Each week in Travel, we check out some of the latest happenings from Aotearoa and beyond to inspire your next adventure.
Qantas unveils new Auckland lounge
Qantas has provided a sneak preview of its new lounge at Auckland Airport and announced plans to launch two year-round international routes launching inJune 2026: Auckland–Samoa and Auckland–Gold Coast.
A rendering of the new Qantas lounge in Auckland. Photo / Supplied
The new Auckland international lounge opens on December 17 and can seat more than 370 travellers. Want to give it a try? Platinum One, Platinum or Gold Qantas Frequent Flyers or those flying Qantas Business Class can use the lounge, plus those with a similar Emirates or oneworld alliance status or who purchase a lounge pass.
As for routes, the Gold Coast service will run three times a week, while Auckland–Apia marks Qantas’ first Pacific Islands service from New Zealand.
Swap Christmas rom-coms for theatre chaos
Watched all of your favourite Christmas films? Then get out of the house and down to Q Theatre for a night of theatre, dance and delight. Created by comedic powerhouses Tom Sainsbury and Lara Fischel-Chisholm and performed by Auckland comedy-dance troupe, Dynamotion, A Christmas Crisis is a new show that is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.
The North Pole is melting, the elves are crumbling under consumerist pressure, and Mr and Mrs Claus are officially on the rocks. It’s time for a Christmas Miracle, one that puts the silly into “Silly Season”.
A portable power bank has long been an essential travel item for those who need to charge devices while out and about. However, if you’re flying on Air New Zealand this summer, you’ll need to get up to speed with new rules and regulations.
From December 9, customers cannot carry more than two power banks per person, and they cannot be used during take-off, taxi or landing, RNZ reported. The update follows in the footsteps of many international airlines, due to the safety risks associated with the item.
Meanwhile, Jetstar will ban the use of portable power banks from December 15. So, if you tend to carry portable power banks, be sure to check your airline’s rules to avoid having them confiscated.
A Christmas circus takeover in Aotea Square
Christmas in Aotea Square in 2024. Photo / Bryan Lowe, Auckland Council
On December 20, Aotea Square transforms into Santa’s most chaotic workshop as The Dust Palace takes over with a Christmas circus spectacular. Santa’s in trouble — his elves have bailed, the toys aren’t made, and Christmas is spiralling fast… literally. Expect 20 minutes of trapeze, aerials, chair-stacking chaos and comedy for the whole whānau, plus two performances and hands-on circus workshops.
Swing by from 10am–4pm, and use the codeword Pōhutakawa at The Container in the Square Café for a free Tip Top ice-cream (while stocks last).
