Lounge Review: Emirates Lounge - Auckland Airport (AKL)

While departing from Auckland Airport recently on Qantas Business Class, I found myself without access to the usual Qantas International Business Lounge, which is currently closed for a major refurbishment and only slated to reopen in 2026. In its place, eligible Qantas passengers are being directed to the Emirates Lounge - a silver lining given its recent refresh. It is worth noting that if you're travelling in Economy Class, Qantas Gold and oneworld Sapphire members will be directed to the Strata Lounge. On the other hand, Qantas Platinum and oneworld Emerald members are granted access to the Emirates Lounge instead. The Emirates Lounge in Auckland has undergone a subtle facelift, offering a more refined and polished space that aligns better with the airline’s premium image.

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Seating Area
Emirates Lounge - Auckland Airport (AKL)

The Emirates Lounge at Auckland Airport is located airside on Level 1, just after immigration and security, and is open to Emirates First and Business Class passengers as well as eligible elite members. The lounge spans over 900 sqm and it offers seating for approximately 200 guests, featuring tarmac views overlooking the gates typically used by Emirates A380 aircraft. Following its recent refurbishment, the space now boasts updated furnishings and a brighter, more contemporary aesthetic while retaining the signature Emirates marble and gold accents.

Buffet Spread
Emirates Lounge - Auckland Airport (AKL)

As my afternoon flight from Auckland to Melbourne wasn’t due to depart for a few hours, I stopped by the Emirates Lounge for a light lunch and was pleasantly surprised by how quiet it was, especially when compared to the often-crowded Air New Zealand Lounge I have experienced when flying with Singapore Airlines. The buffet featured a solid range of hot dishes, including a surprisingly tasty Japanese curry with fried tofu that stood out as one of the highlights.

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For those in the mood for a lighter bite, the buffet also offered fresh salads, sliced cheese, sandwiches, and even vegetable crudités. However, having spent nearly two weeks in Auckland and craving something with bolder flavours, I gave this section a miss entirely and headed straight for the Asian options instead.

Lunch
Emirates Lounge - Auckland Airport (AKL)

The food certainly isn’t going to win any culinary awards, but it made for a perfectly decent lunch before the flight. The Emirates Lounge also offers a significantly better experience compared to the Strata Lounge, which is where Qantas Gold and oneworld Sapphire members are directed. For those without elite status in the oneworld network, access to the Strata Lounge is available with a Priority Pass membership - it’s far from impressive, but still better than having no lounge access at all.

Wines
Emirates Lounge - Auckland Airport (AKL)

There was a decent selection of wines available, including a sparkling option, though I chose to skip the alcohol this time as I was trying to cut back during this trip. The bottles were replenished frequently as they emptied, and additional supplies could also be found stocked in the fridge below if needed.

Spirits
Emirates Lounge - Auckland Airport (AKL)

For those who prefer something stronger, there was a solid selection of spirits available in the main dining area. Alternatively, you’ll also find another drinks station closer to the lounge entrance, where the same range of wines and spirits is on offer for a convenient self-serve option.

Seating Area
Emirates Lounge - Auckland Airport (AKL)

After a light lunch, I settled into one of the comfortable chairs to catch up on some work. The Wi-Fi in the Emirates Lounge performed reliably, perhaps helped by the fact that there weren’t too many passengers around at the time. While the lounge’s interiors don’t particularly appeal to me from a design perspective, I still found it a comfortable and pleasant space to relax in before my flight.

Barista Style Coffee
Emirates Lounge - Auckland Airport (AKL)

While self-service coffee machines are available, the lounge also features a barista station tucked away in the corner for those who prefer a proper, freshly made cup. Non-caffeinated options (e.g. Hot Chocolate) are offered here as well, and service was efficient enough that there was no need to worry about a long wait.

Shower Suite
Emirates Lounge - Auckland Airport (AKL)

While I didn’t personally make use of the shower suites during this visit, I’m pleased to confirm that they are available in the Emirates Lounge for those wanting to freshen up. I particularly appreciate that these are private ensuite facilities, complete with a shower area and toilet. Towels and personal amenities are provided upon request, making it a convenient option for longer layovers or freshening up before a flight.

Seating Area
Emirates Lounge - Auckland Airport (AKL)

One area where the Emirates Lounge could certainly improve is the availability of power outlets. I couldn’t locate any in the main seating areas and only found a few positioned along the walls. Unfortunately, their size and placement made it quite awkward for international travellers to use them with a universal adapter. At one point, I even had to unplug one of the side lamps just to make space for my laptop charger, which really shouldn’t be necessary in a lounge of this calibre.

Long Black
Emirates Lounge - Auckland Airport (AKL)

Overall, my experience at the Emirates Lounge in Auckland was pleasant enough, with decent food options, reliable Wi-Fi, and a comfortable place to unwind before my flight. However, the lounge itself felt somewhat unmemorable, lacking the wow factor you might expect from a premium space. I’m genuinely looking forward to the reopening of the Qantas International Lounge at Auckland Airport in 2026, as the design renderings look particularly promising and should offer a refreshed and elevated experience for business travellers.