Assessment: Air New Zealand Lounge Brisbane

Prior to my departure from Australia, I visited the Air New Zealand Lounge Brisbane before hopping on my EVA Air business class flight to Taipei.

This lounge has a unique schedule, as it operates in the morning, closes temporarily, and then reopens in the evening to accommodate the nighttime bank of departures.

With this in mind, I figured it’d be worth reviewing, especially since passengers on morning departures in Air Canada business class from Brisbane to Vancouver would also have access to this lounge.

Air New Zealand Lounge Brisbane – Access

The Air New Zealand Lounge Brisbane is located in the International Terminal of Brisbane Airport. It’s situated near Gate 82 on the fourth floor of the airport, just past the security checkpoint.

To find the lounge, simply head right after the duty-free area. You’ll find a number of signs throughout the terminal to point you in the right direction.

As you approach the lounge, an escalator or elevator will take you up to the lounge level.

Upon reaching the top, you’ll immediately spot the Air New Zealand Lounge Brisbane to your left, directly opposite the airport’s Plaza Premium Lounge.

The lounge is accessible to Star Alliance business class passengers, as well as Star Alliance Gold members flying with Air New Zealand on the same day.

Additionally, Gold or Elite members of the Air New Zealand Frequent Flyer program with a same-day Air New Zealand ticket are granted access.

In my case, I gained access with my EVA Air business class boarding pass.

I arrived around 7pm, and the lounge hadn’t opened just yet, so I hopped over to the Plaza Premium Lounge to kill some time.

Later, around 8:30pm, I headed over to the Air New Zealand Lounge Brisbane, as soon as its doors opened.

Air New Zealand Lounge Brisbane – Seating

The Air New Zealand Lounge Brisbane is relatively spacious, and can accommodate almost 200 guests. It’s worth noting that it’s a bit smaller than smaller than its counterpart lounge in Sydney.

Upon arrival, the lounge’s sliding door reveals a striking landscape display, which leads the way to the main lounge beyond. The large New Zealand-inspired display adds a beautiful touch, complemented by local messmate wood and jet black finishes.

Passengers have the choice of scanning their boarding pass, or being welcomed in by one of the lounge’s attendants.

Heading past the check-in counter, the lounge features lofty ceilings, large windows, and the signature Air New Zealand white, black, and pink palette.

The centrepiece of the lounge is the café, which features a self-service buffet and a selection of beverages.

Positioned centrally is an island with stools, perfect for eating or catching up on a bit of work.

The long table is complemented by an elegant light installation that’s an ode to the Story Bridge — an iconic landmark in Brisbane.

To the left, there’s plush booth seating, accompanied by small tables and dining chairs.

Towards the rear of this space, a lounge area boasts black and pink chairs, consisting of armchairs and classic wingback chairs. Many of these seats are conveniently situated within easy reach of power outlets, as well as within eyesight of the flight display monitors.

Adjacent to the dining section on the right-hand side, there’s another cozy seating area, with more ottomas placed next to expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. The views from here are of Brisbane’s CBD in the distance.

Adjoined to this space are three booths distinguished by a vibrant backsplash. A secluded enclave with some additional seating is located in close proximity.

On the far left, you’ll find the most captivating views within the lounge. The space offers ample seating and a perspective towards the departure gates, while also providing a view of the bustling concourse below.

At the far end of the lounge, you’ll find a children’s play area. Next to it, there are a handful of armchairs for adults to use to keep an eye on their kids, without sitting directly inside.

The play area is vibrant, and comes equipped with games and toys to keep the kiddos occupied.

The Air New Zealand Lounge Brisbane is indeed quite pleasant, with ample seating that accommodates various needs, from lounging, to working and eating.

The lounge’s visual appeal also caught my attention, and is reminiscent of the airline’s main lounge in Auckland.

Air New Zealand’s signature black-and-white colour scheme with vibrant pink accents certainly stood out. Additionally, the light fixture above the central dining area was particularly notable.

Air New Zealand Lounge Brisbane – Dining

The main buffet station is located just as you first enter the lounge. There’s a good variety of hot and cold food options at the buffet.

Hot dishes during my visit included vegetarian casserole, vegetarian fried rice, beef ragout, and roasted potatoes.

The rest of the buffet had plenty to offer as well, with three types of salad including poached chicken and noodle salad, and raw papaya salad.

Lastly, there was a good selection of finger sandwiches and desserts.

There’s a dedicated bar station available, with refrigeration units stocked with an assortment of chilled beverages, including beer, wine, juice, and soft drinks.

Additionally, a coffee machine, spirits, and water are available here, and an impressive wine selection is displayed above the bar as well.

During my time in the lounge, I partook in some light snacking and worked for a bit. I didn’t eat too much, as I wanted to save my appetite for onboard the EVA Air flight.

Moreover, there were friendly staff members who offered to help pour drinks, though you can also help yourself.

Air New Zealand Lounge Brisbane – Showers

Within the Air New Zealand Lounge Brisbane, there are two exclusive shower suites discreetly positioned down a dimly lit corridor, conveniently close to the restrooms. The restrooms were well-maintained and offered a spacious layout.

Upon entering the shower suites, you’ll discover a refined and uncomplicated setup, featuring an LED-backlit mirror, sink, toilet, and a walk-in shower. These spaces are consistently re-stocked with towels and amenities.

Keep it mind that the usage of the shower suites operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Conclusion

The Air New Zealand Lounge in Brisbane proved to be a great spot to spend time prior to my flight. The lounge’s layout offers a light and spacious design, with a variety of seating options catering to different preferences, whether you want privacy or social interaction.

The  expansive windows provide great views of the tarmac, and the buffet on offer is fairly varied and will indeed keep you satiated. Additionally, the shower suites are a welcome feature. I wouldn’t hesitate to revisit the Air New Zealand Lounge Brisbane when I’m back in this part of the world.