The real issue with using the Polaris lounge is if you have checked luggage. That means a visit to T5 to check in (and remembering in many of these distant ports NZ only opens check-in at T -3hrs or even T -2.5 in some places) which doesn't leave a lot of time to then get to T1 and then back to T5.

I was keen to visit the Polaris lounge when I'm there in a few weeks but just not sure if it's worth the hassle (and more importantly trying to sell this to the other half!). I won't have the need for a shower after a day in the heat in February.