park with open and covered parking could be found at a distance of 150 metre from the International Terminal. To get more details one can contact the Parking Services at 0800 247 767. With this some other services are also provided like Valet parking and undercover parking. After arrival, the passenger can hire a car from any companies in the terminals like Avis, Budget, Ezy, Herz and Thrifty.
Bus services are there to transfer passengers between the airport and city centre. Free shuttle bus services are also available. At the west of the International Terminal and also in front of Domestic Terminals, Taxis could be found. To reach at the airport from the city centre one have to travel from central Auckland to Manukau City till the Gillies Avenue gets end and then go on following the airport signs.
Auckland has many attractions worth visiting like the surrounding islands, Sky Tower Sky Jump, Auckland Zoo, Tarlton’s Underwater World, Auckland Museum and many others. Do not miss the major attraction of the city which is the Sky Tower from where one can get fabulous views of the city. So get the views from hundreds of metres up. One must not miss this golden opportunity at any cost where tourists simply love to be a part of it and enjoy the attractions and activities entirely.
