Luxe Beat Magazine MARCH 2015 | Page 57

XxxxxTravel xxxxx Icebreaker: a New Zealand manufacturer of high quality outdoor and sport clothing created using New a an rino r n a to 11pm daily. MAC Cosmetics: high end cosmetics ar a ai a ai y ro a to midnight. For Fun, Relaxation and Pampering New Zealand has taken an opportunity to promote its local culture in the airport terminals. i ith art an or that r t th aori t r an heritage. In addition to various works of art—the Lord of the Rings statues are especially popular—AKL also has a popular youth art program that highlights work of young artists throughout the terminal. One of the most unique features at AKL is the Te Manukanuka o Hotrod ara thi a ni nt y ar Maori community facility is the cultural heart of the international airport. It is open to visitors who want to learn about the Maori culture and features intricate carvings and woven panels. It is also routinely used as a gathering place for those arriving to grieve a lost family r Th ara i a in t ri ro th t r ina off to Pearce Drive and is also accessible by taxi or bus. The Auckland Airport Outdoor Gallery opened recently in the Esplanade located on George Bolt Memorial Drive, just a few minutes from the airport terminals. The ana i a tr an i o r lined path around the airport that in iff r nt t r y New Zealand artists. The paths are also a great way to enjoy the native plants and the birds. If you prefer to stay inside the t r ina t n i ht yo an head to the Lookout Lounge r ation r a on th to oor of the international terminal. There, yo i n a i ay a o t a aviation pioneer Jean Batten and her historic Percival Gull, along with great views of the planes on the air Rest Your Head yo n yo r ha in an extended stay at AKL, there are two options for staying close by. While there are no beds inside the terminal, there are two nearby options. The closest is the Novotel Auckland ir ort a n roo hot adjacent to the international terminal. There are rooms and suites as well as a restaurant, bar and gym. If you need to sleep during the day or an o rni ht i ht yo an o t or ay roo a ai a ro 6am to 6pm In addition to the Novotel, there is also an ibis budget hotel located a o ta in t a ro th international terminal. This budget off rin ha or i roo which might be an alternative for longer layovers that don’t involve an overnight stay. yo n yo r ith a on r layover, you might want to take your luggage to a secure luggage storage so you don’t have to worry about your bags. There are several Smarte Carte counters, all available from a to ai y that off r storage services. If you want to do some refreshing but don’t have time for a hotel stay, the international t r ina o off r ho r on th same level with the VIP lounges. Vending machines provide toiletries, towels and small sizes of travel products. If you want more information about hotel bookings, transportation or activities in Auckland, be sure to stop y To ri an i it i itor nt r o n ho r ry ay in the international terminal. Auckland Airport has major plans for expanding its airport, which they estimate will see an additional 10 million passengers a year within a decade. As they begin expanding the airport, be sure to check online for updates before you travel. When you land at AKL, be sure to look for th oat o nt r that greet each incoming international i ht Th y an an r tion or yo an ar i to off r a welcome to the amazingly friendly land of the kiwis. 57