New Zealand Airport Smoking Areas

By , Author, Air Travel Writer · Updated

At Auckland International Airport, you can smoke after security on the outdoor terrace on Level 2 of the International Terminal — the only confirmed airside smoking facility in New Zealand. For long-haul transit travellers between Australia and North America or Asia, Auckland’s terrace makes layovers manageable.

The other major airports — Wellington (WLG), Christchurch (CHC), Queenstown (ZQN) — are outdoor-only with all smoking areas landside, requiring security re-clearance for smoke breaks.

Auckland International (AKL)

The standout. Post-security outdoor terrace on Level 2 of the International Terminal, open roughly 4 AM to 1 AM. The only airside smoking area in New Zealand. Plus standard outdoor smoking areas in the terminal forecourts landside.

Wellington (WLG)

The capital airport. Outdoor smoking areas at Door 5 (covered, departures) and Door 11 (uncovered, arrivals). All landside.

Christchurch (CHC)

South Island’s main airport. Two designated outdoor areas; the Clear Air Policy is more restrictive than at most NZ airports, banning smoking across the terminal plaza.

Queenstown (ZQN)

Tourist gateway to the Southern Alps. One smoking point behind the taxi shelter. No airside.

Tips for Smokers at New Zealand Airports

  • Auckland Level 2 International Terminal terrace is the only airside option — useful for layovers
  • Other NZ airports outdoor-only landside
  • Cigarettes in NZ cost NZD $35-40/pack — among world’s most expensive
  • At AKL, WLG, CHC, and ZQN, use vapes in the same designated outdoor areas as cigarettes
  • For Australia-Americas transit, Auckland’s terrace is a competitive advantage

New Zealand Airports Compared: Indoor, Outdoor & After Security

At a glance — which New Zealand airports let you smoke after security, in an indoor room, or in an outdoor area:

AirportAfter securityIndoor roomOutdoor area
Auckland Airport (AKL)Yes–Yes
Christchurch Airport (CHC)––Yes
Queenstown Airport (ZQN)––Yes
Wellington Airport (WLG)––Yes

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can you smoke at New Zealand airports?

Yes — at designated outdoor smoking areas. Auckland International (AKL) has a post-security outdoor terrace on Level 2 of the International Terminal, open roughly 4 AM to 1 AM — the only confirmed airside smoking area in New Zealand. Wellington (WLG), Christchurch (CHC), and Queenstown (ZQN) rely on landside outdoor areas. New Zealand’s Smoke-Free Environments Act bans indoor smoking at all airports.

Where can I smoke at Auckland Airport (AKL)?

On the post-security outdoor terrace on Level 2 of the International Terminal, open roughly 4 AM to 1 AM. Transit passengers can use it without re-clearing security. Auckland also has outdoor smoking areas in the forecourts outside the domestic and international terminals.

Where can I smoke at Wellington and Christchurch airports?

At Wellington Airport (WLG), use the outdoor areas at Door 5 on departures, which is covered, or Door 11 on arrivals, which is uncovered. Christchurch (CHC) has two designated outdoor areas; its Clear Air Policy bans smoking even in the plaza area, so use only the marked spots. All are landside, with no post-security smoking.

Are there smoking areas at Queenstown Airport (ZQN)?

Yes — Queenstown has one designated smoking point behind the taxi shelter. No airside smoking. The compact airport serves substantial tourist traffic for the South Island ski and adventure destinations.

Are e-cigarettes and vapes allowed at New Zealand airports?

Yes — use the same designated outdoor areas as for cigarettes. Vaping is not permitted inside the enclosed terminals.