Air New Zealand lounge at Sydney Airport a top pick for business class passengers
Air New Zealand’s premium airport lounge in Sydney impresses with its range of facilities and views stretching all the way to Botany Bay.
This premium airport lounge impresses with its range of facilities and and views stretching all the way to Botany Bay.
Location
Air New Zealand’s premium lounge is accessed via an escalator near Gate 58 in the southwest corner of the airport, adjacent to the Singapore Airlines lounge. It’s handy for my departure to Auckland from Gate 50. On entering, a long, dramatic corridor leads directly to the bar, opening out into a slick, modern facility with a pleasing palette of charcoal, grey, white and pretty magenta. I’m immediately struck by the wide glass frontage, allowing plenty of natural light in, and even glimpses of Botany Bay.
Seating
A wide range of seating, in open spaces and cosy nooks, makes this a good choice for both business and leisure travellers. There are clusters of armchairs ideal for groups or couples, rows of pink swivel chairs that give off groovy 1960s vibes, and wing-backed leather seats suitable for solo travellers offering views over the runway. You can take a perch at a communal bench or tables for two near the self-serve buffet area, which is lit by a wavy overhead light installation and faces a photograph of NZ mountain scenery.
Food and drink
Guests can choose from a broad selection of juices, soft drinks, alcohol and hot beverages from two self-serve stations. Teas are by Dilmah and there’s acceptable coffee from an automatic machine, but I recommend ordering a barista brew from the bar. Wines are almost exclusively from New Zealand – Villa Maria (Marlborough) bubbles, sauvignon blanc and pinot noir, an Esk Valley pinot gris and chardonnay from Hawkes Bay. The odd one out is a Barossa shiraz by Soul Growers. There’s Estrella (Spain) and Jetty Road (Victoria) beer on tap, while canned options include Kirin Ichiban, Matsos ginger beer and Hills cider. Kiwi spirits also get a look-in. At the buffet I find snacky items such as mini sliders, sandwiches and wraps, cheese and crackers, and little pods filled with tzatziki and crudites. There are four salads: quinoa and beetroot; potato, pea and bean; garden salad; and a fruity tofu option. Those seeking something more substantial can try creamy chicken provencal, which is surprisingly tender, couscous with raisins, vegetable ratatouille, and roasted sweet potatoes, plus a sweet potato and leek soup. Desserts on the day of my visit are pots of mixed berry mousse and slices of strawberry and almond gateau.
Work and tech
Wide communal desks with bar-stool seating allow plenty of room for workers to toil on laptops without imposing on the space of others. Wi-fi is free and no password is required. There are USB-A and C ports plus wireless magnetic chargers on work benches. Small side tables are also equipped with power points and USB-A ports.
Refresh
Seven unisex shower rooms are available, one of which is mobility accessible. These are not poky cubicles, but generously proportioned bathrooms with good lighting around the mirror. Fresh white towels are abundant, along with a couple of coat hangers, hairdryer and New Zealand-brand Aotea pump-pack amenities. All shower rooms are empty during my visit and each looks spotless and inviting.
Access
The lounge can accommodate up to 400 people and is open from 5am to 9.30pm. It’s available to Air New Zealand business premier passengers, Koru members, Airpoints Elite and gold status members, Star Alliance gold members and Star Alliance first and business class flyers. Guests can bring a companion for an additional $60.
Extras
A glass-clad play area, tucked into a nook, means little ones can be kept amused without bothering other guests. Parents can supervise from couches just outside. There are also change tables in the bathrooms. In addition, baggage can be stored in a separate area just near a service desk for guests needing help with boarding passes and upgrades.
The verdict
If reports on the sorry state of Qantas’s Sydney lounge are anything to go by, our national carrier could learn a lot from our Kiwi neighbours. This is a smart-looking venue. Staff go out of their way to make me feel welcome and are justifiably proud of the lounge’s good reputation. I’m told maintenance is performed every month and I certainly don’t see evidence of wear and tear. Plus, there’s lots of space and natural light.
Penny Hunter was a guest of Air New Zealand.
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