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Thousands of travellers have been counting down to the first school holiday of the year, with 437,000 customers heading offshore with Australia, America and China being the top three international destinations.
Christchurch, Wellington and Queenstown are the most popular destinations for travellers opting to stay local, with around 409,000 domestic travellers expected to be coming and going over the break.
“The team at AKL has been busy getting ready for the holiday rush, particularly as the long Easter weekend and Anzac Day both fall within the school holiday period this year,” says Auckland Airport chief operations officer Chloe Surridge.
“That hasn’t happened since 2022 and we know lots of Kiwis will be taking up the opportunity to have a ten day stretch off work in the second week of the school holidays.
“In terms of traveller numbers overall, they’re about the same level as last year’s April holiday break,” she says.
Busiest days
Chloe says the airport is a busy place during the holidays, and families should plan ahead, to allow for adequate time before flights.
The weekends are set to be most popular times to fly internationally, with the final Saturday (April 26) being the busiest day for international arrivals, with 13,100 travellers set to arrive into AKL. Sunday, April 27 is the busiest day for international departures, with 14,200 travellers expected to head overseas.
Domestically, the busiest day is expected to be Thursday, April 17 for both departures (13,200 travellers) and arrivals (13,700 travellers) as people travel for the Easter break.
“As usual, we’re working closely with airlines and their ground handling providers, as well as government agencies at the airport, to make it as smooth as possible for travellers. The Ministry for Primary Industries have express lanes operating during the busiest periods at international arrivals, and we’ll have additional staff on hand to help support customers. We do ask travellers for their patience and understanding during those busy periods,” says Chloe.
“My top tip for travellers arriving internationally is to complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration form on their website www.travellerdeclaration.govt.nz or you can download their app, it’s quick and easy to do and saves you from needing to fill out the paper declaration form. uick and easy to do and saves you from needing to fill out the paper declaration form.
“If you’ve also made sure you’re not bringing in any food, plants, animal products or other items that may bring unwanted pests and diseases into the country, your arrivals journey will be much smoother.”
Smoother pick ups and drop offs
The ground floor of the Transport Hub outside the international terminal opened one year ago and has had over 3.2 million vehicles pass through its covered drop off and pick up area since.
“We have short term parking spots available on level one for customers needing a bit longer for their reunions or farewells – head towards the drop off and pick up area and turn off at the signs.
“The drop off and pick up system on the ground floor is working well when customers move on quickly, with a three minute dwell time, smoothing the way for cars behind them.”
Busiest days at AKL
International departures
- Sunday 27 April
- Sunday 13 April
- Saturday 12 April
International arrivals
- Saturday 26 April
- Sunday 27 April
- Sunday 13 April
Domestic departures
- Thursday 17 April
- Friday 11 April
- Friday 18 April
Domestic arrivals
- Thursday 17 April
- Friday 11 April
- Monday 14 April
