The AKL domestic terminal has two Koru lounges. The main domestic lounge is upstairs and I agree that it can get pretty crowded at certain times of the day.

There is also the relatively-recent Koru lounge at the other end of the domestic terminal, where the smaller, regional aircraft depart from.

Until recently, I have always used the main Koru lounge. However, I found the regional lounge pleasant and not crowded last week.

I offered my experience as a possible solution for those who find the main lounge overcrowded. It appears that some people are not aware it exists.