Best/Worst lounges on NZ network
May 4, 2017, 10:17 pm
#1951
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: So Cal
Programs: UA Gold/0.744MM, WN AL, Hyatt Diamond, MR Scum, Hertz PC, National Exec, Avis PC
Posts: 5,560
May 10, 2017, 11:48 pm
#1953
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Dunedin, New Zealand
Programs: NZ Silver, NZ Koru, Accor Silver
Posts: 127
I've only been to the regional lounge once - much nicer to go through security and head up to the domestic lounge. There is a shortcut to the regional departure area. Turn left after heading back to the main departure lounge and look for the banner opposite gate 15.
May 20, 2017, 8:54 pm
#1954
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: NZ
Programs: NZ Gold, BA Gold, QF Silver, IHG Platinum Elite Ambassador, Accor Diamond
Posts: 1,048
WLG regional
^
Used new WLG regional lounge on Saturday for the first time, was pleasantly surprised. A few hot snacks, barista service, full self-serve bar as in main domestic lounge and toilets (although they needed repairs when I was there).
Vastly superior to the AKL regional lounge which I've taken to avoiding on my many transits from international to regional domestic flights, as seats are scarce and the range of catering is inferior.
Used new WLG regional lounge on Saturday for the first time, was pleasantly surprised. A few hot snacks, barista service, full self-serve bar as in main domestic lounge and toilets (although they needed repairs when I was there).
Vastly superior to the AKL regional lounge which I've taken to avoiding on my many transits from international to regional domestic flights, as seats are scarce and the range of catering is inferior.
May 21, 2017, 12:05 am
#1955
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: New Zealand (most of the time)
Programs: Air NZ Elite *G, Honors Gold, IHG Platinum Elite
Posts: 6,100
I too used it last week for an early morning midweek flight to CHC. It was actually nicer than being in the main lounge at 7am which is often like feeding time at the zoo.
May 21, 2017, 3:46 am
#1956
Join Date: Apr 2016
Programs: NZ*E, One World
Posts: 38
Agree libertyUK... the Auckland regional lounge had no forward planning to the future. It is most often difficult to get a seat.. Fly to Napier on Tuesday afternoon, should well get a seat 
In saying that, far better than the Christchurch regional lounge, shocking really...
In saying that, far better than the Christchurch regional lounge, shocking really...
May 22, 2017, 8:09 pm
#1958
Join Date: Jun 2015
Programs: Air NZ GE
Posts: 11
Having used the Wgn Regional twice today, and ChCh Regional once - they are chalk and cheese. Wgn is very good.
I normally head upstairs in ChCh too, unless like today I only have 15 minutes. Having said that the sausages and (normal) baked beans in ChCh regional was actually to my (simple) taste.
I normally head upstairs in ChCh too, unless like today I only have 15 minutes. Having said that the sausages and (normal) baked beans in ChCh regional was actually to my (simple) taste.
May 23, 2017, 4:11 am
#1959
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,984
May 23, 2017, 5:49 am
#1960
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 366
Because the philosophy of having a guest in most exclusive clubs is that one looks after them and also to some extent is responsible for them while they are in the facility. The idea behind guests is presumably that YOU can entertain family or friends or colleagues.
May 24, 2017, 2:52 am
#1961
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,984
Exclusive? Amusing. Air New Zealand's lounges have been becoming less and less exclusive year on year for the last 10+ years.
May 25, 2017, 2:23 am
#1962
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,419
Jun 1, 2017, 5:25 pm
#1963
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Auckland NZ
Programs: NZ*E
Posts: 106
PVG Lounge food dreadful
Mrs Zoovet and I had the misfortune to use the PVG Business Lounge 71 prior to a recent ANZ flight. The lounge itself was OK, but the food was dreadful. All heated dishes were cold or just slightly warm, vegetables were cold, spicy chicken dish was full of chillies and no chicken, pasta was inedible. After several days enjoying inexpensive food in Shanghai streets, malls, and restaurants this was a very poor reflection on Air China and, because they also use the lounge, AirNZ. I would be adverse to letting my dog eat this food!
Fortunately the cabin crew in J class once on the AirNZ flight were excellent (although to be critical the food again was only marginal).
Fortunately the cabin crew in J class once on the AirNZ flight were excellent (although to be critical the food again was only marginal).
Jun 2, 2017, 8:00 pm
#1965
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: New Zealand (most of the time)
Programs: Air NZ Elite *G, Honors Gold, IHG Platinum Elite
Posts: 6,100
WLG Intl lounge was chokka this morning and guests were being declined. VA to BNE was 2 1/2 hrs late so clashed with the SYD flight which was obviously chokka.
VA was a disaster this morning. I got a NZ app notification at 3am saying the flight was delayed. At 3:45 when I left home the Virgin website said it was on time and VA call centre confirmed this.
Got to the airport 45 mins later and there was a massive queue. Flight had been delayed due to crew illness so they had to fly a crew member in from CHC to cover.
VA was a disaster this morning. I got a NZ app notification at 3am saying the flight was delayed. At 3:45 when I left home the Virgin website said it was on time and VA call centre confirmed this.
Got to the airport 45 mins later and there was a massive queue. Flight had been delayed due to crew illness so they had to fly a crew member in from CHC to cover.