One map, pinned from each airport’s published coordinates.
Category scores
Overall is the published weighted sum. A highlighted score is ahead; a tie stays plain.
Ease of use
25% · Wayfinding, security wait, and layout.
AKL7.2
HLZ7.2
Comfort & amenities
20% · Seating, Wi-Fi, cleanliness, and quiet.
AKL7.4+1.0
HLZ6.4
Food & retail
15% · Food and retail quality and variety.
AKL6.9+1.1
HLZ5.8
Ground access
15% · Transit, taxi, and parking to the city.
AKL6.6
HLZ6.8+0.2
Reliability
15% · Delays, cancellations, and weather resilience.
AKL6.5
HLZ7.0+0.5
Lounges
10% · Worth-it density and access quality.
AKL7.6+1.2
HLZ6.4
Best for
AKL
Air New Zealand hub connections across New Zealand and the PacificPriority Pass via Strata Lounge (international)oneworld elites using the rebuilt Qantas International LoungeBudget city access via AirportLink + Puhinui train
HLZ
Koru / Airpoints elites on Air New Zealand regional metalWaikato / Hobbiton / Waitomo leisure arrivalsJetstar Sydney / Gold Coast international pins
Watch out for
AKL
No airside walk between Domestic and InternationalNo direct rail — AirportLink transfer or SkyDrive / taxiAir NZ International Koru mid-rebuild through late 2027Single runway 05R/23L — weather and capacity bite harder than dual-runway peersStrict MPI biosecurity on arrival
HLZ
Regional Koru is Air NZ eligibility only — no Priority Pass at HLZJetstar passengers do not get Koru access on JQ metalNo published MCTNo invented NZD bottle prices — omitted
Amenities and tips
AKL
Strata Lounge (international)AirportLink + Puhinui railSkyDrive Express to SkyCityQantas International LoungeFree inter-terminal bus / green lineInternational airside F&B
International wants a full buffer; domestic↔intl adds a landside hop
Domestic ~75–90 minutes when quiet; international ~2–2.5 hours; intl→domestic plan ~3 hours.
International ≠ Domestic — and there is no sterile walk
Confirm International vs Domestic before you leave home; brand does not put you in one building.
Strata or airline lounges beat last-minute airside grabs when eligible
Use Strata / Koru / Qantas when entitled; Oma is PP eat credit, not a lounge.
AKL · New Zealand’s main gateway with a solid Strata Priority Pass lounge and strong airline rooms, undercut by two terminals with no sterile link, no direct rail, and a single-runway airfield.
HLZ · Waikato gateway with **Air New Zealand** WLG/CHC regional banks, **Jetstar** SYD/OOL/CHC, and **Sunair** regionals — **Air New Zealand Regional Koru Lounge** on the mezzanine above boarding gates (eligible Koru / Airpoints elites; access from **4h** prior).
