Air New Zealand Lounge Sydney Review: Is it Worth Visiting?

Next up on my Aeroplan mini round-the-world adventure is a lengthy visit to the Air New Zealand business class lounge in Sydney, Australia. As a frequent flyer, I’ve had the opportunity to visit various airport lounges worldwide, but this was my first time at an Air New Zealand lounge. From the moment I walked in, I was very impressed with the amenities, atmosphere, and overall experience.

In this comprehensive Air New Zealand Lounge Sydney review, I’ll detail every aspect of my visit, from the dining options and seating arrangements to the unique features that set this lounge apart. Spoiler alert: their barista service is one of the best in a lounge anywhere. I’ll also compare it to the Singapore Airlines Silver Kris Lounge, the other Star Alliance lounge conveniently located next door, and share my pick on which one to spend your layover in.

Read on for my full Air New Zealand business class lounge Sydney review and discover why this lounge might just become your favorite pre-flight retreat at Sydney Airport.

Air New Zealand Lounge Sydney Airport Location

The Air New Zealand business class lounge is conveniently located on the third floor of Terminal One at Sydney Airport. If you’re connecting through Sydney, like I was, navigating to the lounge is straightforward. After discovering I couldn’t leave the airport due to a visa mix-up (more on that later), I made my way through the transit security checkpoint and headed up the escalator to the departures level.

From the departure level, clear signage directs you to an elevator that takes you up to the third floor, where you’ll find both the Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines business class lounges. The Air New Zealand lounge is well-marked and easy to locate, ensuring a seamless transition from security to relaxation.

Accessing the Air New Zealand Sydney Lounge

As a Star Alliance partner, access to the Air New Zealand business class lounge is open to a variety of travelers. If you’re flying in business class on Air New Zealand or any other Star Alliance airline, you are granted access to the lounge. Travelers with Star Alliance Gold status can also enter the lounge, regardless of their class of service.

As for guesting privileges, Airpoints Elite members can bring a single guest when traveling on Star Alliance flights and up to three guests when flying with Air New Zealand. Airpoints Gold, Elite Partner, Koru members, and passengers with Star Alliance Gold status can each bring one guest into the lounge.

Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, accessing the lounge is a smooth process. Present your boarding pass and any relevant membership cards or credentials at the lounge reception. The staff are welcoming and will quickly verify your information, allowing you to start enjoying the lounge’s premium amenities in no time.

Air New Zealand Sydney Lounge Service and Amenities

Lounge Seating Options

Upon entering the Air New Zealand business class lounge, you’ll be greeted by an expansive space thoughtfully designed to cater to various needs and preferences. The lounge faces the tarmac and wraps around the corner, offering a panoramic view of the runway. This prime location provides plenty of window seats, which I particularly love in a lounge setting.

The seating options are diverse, ensuring that every traveler can find a comfortable spot. There are cozy lounge chairs perfect for sinking into with a good book or simply relaxing while watching planes take off and land. Since I had several hours to kill, I got to see my Singapore Airlines A380 arrive and park at the gate which was neat.

Dedicated workstations are equipped with power outlets and USB ports, providing a quiet and efficient environment for those needing to catch up on work. If you’re traveling with a companion or in a group, you’ll appreciate the clusters of chairs and couches arranged to facilitate conversation.

I spent a significant amount of time enjoying the views from a comfy lounger chair, soaking in the hustle and bustle of the airport below. The natural light flooding in through the large windows created a serene and pleasant atmosphere, making it an ideal spot to unwind before my flight.

However, one notable downside is the absence of designated resting areas or recliners. This can make it challenging to take a nap, especially if you have a long layover like me. Given Sydney’s geographical distance from other major cities, I expected more comprehensive resting facilities to accommodate weary travelers. Although most passengers may not connect through Sydney as I did, a quiet, dedicated resting zone would be a welcome addition for those on extended journeys.

Despite this, the overall ambiance and seating variety in the Air New Zealand business class lounge contribute to a comfortable and enjoyable pre-flight experience. Whether you’re looking to relax, work, or socialize, the lounge’s seating options cater to all these needs, ensuring you can make the most of your time before boarding.

Amenities

While the Air New Zealand business class lounge in Sydney is beautifully designed and decorated, it doesn’t offer an overwhelming number of unique amenities. However, what it does provide is of high quality and thoughtfully executed, ensuring a comfortable and pleasant experience for all travelers.

Shower Rooms

One of the standout features of this lounge is its shower rooms. These are spacious and equipped with luxurious rain shower heads, providing a refreshing and relaxing experience. The rooms are well-maintained and stocked with premium toiletries, and they offer a perfect retreat to rejuvenate yourself before your next flight. I particularly appreciated this after my 14-hour plus United 777 flight from San Francisco.

Children’s Play Area

Traveling with children can be challenging, but the Air New Zealand lounge makes it easier with a dedicated children’s play area. This thoughtfully designed space ensures that young travelers have a safe and entertaining place to burn off some energy, allowing parents to relax and enjoy the lounge’s amenities without worry. The play area is equipped with a variety of toys and activities, making it a hit among families.

Large Bar and Barista Station

For those looking to unwind with a drink, the lounge features a large bar serving various alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The bartenders are skilled and friendly, ready to craft your favorite cocktail or pour a fine wine. The barista station is another highlight, offering freshly brewed coffee made to order.

