5 minute read
If you are coming to Wellington from somewhere other than the East Coast of Australia, chances are you will be making a connection in Auckland.
There are a few steps you will need to go through to make your connection.
In order, they are:
- Complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration
- Go through Immigration
- Collect your luggage at baggage claim
- Go through Biosecurity
- Recheck your bags to your domestic flight
- Transit from the International to the Domestic Terminal
- Go through domestic airport security screening
- Go to your gate
Connecting to Wellington via Auckland
Auckland Airport is made up of two terminal buildings – a Domestic and International Terminal. All flights originating from outside of New Zealand arrive to the International Terminal. If you are connecting on to a domestic flight, you will need to go the Domestic Terminal.
Before You Arrive
Before you arrive in New Zealand, all passengers must complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration. This can be completed on the website or app, no more than 24 hours before your arrival. There are also paper copies of the form if you cannot complete it online.
Pro Tip: Declare Everything
Because of our very strict biosecurity rules, it is very important to take the customs declaration seriously. We recommend that if you are in doubt, go ahead and declare it to be safe. It’s always better to over-declare, than under-declare.
If you bring in something that is forbidden and fail to declare it, the item will be confiscated and you will be charged with a hefty fine (currently $400). However, if you have declared the item, it will still be confiscated but you will not be fined.
An example we often use is the question about “footwear”. We always say to tick “yes” to this box because you are likely wearing shoes, and there could be dirt, seeds, or bacteria on them. This is a ‘better safe than sorry’ approach – it doesn’t cost you anything to declare, but it could cost you a lot if you don’t.
On Arrival
As soon as you deplane in Auckland, you will first go through Immigration where they will inspect your passport, visa (if any), and determine if you will be granted entry into New Zealand. Many passport holders are able to use the eGates, which speeds up the process for everyone.
The next step is to collect your luggage from the baggage claim. There are free trollies to use in case you have more than you can carry. Even if you are connecting to another flight, all bags must be collected here.
Once you have collected all of your bags, you will go through biosecurity. The queue for biosecurity can range from nothing to an hours-long queue. It all depends on how many other flights are coming in at the same time as yours.
Depending on what you have declared, you may be waved straight through, or be asked to open your bags for inspection. If you have declared all of your items, this should be a straightforward and simple process.
Pro Tip: Keep a List of What is in Each Bag
As you are starting to pack your bags to come to New Zealand, it’s a good idea to keep a sheet of paper with each and write down everything that is going into that suitcase. For any declared items (like food or gifts) make sure you write down exactly what it is, and how much you have.
This makes it so much easier to through biosecurity, and the customs officers always appreciate a prepared traveller.
Rechecking Suitcases for a Connecting Domestic Flight
As soon as you come out of biosecurity, if there is more than one hour before your connecting flight departs, you will be able to drop off your bag while still in the International Terminal (if it has been tagged all the way to Wellington). If there is less than an hour before departure time, you will need to bring your bags with you to the Domestic Terminal and recheck them there.
There are some occasions where you will need to bring your bags with you to the Domestic Terminal even if there is more than an hour before your next flight – just follow the instructions from the airline representatives.
Pro Tip: Don’t Panic if You Miss Your Connection
If you’re connecting from Auckland to Wellington, there are many flights each day. If you miss your connection, simply go up to the airline check in desk and they will rebook you on the next available flight. It happens sometimes, but you’ll still get to Wellington, just maybe a wee bit later than planned.
Transiting to the Domestic Terminal
You can either walk or take the free shuttle bus to the Domestic Terminal.
The free shuttle bus runs every 15 minutes between 5am and 11pm, and takes about 10 minutes between terminals.
If you choose to walk, there is a level, well marked, 950m “Green Line” walkway between the terminals and it takes 10-15 minutes depending on your pace. The route includes a fair amount of shade and shelter from the weather, but there are still open areas.
You can find the latest on the terminal transfer options here.
You Were Arriving, and Now You’re Departing
Once you are all checked in for your flight to Wellington, you will go through domestic security screening. You should put all loose items in your bag, remove your coat and put your bag flat on top for screening. If you have a laptop, you may be asked to take it out. You can leave your shoes on, unless they are boots that go over the ankle.
Now all that’s left to do is go to your gate, and maybe grab a flat white if you have time!
The Takeaway
Making a connection in Auckland, especially if it’s a “tight” connection (e.g. less than 2 hours), can be stressful. Hopefully this little bit of knowledge will give you some additional confidence in the process. You’ve come a long way to get here, and we are happy to say “Nau mai, haere mai ki Aotearoa! Welcome to New Zealand!”
