Contemporary, clever and just a little bit casual (in the right places), the Air New Zealand Sydney International Lounge embodies some of the best qualities of our friends across the ditch. It might not blow your socks off with an ultra-luxury offering, but with its slick, yet warm touches, it does put the cool into the sometimes staid, airport lounge environment.
Sydney Airport’s Air New Zealand lounge was the first to feature Air NZ lounges’ fresh design.
Renowned US architectural firm Gensler created the space, which is the carrier’s flagship offering in Australia. And it makes an immediate impact.
Arrival
Imagery of Milford Sound splashed on massive screens blows me away as I check in at the minimalist reception area. Welcome to New Zealand (via Sydney Airport)!
Past the small business centre, I enter the dining area, which gives guests the option of eating at a long communal table or at tables for two with comfier-looking bench seating. An impressive, winding chandelier only a design firm could create hangs above.
Food
In front of more screens that show images of lavender, is a long buffet featuring a mix of cold items like kale, cabbage and apple slaw with walnuts, a delicious Fattoush salad and super soft sandwiches and wraps, and warm dishes like a coriander-infused yellow curry chicken and Mexican red bean soup.
For dessert, there’s a variety of cheeses, fresh fruit and fruit salad, and for those happy to indulge a little, a hazelnut mousse and apple crumble.
Beverage
Nearby, a self-service drinks station boasts a good selection of local and imported beers (including NZ’s Steinlager, of course!), wine and champagne, soft drinks, tea, and coffee machine brews.
Just before I make myself a cup of Joe, I see there’s barista coffee at the serviced bar, so head over for a soy cappuccino, which I order on a screen and is delivered promptly.
Feeling a little parched, I lean over the bar counter to ask for a cold, non-alcoholic drink, expecting the usual reply: we have soft drinks or juice. I’m almost taken aback as I’m asked if I’d like a Virgin Mojito. When I I’m usually faced with the option of Coke, Sprite or ‘fresh’ orange juice, need I answer? The mocktail, like the coffee, is also very good.
Loos and views
With some time before my flight, I check out the bathrooms, which are basic but clean, and offer facilities including showers and hair dryers.
On my way to the other end of the lounge, I wander past a mix of user zones with a variety of configurations. Beyond another beverage station, the lounge opens out into an area with views of silhouettes of plane tails against the setting sun.
Adjacent to this, the lounge moves to a darker area, that takes on an almost bar lounge feel (if it weren’t for the family trying to settle their kids as the clock moves past 8.30pm).
Before I have the chance to settle myself with one of the many magazines on offer, my flight is called.
And I’m almost sad to be leaving.
The details:
- Air New Zealand International Lounge, Sydney Airport
- Location? Mezzanine Level (right above the departure gates!)
- Hours? 06:00 – 21:00 daily (though these hours may vary depending on flight schedules)
- Size? Seating for 299 guests, with 1,450 square metres of space
- Access? Airpoints Elite, Gold, Elite Partner and Koru members, businesspremier™ passengers departing on Air New Zealand flights, passengers travelling with some Star Alliance partner airlines and other carriers, eligible transit passengers, and eligible guests.
Watch Air NZ’s new Christmas video and you could win Air New Zealand flights.
