The airport
Wellington International Airport (WLG)
The flight
Qantas QF196 to Brisbane (BNE)
The arrival
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Flying solo with a mere cabin bag, the budget-friendly Airport Express bus is an attractive option at $NZ11.50 ($9.90) from Wellington’s CBD, or $NZ8.95 with a pre-paid Snapper card. I eschew the pre-paid option after learning of the compulsory $NZ10 card deposit: more than I’d save from a single round trip. It’s a 25-minute air-conditioned ride at less than half the cost of Uber (typically about $NZ29), with a similar journey time.
The look
As the international check-in zone reveals itself with low ceilings and muted tones, first impressions are bland. I get the vibe that despite being the country’s capital, the airport is very much a poor cousin to Auckland. The central “Main Terminal” space wins me over with floor-to-ceiling windows: and higher ceilings at that. I spot boarding gates ahead, and panic… did I somehow just breach security? Fortunately, no – those are for the odd regional flight. International security comes later … phew.
Check-in
I arrive quite early to find nobody in line and staff ready to assist. I should have realised: this may be an international airport, but the aircraft from here to Australia are typically no bigger than what you’d see in our domestic skies. I’m given an incoming passenger card for Australia, but I hand it straight back: I’ve already completed Australia’s online travel declaration.
Security
Main Terminal, evidently, sits before security. For international departures, veer right from there to get under way. As I walk through, it’s frustrating to see most scanning equipment sitting idle, and just one lane in use – screaming budget cuts over passenger experience. It takes a good 30 minutes to pass, but at least, New Zealand’s eGates make exiting the country a breeze.
Food + drink
Note to self… eat before security next time. Main Terminal offers great variety with Peloton Bar & Eatery a popular spot for relaxed pub fare – not for exercise, as the name might suggest. Other venues bring specialties in dumplings, noodles, sushi, chicken and alternative pub-style eats. I’ve wasted no time dashing to international departures, only to find that today’s food options are restricted to Subway and one cafe, Mojo. The latter stocks the typical quiches, slices and muffins. It’s hard to escape the carbs when the only alternative is a sandwich chain.
Retail therapy
After passport control, it’s similarly slim pickings with Relay stocking favourites like magazines and neck pillows, paired with last-minute souvenirs such as magnets and stuffed animals – kiwis, mostly. Duty Free @ WLG serves as the obligatory airport bottle shop. Prices are a tad below typical Aussie discounted retailers, but not by enough to make it worth carting yet another bag between countries. Shop before security for a wider range of gifts, clothing and beauty products.
Passing time
I’m flying economy but fortunately qualify for Wellington’s Qantas Lounge – open to pass holders (free with some credit cards), Qantas Gold members and above, and Qantas Club subscribers. Still, it’s nothing flash, and the DIY coffee doesn’t come close to a brew from Mojo. At least it’s a pleasant place to work. For those eligible, Air New Zealand has a lounge nearby, too. There’s otherwise little to do in the international zone, but the airport Wi-Fi is fast enough to get through any content downloads for the journey ahead.
The verdict
Wellington International Airport is functional, but arriving three hours early is overkill. Centre yourself in the Main Terminal and head towards the international gates about an hour before departure. It’s a balancing act, though – enjoy Main Terminal for too long, and with security queues the way they are, you may well get left behind.
Our rating out of five
★★★
The writer travelled at his own expense.
Melbourne-based journalist Chris Chamberlin enjoys maximising his points to travel the world in comfort, and as a points coach, he helps others to do the same. From showering on a plane to stretching out in a double bed in the sky, Chris knows all the tips and tricks to fly in style without breaking the bank. His adventures have taken him on over 900 flights and aboard almost 80 airlines, earning lifetime frequent flyer status along the way. Follow him on Instagram @chris_chamberlin
