Air New Zealand Unveils The Lookout Lounge at Auckland Airport Ahead of Major Koru Lounge Overhaul for Travelers from New Zealand, Australia, US, UK, and Beyond

Published on December 12, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

Air New Zealand is gearing up to offer its passengers an exciting new space to unwind at Auckland International Airport this summer. The airline has unveiled The Lookout Lounge, a temporary addition to the airport set to open on Friday, December 12, 2025. This lounge will provide passengers a refreshing space to relax before their flights, offering enhanced comfort ahead of the construction of the airline’s new Koru Lounges next year.

Located on Level 2, closer to the departure gates, The Lookout Lounge will operate during peak travel hours, opening from 5:00–10:00 am and 3:30–9:15 pm daily. It aims to give travelers more space to enjoy the renowned Kiwi hospitality that Air New Zealand is known for while offering essential services during the busy holiday season and the construction phase of the new Koru Lounges.

What is The Lookout Lounge and How Will It Serve Travelers?

The Lookout Lounge is a temporary expansion designed to provide additional seating and services during the redevelopment of Air New Zealand’s Koru Lounges at Auckland International Airport. This lounge adds 200 extra seats to accommodate passengers who are seeking a quiet, comfortable space to relax before their flights.

Passengers traveling with Air New Zealand or any of its partners will be able to access this lounge based on availability, with both The Lookout Lounge and the current Koru Lounge operating in parallel throughout the summer period. The Lookout Lounge’s design and offering are influenced by the best aspects of Aotearoa (New Zealand), ensuring it reflects the country’s spirit of hospitality and adventure.

Who Will Benefit from The Lookout Lounge?

Travelers from countries including New Zealand, Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Asia will benefit from The Lookout Lounge. Whether they are embarking on an international journey or simply looking for a relaxing space before their flight, passengers can expect the same signature Air New Zealand warmth, top-tier service, and a more spacious environment.

Both lounges will feature a full buffet, with a chef station offering made-to-order dishes that change throughout the day, a fully serviced bar, and a barista station stocked with top-quality coffee. The menu will feature a selection of New Zealand beers and wines, ensuring that passengers have a taste of Kiwi culture before their departure.

What Makes The Lookout Lounge Different from the Current Koru Lounge?

The Lookout Lounge offers a unique experience inspired by New Zealand’s Great Walks, celebrating the country’s natural beauty and adventure-driven ethos. Designed with natural materials and an emphasis on open space, the lounge encourages guests to pause and take in the stunning view as they prepare for their journey.

For those traveling to or from destinations like New Zealand, Australia, the US, and Asia, the relaxed environment, along with convenient access to departure gates, makes the lounge an ideal spot for travelers to recharge before their flight.

When Will the New Koru Lounges Be Completed?

The construction of the new Koru Lounges at Auckland International Airport is set to begin in 2026. This major redevelopment will take place in two phases, with the Koru Premier Lounge for Koru Platinum (Airpoints Elite), Koru Black, and Business Premier™ customers opening in 2027. While construction is underway, the current lounge will remain operational, albeit at a reduced capacity.

Once the Koru Premier Lounge is finished, the remaining lounge space will be redeveloped, and the refreshed Koru Lounge is expected to open by late 2027. This phased development is part of Air New Zealand’s broader strategy to enhance passenger experience at Auckland Airport and elevate its signature Koru Lounge offerings to meet the needs of a growing global customer base.

What Can Passengers Expect from the Redesigned Koru Lounges?

The newly designed Koru Lounges will further enhance the travel experience for Air New Zealand’s premium customers by providing world-class facilities and a more spacious, modern environment. The lounges will feature advanced amenities designed to cater to the evolving needs of travelers, with an emphasis on comfort, relaxation, and convenience.

In the meantime, the Lookout Lounge offers an ideal solution for the busy summer travel season and the construction period, ensuring that passengers still have a high-quality lounge experience before their flight.

Why is This Important for Air New Zealand?

The launch of The Lookout Lounge is a strategic move by Air New Zealand to maintain a high level of customer service during a period of transition at Auckland International Airport. By providing a temporary but quality lounge experience, the airline continues to prioritize passenger comfort and satisfaction while investing in long-term improvements to its facilities.

Air New Zealand remains committed to providing exceptional service to travelers from around the world, and this new lounge, along with the upcoming redevelopment of the Koru Lounges, is part of its ongoing efforts to meet the needs of its growing international customer base. The Lookout Lounge ensures that the airline can continue to deliver its signature hospitality and comfort, even during construction, creating an enhanced travel experience for its passengers across all routes.