<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by AJLondon:
I have never been to AKL previously. Am planning to do as part of my *RTW:
CHC-AKL,/x (NZ-C)
AKL-SYD, (TG-F)
I was wondering what the procedures are about connecting for the above.
1. Will I arrive and depart at the same terminal at AKL? Is this an airside connection, or do I need to come landside? What would be a reasonable connection time?
No, the flight from CHC will arrive at the Auckland Domestic Terminal which is a few min walk from the International Terminal. You will have to go through security and clear immigration and pay NZ departure tax when you get to the International Terminal.
Allow about an hour to connect to be safe.
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You can walk (its not all under cover) - get close up view of parts of airport you dont normally see, or take the free inter-terminal shuttle (runs about every 15 minutes), or if really pushed a taxi (beware the $15 charge!!!)
If you check in for the international segment at AKL at the premier check-in you speed through customs and can pay the departure fee there. In this case 45 minutes to an hour is fine connection-wise.
But I think an hour is too short for a connection and the regular customs queue and paying departure fee at the bank. I would want 90 minutes.
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2. Do I need to clear security again?
Yes once you enter the Internatial Terminal
3. Can I be checked thru to SYD at CHC despite connecting from NZ to TG?
Since both are *A flights it should be possible to get your boarding pass for AKL-SYD in CHC.
4. Will the luggage be checked thru?
Yes. That will be possible.
5. How easy is AKL to connect thru?
It is not a huge airport and the domestic and international terminals are in walking distance.
6. Does TG have its own F lounge, or do I use the NZ F lounge?
The NZ lounge is very nice and has lots to offer. Use that one. I don't think TG have their own anyway.
7. Is there immigration clearance / additional taxes etc that need to be paid when leaving NZ at AKL?
Once you get to the international terminal you need to pay NZ$25 departure tax. I recommend you go to the very nice NZ F/C class chekin area, get your boarding pass, pay tax and go through immigration and security there. Less waiting in line that way.
Apologies about the numerous questions. Would really appreciate any help!
Thanks
AJ</font>
Note that apart from the exception referred by
mad_atta there is no domestic C or F in NZ.