Insider tips to make the most of Auckland Airport’s duty-free and retail area after security.
Whether it’s a well-earned break or the beginning of a brand-new chapter, many great adventures start at Auckland Airport – and as a wise man once said, it’s about the journey, not the destination.
With your bag checked, boarding pass in hand and security sorted, it’s time for the fun to begin. There are more than 30 stores, 14 eateries, exclusive experiences and Aotearoa’s largest duty-free retailer to explore all before you even board the plane.
Here’s how to make the most of your time at Auckland Airport, plus insider tips that will get your next holiday off to a flying start.
Getting started
To truly take advantage of everything it has to offer, Auckland Airport’s Head of Retail Lucy Thomas recommends allowing at least three hours.
While there are convenient food-and-beverage outlets before security, Thomas suggests getting through early as there are more than triple the food and retail options on the other side. Plus, once you’re through, you can enjoy your meal with sweeping views of the runway.
First stop: duty-free
From restocking your beauty bag to picking up holiday essentials, duty-free is the ultimate shopping hack, says Thomas. To get the most bang for your buck, she recommends asking the team what deals are available that day, as there are often gift-with-purchase specials or other promotions.
“Duty-free is by far and away the most significant, fun and entertaining part of international travel,” Thomas says. “Over the last few months, we’ve been making sure our duty-free really stacks up against others in the Asia-Pacific region.”
What travellers don’t always realise is that duty-free gets access to products and ranges you usually won’t see on the high street, including niche and TikTok-trending scents. Fragrance enthusiasts can explore exclusive eau de parfums and bigger bottles that offer far better value.
Duty-free is also a great way to buy more for less, with bundle deals available across fragrance, fashion, confectionery and alcohol.
Sip, sample, decide
A top tip from Thomas? Taste-testing. For the discerning drinker, duty-free is a great place to try before you buy and get expert advice before committing to a bottle.
“Savvy shoppers know they can walk into our duty-free store and try some of what’s on offer. They can ask, ‘Who’s the whiskey expert today?’ or ‘Tell me who knows the most about New Zealand gin’ or ‘I want to know if this expensive brand is better.’
“The team is there to help you. Their job is to talk to people about what they know, and they know their stuff.”
If you’re picking up wine or champagne, look out for the handy carry cases, ideal for gifting or travelling with something special.
After your retail therapy, treat yourself to a quick Jo Malone hand massage – a small luxury that makes the journey feel special before you’ve even boarded.
Shop ‘til you drop
For a spot of tax-free shopping, one of Auckland Airport’s best-kept secrets is Haus of Luxe: a luxury retailer offering a curated collection of designer bags and accessories.
What many travellers don’t know is it also stocks a selection of authenticated, pre-loved pieces: think mint condition vintage Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior and Gucci handbags. There’s also pre-owned certified authentic Rolex at the nearby Luxury Timepieces store.
“After duty-free, I make sure I’ve got time for Kate Spade and the Haus of Luxe pre-owned wall,” Thomas says. “The range varies often because these pieces are specially selected for the store, so it’s really worthwhile going in and asking, ‘What have you got today?’”
Other duty-free and retail fashion favourites include Boh Runga Jewellery, Coach, Saben, Swarovski and Weekend Max Mara.
If you’re wanting to take home a little piece of Aotearoa, Mountain Jade offers unique, handcrafted pounamu pieces – perfect as special gifts or lifetime keepsakes.
Eat and drink
After trawling the shops and duty-free, Thomas always finishes with a meal at Better Burger before boarding, no matter the time of day. Other favourites include tacos and fried chicken (with a mean margarita) at Mexico, or Vantage Bar, where you can drink in the best views of the runway with a local craft beer in-hand.
Another highlight is the variety of Asian food on offer, from Vietnamese pho and Thai tom yum to dumplings and sushi. Early flyers can enjoy brekkie at Aroha Cafe, coffee and cabinet food from Bistro Box, or a Best Ugly Bagel.
Another of Thomas’ top tips is if you have older kids or an unwilling partner in tow, set them up with hot chips and a view of the tarmac while you shop.
“Divide and conquer. Peel away and say, ‘I’ll meet you at the gate’,” Thomas laughs.
So next time you’re at Auckland Airport, take the time to explore everything it has to offer – your holiday starts before the gate.
For more information, head to aucklandairport.co.nz.