Looking for a place to smoke at Auckland Airport? AKL is the only airport in New Zealand with a post-security smoking option — an outdoor terrace at the International Terminal.
Smoking at Auckland Airport – AKL – 2026
Auckland Airport has separate domestic and international terminals, connected by a walkway (about 10 minutes on foot) or a free transfer bus.
International Terminal — Post-Security Smoking Terrace:
The International Terminal has an outdoor smoking terrace on Level 2, accessible after clearing security and passport control. After passing through the duty-free area, head up the escalators toward the departure gates. At the top, turn right toward the lift area and follow the smoking signs along a corridor to double doors leading to the outdoor terrace.
The terrace has partial covered shelter and open-air sections with seating. It is open daily from 4:00 AM to 1:00 AM. This is the only airside smoking facility at Auckland Airport and the only confirmed post-security smoking area at any New Zealand airport.
International Terminal — Landside:
Outdoor smoking is permitted in the forecourt area outside the terminal building, before security.
Domestic Terminal — Landside Only:
Smoking is permitted only in designated forecourt areas outside the domestic terminal. There is no airside smoking area at the domestic terminal. Once past security, you cannot smoke until you exit at your destination.
New Zealand’s Smokefree Environments Act bans smoking inside all workplaces and public enclosed areas. Auckland Airport complies with designated outdoor areas. NZ law does not specify a mandatory distance from building entrances — the airport sets its own rules through designated zones.
Smoking Areas at Auckland Airport
Auckland Airport has separate domestic and international terminals, connected by a walkway (about 10 minutes on foot) or a free transfer bus.
International Terminal — Post-Security Smoking Terrace:
The International Terminal has an outdoor smoking terrace on Level 2, accessible after clearing security and passport control. After passing through the duty-free area, head up the escalators toward the departure gates. At the top, turn right toward the lift area and follow the smoking signs along a corridor to double doors leading to the outdoor terrace.
The terrace has partial covered shelter and open-air sections with seating. It is open daily from 4:00 AM to 1:00 AM. This is the only airside smoking facility at Auckland Airport and the only confirmed post-security smoking area at any New Zealand airport.
International Terminal — Landside:
Outdoor smoking is permitted in the forecourt area outside the terminal building, before security.
Domestic Terminal — Landside Only:
Smoking is permitted only in designated forecourt areas outside the domestic terminal. There is no airside smoking area at the domestic terminal. Once past security, you cannot smoke until you exit at your destination.
| Feature | International Terminal | Domestic Terminal |
|---|---|---|
| Airside smoking | Outdoor terrace, Level 2 (4 AM–1 AM) | None |
| Landside smoking | Forecourt area | Forecourt area |
| Indoor rooms | None | None |
Auckland Airport Smoking Policy
New Zealand’s Smokefree Environments Act bans smoking inside all workplaces and public enclosed areas. Auckland Airport complies with designated outdoor areas. NZ law does not specify a mandatory distance from building entrances — the airport sets its own rules through designated zones.
Tips for Smokers at Auckland Airport
- International Terminal: outdoor terrace on Level 2, after security, open 4 AM–1 AM
- Domestic Terminal: forecourt only — no airside access
- The terrace closes at 1 AM — plan accordingly for late-night flights
- Terminals are about 10 minutes apart on foot or by free bus
- Vaping follows the same rules as smoking
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I smoke inside Auckland Airport (AKL)?
No. There are no indoor smoking rooms at Auckland Airport. However, the International Terminal has a post-security outdoor smoking terrace on Level 2, open daily from 4 AM to 1 AM.
Where are the smoking areas at Auckland Airport?
International Terminal: outdoor smoking terrace on Level 2 after security (4 AM–1 AM), plus forecourt areas outside the terminal. Domestic Terminal: forecourt areas outside the terminal only — no airside access.
Is there a smoking area after security at Auckland Airport (AKL)?
Yes — but only at the International Terminal. An outdoor smoking terrace is on Level 2, after clearing security and passport control. It is open daily from 4 AM to 1 AM. The Domestic Terminal has no post-security smoking access.
Can I vape at Auckland Airport (AKL)?
Vaping is treated the same as smoking under NZ law. You can vape in the designated outdoor areas including the International Terminal terrace, but not inside any terminal building.