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Auckland Airport handled 18.9 million passengers in the 2025 calendar year, including 10.4 million international travellers, according to figures cited by New Zealand Rent-A-Car. The result reinforces Auckland Airport’s role as New Zealand’s busiest airport and main gateway for overseas visitors.
NZRAC says the airport connects with 43 international destinations and has committed about NZ$5.7 billion in aeronautical infrastructure investment through to 2032, including terminal upgrades and expanded processing capacity.
Strong international traffic continues to support tourism dispersal, with many visitors using Auckland as the starting point for wider North and South Island itineraries.
NZRAC says key inbound markets include Australia, the United States, China and the United Kingdom. Auckland Airport recorded about 5.27 million international passenger movements in the six months to December 2025, up year-on-year.
Faster arrivals process
According to NZRAC, upgrades to the international arrivals hall have reduced median processing times from nearly 29 minutes to just under 15 minutes.
That shorter processing time is expected to improve onward connections for travellers collecting rental vehicles, transfers or domestic flights.
Self-drive remains popular
NZRAC says independent travellers increasingly use rental cars to reach accommodation, business appointments and regional destinations, particularly where public transport links are limited.
The company says providers such as NZRAC maintain airport shuttle services from both terminals to support arriving passengers.
The combination of rising passenger numbers, expanding airline capacity and ongoing terminal investment is expected to further strengthen Auckland Airport’s role as the country’s key entry point for visitors beginning self-drive journeys across New Zealand.
