Auckland Airport is situated in Manukau. The airport has some excellent shopping in the departure pier (after customs and immigration). The only negative thing about AKL International is the customs and immigration arrival hall. The waits to get your passport stamped are always long and you feel like a sheep herded into a pen. It's a disgrace really... It always makes me fume coming back to NZ. So many other countries minimise queues totally, but not good old AKL International. It can take up to 45 minutes to get your passport stamped. It's a very uncomfortable wait in an airless, cramped hall, cheek by jowl with other frustrated travellers. Lots of room for improvement here AKL International!!
Also be warned incoming travellers... don't bring anything into NZ that may endanger our environment or agriculture. To ensure you don't we've got the brown uniformed gestapo-like MAF people. I totally support them in what they do, but they could learn to smile! They're always a great welcome to NZ!! Make sure you declare everything you should.
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