Air New Zealand to open lounges from today, sans alcohol

A number of Air New Zealand lounges will reopen across the country today.

The lounges will not be serving alcohol, but plans to introduce more food and alcohol options in the coming weeks. There will also be a maximum of 100 people allowed in the lounges at any one time.

The Auckland Regional, Wellington Domestic and Christchurch Domestic lounges will open, along with nine of its regional airport lounges.

This includes regional lounges in Hamilton, Tauranga, Napier, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Nelson, Queenstown, Dunedin and Invercargill.

While the lounges may be reopening, some things will be different.

“In line with government regulations, our self-service buffet won’t be available. Instead, customers will be required to be seated once they enter the lounge and there’ll be table service with packaged snacks on offer, as well as beverages,” Air New Zealand General Manager Customer Experience Nikki Goodman said.

“We know those travelling will be looking forward to once again being able to order a flat white before they fly and in lounges with a barista, customers will be given the choice of ordering through the Air New Zealand app, or through their server.”

Auckland Domestic lounge remains closed as it undergoes refurbishment.

The airline’s valet parking also reopens today.