A passenger’s review of Wellington International Airport’s international terminal
Airport
Wellington International Airport (WLG)
Flight
Qantas QF196 to Brisbane (BNE)
arrival
Sign up for the Traveler newsletter
The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now.
Flying solo with just a carry-on bag, the budget-friendly Airport Express bus is an attractive option from Wellington CBD for NZ$11.50 ($9.90) or NZ$8.95 with a prepaid Snapper card. I avoided the prepaid option after learning of the mandatory NZ$10 card deposit: more than I would save on a single round-trip trip. With a similar ride time, it’s a 25-minute air-conditioned ride for less than half the cost of Uber (usually around NZ$29).
Appearance
First impressions are bland, as the international check-in area is marked by low ceilings and muted tones. Despite being the capital of the country, I get the feeling that the airport is a very bad cousin of Auckland. The central “Main Terminal” area attracts my attention with its floor-to-ceiling windows and higher ceilings. I see the boarding gates ahead and I panic… Did I somehow breach security? Fortunately no; these are for the odd regional flight. International security comes next… wow.
Entrance
I arrive quite early to find no one in line and staff ready to help. I should have realized: This may be an international airport, but the planes flying from here to Australia are generally no bigger than the ones you see in our domestic skies. I was given a passenger pass to Australia but quickly returned it: I had already filled out Australia’s online travel declaration.
Security
Apparently the Main Terminal is standing in front of security. For international departures, turn right there and hit the road. As you drive through it is frustrating to see most screening equipment sitting idle and only a single lane in use; they scream budget cuts over the passenger experience. It takes about 30 minutes to get through, but at least New Zealand’s eGates make it easier to get out of the country.
food + drink
Note to self… eat before safety next time. The Main Terminal offers great variety with the Peloton Bar & Eatery, a popular spot for casual pub grub and not for exercise, as the name suggests. Other venues offer specialties including dumplings, noodles, sushi, chicken and alternative pub-style dishes. I wasted no time rushing to international departures, only to find today’s dining options were limited to Subway and Mojo, a café. The latter stocks the typical quiches, slices and cakes. It’s hard to avoid carbs when the only alternative is a sandwich chain.
retail therapy
After passport control, there are similarly slim selections of Relay sock favorites like magazines and neck pillows, paired with last-minute souvenirs like magnets and stuffed animals (mostly kiwis). Duty Free @ WLG serves as the airport’s obligatory bottle shop. Prices are slightly below typical Australian discount retailers, but not so much that it’s worth lugging another bag between countries. Shop before security for a wider range of gifts, clothing and beauty products.
elapsed time
I’m flying economy but luckily I was granted access to the Qantas Lounge in Wellington; Open to pass holders (free with some credit cards), Qantas Gold members and above, and Qantas Club subscribers. It’s nothing flash, though, and DIY coffee doesn’t come close to Mojo’s brewing. At least it’s a nice place to work. For those eligible, Air New Zealand also has a lounge nearby. Otherwise there’s little to do internationally, but airport Wi-Fi is fast enough to download any content on the journey ahead.
Decision
Wellington International Airport is functional, but arriving three hours early is overkill. Base yourself in the Main Terminal and head towards the international gates approximately one hour before departure. It’s a balancing act, though; Enjoy the Main Terminal for too long and you may get left behind as security queues are what they are.
Our rating out of five
★★★
The author traveled at his own expense.
Melbourne-based journalist Chris Chamberlin enjoys maximizing his points by freely traveling the world, and as a points coach he helps others do the same. From showering on the plane to lounging in a double bed in the sky, Chris knows all the tips and tricks for flying in style without breaking the bank. His adventures took him on more than 900 flights and nearly 80 airlines, earning lifetime frequent flyer status along the way. Follow him on Instagram @chris_chamberlin
