Air New Zealand Unveils Its Boldest Lounge Yet—And It’s Unapologetically Kiwi

Air New Zealand is about to give Auckland’s international terminal something it’s never had before: a flagship lounge that’s not only bigger—but deeply rooted in the sights, textures, and spirit of Aotearoa.

At nearly double its current size and slated to open in phases beginning in 2026, the new Koru Lounge will be the largest in the airline’s global network. But it’s not just the scale that’s turning heads. It’s the philosophy behind it—a thoughtful blend of design, comfort, and national identity that promises to elevate the ground experience for premium travelers.

A Two-Lounge Flagship

Air New Zealand’s upcoming 3,700-square-meter lounge space at Auckland International Airport will split into two distinct experiences: one dedicated to Airpoints Elite and Business Premier customers, and a second for Airpoints Gold, Koru members, Star Alliance Gold, and Airpoints Silver members. CEO Greg Foran says the redesign was shaped by customer feedback and created with flexibility in mind.

Photo: Courtesy of Air New Zealand

“We’ve designed our new lounges around what our customers told us matters most—more space, more seating, and the ability to choose how they spend their time,” said Foran. “Across both lounges, total seating capacity will increase by 70 percent, providing a significant boost in comfort and capacity for international travellers passing through Auckland.”

Rather than a one-size-fits-all model, the lounges will introduce purpose-built zones designed for how people actually travel today. According to the airline, passengers can expect focused work areas with private rooms and solo booths, calm corners for reading or resting, a family zone to occupy young flyers before long-haul trips, and open areas for catching up over coffee. Even the current barista station will be repositioned closer to the entrance to better serve those racing to their gate with a flat white in hand.

A New Chapter in Design: From Global Gloss to Local Soul

Jonny Clark of TheDesignAir called the announcement “a quiet but confident shift” in how Air New Zealand approaches the premium travel experience. Gone is the brand’s once-familiar palette of moody purples and glossy blacks. In its place: a refreshed aesthetic steeped in the natural landscapes and cultural textures of New Zealand.

This is no generic luxury lounge. Think: native materials, curated local art, and warm, grounded tones that speak to the land, sea, and sky of Aotearoa. The lounges will feature curated lighting, tactile finishes, and a sense of place that reconnects travelers to New Zealand even as they prepare to leave it.

“If Air New Zealand’s lounge design once felt sleek and modern in a global sense,” writes Clark, “this new space feels unmistakably, unapologetically local—and that’s a good thing.”

A Lounge That Reflects the Brand

The new top-tier lounge for Elite and Business Premier guests will certainly raise the bar on exclusivity and calm. Designed for comfort and discretion, the elevated space will offer expanded food and beverage service and sweeping tarmac views.

Photo: Courtesy of Air New Zealand

Throughout both lounges, the goal is not to dazzle, but to anticipate and serve. From productive nooks to restorative spaces, every touchpoint is geared toward giving travelers control over their time—and the atmosphere to match their pace.

“We know our customers value having spaces that are suited to their travel needs,” said Foran, “whether that be a quiet business area that allows focus, room for families to play before jumping onboard a flight, or a social space to enjoy a coffee before departure.”

Building in Phases, Staying Open Throughout

Construction begins in early 2026 and will proceed in two phases. First, a new lounge for Elite and Business Premier customers will be built, with the current lounge remaining open—albeit with reduced capacity.

Once that’s complete, the original space will be transformed into the redesigned main Koru Lounge, expected to open by late 2027.

Photo: Courtesy of Air New Zealand

To maintain service during the build, the airline will direct customers to temporary lounge alternatives via the Air NZ app and pre-flight communications. It’s a move that speaks to the airline’s focus on a seamless experience, even in transition.

Redefining the Lounge Experience

At a time when many international lounges still lean into anonymous luxury, Air New Zealand is taking the opposite route—anchoring its new flagship space firmly in the textures and stories of home.

For savvy business travelers, it’s more than a design refresh. It’s a rethinking of what premium should feel like in 2025 and beyond: purposeful, rooted, and quietly exceptional.

This new Koru Lounge promises a deeper connection to place and a travel experience that starts before passengers board.