In Auckland International Airport there are three lounges that are all located in one section, up the escalator after you pass security in the International Terminal. These include the Strata Lounge, the Qantas Lounge (which we also visited), and the Emirates lounge. We definitely preferred the Strata Lounge over the Qantas, so make sure to read both reviews to find out why!

Access to the Strata Lounge can actually be obtained by any passenger flying internationally. Travellers of any class type can pay about $50 for a three hour stay, or, the lounge is complimentary for First Class, Business Class and those with a Priority Pass, Lounge Key, DragonPass or a member of Diners Club International.

The lounge has great views of inside the terminal and a slight view of the tarmac. It is open daily from 4.30am to 12.30am.

Strata Lounge Layout and Seating

After clearing security in the International Terminal, we took the escalator up and then turned left to enter the Strata Lounge. We were greeted by a friendly receptionist who checked our boarding pass and gave us a card with the Wi-Fi details, then she showed us to the entrance.

The first area we entered was a dining room with all the food and beverage options. We liked that you could see through a glass panel and watch the chefs cook the meals! This dining area had a curved lounge accompanied with circular tables and chairs that were designed for either a solo traveller or partners.

The lounge itself is basically one big room divided up into different sections with different seating options. To the left of this first dining room is a range of armchairs suited for up to four people as well as a little nook with a couple plush sofas. This is followed by a row of large armchairs that join up to a conference room and workstation with charging outlets.

In the rest of the lounge is a combination of sofas, plush chairs, sit down tables and bar chairs to choose from. We were only able to find charging ports by the workstation and also by the high-stool bar area which we found a little inconvenient. In the back right corner is an enclosed kids room and bathrooms, and in the left corner are the showers and a relaxation area in which you need to pay extra for.

The conference room had a TV available for use and the kids room had beanbags, toys, a TV and tables and chairs. We found it interesting that you had to pay extra to go inside the private relaxation room, but we were told they were bookable sleeping pods accompanied by full-sized modern bathrooms.

We had arrived mid morning and found it to be a little busy but still plenty of available chairs and sofas to choose from.

Strata Lounge Dining and Beverages

The lounge was serving lunch items by the time we arrived at around 11.00am, and they had a good range of food available for self service. This included fresh fruit, fresh salads, wraps, sandwiches, cakes, pastries, scrolls, slices, tiramisu, tarts, sandwich stuffers, sushi, nibbles and four choices of hot food. The lounge lacked appropriate signage for gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options which we thought could inconvenience some travellers.

A great addition was a stocked self serve bar area with five different beers, reds, sparklings and whites. Spirits were plentiful and included gin, vodka, rum, and whiskey. We liked that they had bar snacks in this area too with pretzels and Bhuja Mix available to snack on.

A section was also dedicated to non-alcoholic beverages including three juices, soft drinks on tap, six types of assorted New Zealand teas and a coffee machine. There was a barista station too however we were disappointed that it closed at 11.30am!

We were ready for some lunch by midday and opted for the sushi, a falafel wrap, garden salad, jerk chicken and a vanilla slice as a sweet treat for afterwards. Each dish was jam-packed with flavour and made fresh. We topped it off with a glass of Villa Maria Sparkling Cuvee Brut which was equally as pleasant.

Strata Lounge Showers

In the lounge the showers are located in the left hand wing, next to the relaxation room. At this time of day, there were only a couple showers in use so we were able to catch a look!

On first arrival to the showers we noticed that they were so spacious. They boasted an elegant and modern charm with a long counter top and walk-in shower suite. It was also good to see there was a toilet in the suite, which provides a bit more privacy then using the normal bathrooms.

We appreciated the little additions, like the Ashley and CO shampoo, conditioner and body wash, as well as fluffy towels. It would have been nice to have a few more amenities available but the showers did their job.

Strata Lounge Summary

Our experience in the Strata Lounge in Auckland was overall a great one. Being very easy to find, we were equally as happy with the attentive and friendly staff.

There were many food options available and were tasty but nothing too extravagant. We would have appreciated better signage for individual food allergies and dietary requirements.

The bar was well-stocked with a lovely selection of local wines and other spirits, beers and liquors. We were disappointed that the barista coffee station was not open longer, but were happy with the amount of non-alcoholic options available.

This lounge overall feels very modern and has additions such as showers, a relaxation room, kids room and conference room that elevate the feel. We would have liked to have seen a little more charging stations in the lounging areas.

If you’re having a layover in Auckland, the Strata Lounge should definitely be on your list! Get in touch with an airfare specialist today who can get you there!