Looking for a place to smoke at Wellington Airport? WLG has two designated outdoor areas outside the terminal — one covered, one uncovered.
Smoking at Wellington Airport – WLG – 2026
Wellington Airport has a single terminal handling both domestic and international flights.
Designated Outdoor Areas:
Two designated smoking areas are located outside the terminal:
There is also a reported smoking area on the north side of the terminal, outside the check-in area on the departures level.
Airside:
Some traveler reports mention a Viewing Deck near Gate 30 in the international departure area, but this has not been officially confirmed by Wellington Airport. The verified smoking areas are outside Doors 5 and 11.
New Zealand’s Smokefree Environments Act bans smoking inside all workplaces and public areas. Wellington Airport provides outdoor designated zones. NZ law does not impose direct fines on individual smokers — airport staff will direct you to the designated areas.
Smoking Areas at Wellington Airport
Wellington Airport has a single terminal handling both domestic and international flights.
Designated Outdoor Areas:
Two designated smoking areas are located outside the terminal:
- Departures Level — Outside Door 5: Near Check-in Zone C. This area has a roof providing cover from weather.
- Arrivals Level — Outside Door 11: Near McDonalds and the rental car desks. This area is uncovered (open-air, no shelter).
There is also a reported smoking area on the north side of the terminal, outside the check-in area on the departures level.
Airside:
Some traveler reports mention a Viewing Deck near Gate 30 in the international departure area, but this has not been officially confirmed by Wellington Airport. The verified smoking areas are outside Doors 5 and 11.
Wellington Airport Smoking Policy
New Zealand’s Smokefree Environments Act bans smoking inside all workplaces and public areas. Wellington Airport provides outdoor designated zones. NZ law does not impose direct fines on individual smokers — airport staff will direct you to the designated areas.
Tips for Smokers at Wellington Airport
- Door 5 (departures level) has covered shelter — the better option in Wellington’s famous wind and rain
- Door 11 (arrivals level) is uncovered
- No confirmed airside smoking access — smoke before passing through security
- Vaping follows the same rules as smoking
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I smoke inside Wellington Airport (WLG)?
No. There are no indoor smoking rooms at Wellington Airport. Smoking is only permitted in designated outdoor areas outside the terminal.
Where are the smoking areas at Wellington Airport?
Two designated outdoor areas: outside Door 5 on the departures level (covered, near Check-in Zone C) and outside Door 11 on the arrivals level (uncovered, near McDonalds and rental car desks).
Is there a smoking area after security at Wellington Airport (WLG)?
No confirmed post-security smoking areas. Some traveler reports mention a Viewing Deck near Gate 30 in the international departure area, but this is unverified. The official designated areas are outside Doors 5 and 11, before security.
Can I vape at Wellington Airport (WLG)?
Vaping is treated the same as smoking under NZ law. Use the designated outdoor areas outside Doors 5 and 11 only.