(5) Five tips for travellers heading through Auckland Airport this Christmas
1: It will be busy, so plan your trip with spare time built in - at least 30 minutes extra to get to the terminal and complete departure processes.
2: Book your parking ahead of time or, if you can, take public transport to the terminal.
3: If you're picking someone up from the airport, make use of the Wait Zones - these can be found by following the pink signs. The airport has increased the free parking period to 45 minutes for summer, so you can get there in plenty of time. If there is traffic congestion when dropping people off, drivers can use the Drop & Ride service to avoid driving around the terminal itself. Located in the Park & Ride on Verissimo Drive, it allows you to drop off your traveller who can then take one of the buses that run to the terminal every 15 minutes.
4: If in doubt, ask. The airport has extra staff on over summer hoping to help ease your journey.
5: Download the Auckland Airport app and add flight details so you can see travel time to the airport at a glance. It will also give you the estimated queue time at Aviation Security.
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The noise and speed of an airport can also be a trigger for those who can get anxious or stressed. "If you are feeling under pressure, or are unsure where to go or what to do if you're running late, just ask. If you've not departed out of Auckland's international terminal in the last few months, then you'll want to get through processing as early as possible. A completely revamped departures area has been unveiled with new shops, restaurants and bars. Some travellers have even said it's better than using an airport lounge.
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Finally, here are some dates to keep in mind. They're the busiest days for Auckland Airport over the next couple of months.
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1. January 18
2. December 23
3. December 26
4. January 3
5. December 20
6. January 4
7. January 5
8. December 21
9. January 6
10. December 22
Around 40,000 passengers are expected on these dates - that's up from the usual 32,000 per day.
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Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
🎉 2026 is almost here!
We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?
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10.5% Yes! New Year, New Me
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20.2% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
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69.3% Nah - not for me
Morning Aches Are Optional - Let’s Start the Year Sleeping Better
Hey neighbours,
Waking up with sore shoulders and stiff mornings? Here’s the plot twist - it might actually be your mattress (and pillow) letting you down.
It’s the perfect time to upgrade. New Year, New Bed! Our Boxing Day Sale is still on, so why not treat yourself to a mattress that actually supports you and helps you wake up refreshed? Side sleeper? Back sleeper? Tossing and turning? We’ve got tips and solutions for every kind of snoozer.
Don’t settle for mornings that hurt, your bed should work with you, not against you. Curious about how your mattress could be affecting your shoulders? Check out our blog: beds4u.co.nz...
Find your nearest Beds4U store here: beds4u.co.nz/store-locator
Browse all Boxing Day deals: beds4u.co.nz/boxing-day
Here’s to starting 2026 waking up refreshed, because mornings should feel amazing!
Witnesses sought in relation to mass disorder on K-Road Auckland
Police are appealing to the public for any footage they may have of the mass disorder that occurred on Karangahape Road in Auckland in the early hours of Sunday 28 December.
Emergency services were called to the disorder around 3.41am where it is estimated around over 50 people were present.
A Police investigation is underway after there were three serious assaults on and around Karangahape Road during the mass disorder.
A portal has been set up to allow the public to upload any footage they have of the disorder and the serious assaults.
The portal is https://dahr.nc3.govt.nz/
Police have arrested one person but are asking for help to identify and locate others involved.
• Around 4:15am there was a serious assault outside the Crown Bar on Queen Street.
A 33-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4647.
• Around 4:30am there was another serious assault on a Cobden Steet just off Karangahape Road.
A 27-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4462.
• Around 5am there was third serious assault at the Mobil Service Station on the corner or Karangahape Road and Ponsonby Road.
A 46-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
A 21-year-old man has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
He has been bailed to appear in court again on 16 January 2026.
The Police file number is 251228/4774.
Police would like to speak to anyone who has witnessed or filmed the assaults.
Witnesses can call Police directly on 105.
Please quote one of the above file numbers.
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