Smoking Areas/Zones at New Zealand Airports.
Smoking Regulations at New Zealand Airports
New Zealand’s Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990 bans smoking inside all workplaces and public enclosed areas, including airports. Indoor smoking rooms do not exist at any New Zealand airport. Smoking is restricted to designated outdoor areas.
New Zealand repealed its pioneering generational smoking ban on 27 February 2024, but the basic 1990 Act remains in full force. The repeal does not change airport smoking policies.
Unlike Australia, New Zealand law does not specify a mandatory distance from building entrances for outdoor smoking. Individual airports set their own rules through designated areas.
What to Expect at New Zealand Airports
Auckland International is the standout — it has a post-security outdoor smoking terrace on Level 2 of the international terminal, open daily from 4 AM to 1 AM. This is the only confirmed airside smoking facility in New Zealand.
At all other airports, smoking areas are outside the terminal before security. Once through the security checkpoint, you cannot smoke until you reach your destination.
Vaping is treated the same as smoking under New Zealand law. It is banned indoors and permitted only in designated outdoor areas.
Best Airports for Smokers in New Zealand
- Auckland (AKL) — Post-security outdoor terrace at the international terminal (Level 2, 4 AM–1 AM)
- Wellington (WLG) — Two designated outdoor areas: covered at departures Door 5, uncovered at arrivals Door 11
- Christchurch (CHC) — Two designated outdoor areas outside the terminal building
Tips for Smokers at New Zealand Airports
- Auckland International is the only NZ airport with a confirmed post-security smoking area
- No direct fines for individual smokers under NZ law — but airport staff will direct you to move
- Vaping follows the same rules as smoking at all airports
- Cigarettes cost about NZD $35-40 per pack of 20 due to high taxes
- The generational ban was repealed in Feb 2024 — standard smoking laws still apply