Baggage Storage Area

Convenience is key in an airport lounge, and the Air New Zealand lounge understands this well. The baggage storage area allows you to securely store your bags, freeing you up to explore the lounge and its amenities without having to worry about your belongings. This is especially useful for travelers with long layovers or those who prefer to travel light within the lounge.

Additional Amenities

While the lounge may not have many extra features, the quality of its existing amenities more than makes up for it. The seating options are varied and comfortable, the atmosphere is serene, and the staff is attentive and courteous. High-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the lounge, allowing you to stay connected for work or leisure. There are also plenty of charging stations to ensure your devices are powered up and ready for your next flight.

Air New Zealand Lounge Food & Drink

Aside from the overall aesthetics of the space, the highlight of the Air New Zealand business class lounge in Sydney is undoubtedly its food and drink service. The lounge excels in offering a diverse and high-quality selection that caters to all tastes and preferences, making it a standout feature of the lounge experience.

Bar and Barista

One of my favorite parts of the lounge was the barista area. Here, you’ll find a tablet that allows you to cycle through different espresso drink options and even customize them with your preferred type of milk or number of shots. This feature is fantastic and had me coming back for seconds. The ability to personalize your coffee experience adds a touch of luxury that many lounges lack. The barista area is a definite highlight, offering a quality coffee experience that surpasses the typical press-button espresso machines found in most lounges.

The bar area also features a bartender who crafts cocktails and pours a selection of local beers and wines. Whether you’re in the mood for a refreshing cocktail, a glass of fine wine, or a chilled beer, the bar has something to offer. The bartenders are skilled and friendly, ensuring that your drink is made to perfection. This level of service and variety elevates the overall lounge experience, making it a great place to relax and unwind before your flight.

Food

Complementing the excellent coffee is a variety of freshly baked pastries and sweets. I highly recommend trying the ANZAC cookie and banana cake, both of which were delicious. These treats are perfect for pairing with your customized espresso drink.

But it’s not just the baked goods that shine here. The selection of food is quite impressive and goes beyond the usual lounge fare. Highlights for me included the smoothie and fruit salad bar, offering a healthy and refreshing option for travelers. The smoothies are made with fresh ingredients and are a great way to start your day or recharge during a layover.

One of the standout features of the food service is the cook station, where a chef prepares the dish of the day. During my visit, this was an appetizing French toast served during breakfast service.

The lounge also offers a variety of other dining options, including hot and cold dishes that cater to different dietary preferences and needs. From light snacks to more substantial meals, the food selection is diverse and of high quality, ensuring that there’s something for everyone.

Air New Zealand vs. Singapore Airlines Sydney Lounges

When it comes to the Star Aliance lounges in Sydney Airport, comparing the Air New Zealand lounge to the Singapore Airlines SilverKris lounge reveals a clear winner in several key areas.

After having a shower and getting my caffeine fix and a bit of work done in the Air New Zealand lounge, I decided to explore the Singapore Airlines lounge next door. While both lounges offer quality experiences, their differences quickly became apparent.

Space and Seating

The Air New Zealand lounge boasts a larger space with better seating options. It wraps around the corner of the terminal, providing plenty of window seats that offer great tarmac views. These seats are perfect for aviation enthusiasts or anyone who enjoys a bit of plane-spotting while relaxing. The Singapore Airlines lounge, while also well-designed, has fewer window seats and lacks the same expansive feel. However, I did appreciate the cocoon tables in the Singapore lounge, similar to what I found in the AMEX Centurion Lounge in Las Vegas, which offer some privacy for those looking to work or relax quietly.

Food and Drink

In terms of food and drink, the Air New Zealand lounge clearly outshines the Singapore Airlines lounge. The variety and quality of the food are impressive, with a range of hot and cold dishes, freshly baked pastries, and a dedicated cook station that serves a dish of the day. The barista service in the Air New Zealand lounge is also superior, offering a customizable coffee experience that is hard to beat. While the Singapore Airlines lounge does have a barista, the overall coffee experience in the Air New Zealand lounge is much better.

Amenities

Both lounges offer similar amenities, such as showers and a bar. However, the Air New Zealand lounge showers are more spacious and feature rain showerheads. The Air New Zealand lounge also has a children’s play area and a large bar, enhancing the overall experience for travelers.

Final Verdict

So, if you find yourself with hours to kill at Sydney Airport, like I did, and you’re waiting for your Singapore Airlines flight, I highly recommend spending your time in the Air New Zealand lounge. The superior food and drink options, better seating, and more spacious amenities make it a clear winner. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.

Best of the Lounges in Sydney Airport

My visit to the Air New Zealand Lounge in Sydney was a standout experience, positioning it as my pick for the best Star Alliance lounges in Sydney Airport. The lounge impresses with its spacious, thoughtfully designed seating areas, which provide a relaxing environment to unwind before a flight. The standout features, including the luxurious showers, extensive food and drink options, and top-notch barista service, truly enhance the overall experience.

Additionally, the Air New Zealand Lounge offers a superior atmosphere and amenities compared to other lounges in Sydney Airport. Whether you’re in need of a refreshing beverage, a satisfying meal, or just a comfortable place to relax, this lounge delivers on all fronts. If you find yourself at Sydney Airport, make sure to allocate some time to enjoy this exceptional lounge—it’s well worth the visit and adds a touch of luxury to your travel journey.

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