Queenstown Manaia (Plaza Premium) Lounge - Full Overview

The Manaia Lounge is the only lounge located in the International Departures area at Queenstown Airport (also known as "ZQN"). This lounge is run together in partnership with Plaza Premium.

The lounge provides travelers with a comfortable space to relax or work before their flight, with amenities like complimentary food and beverages, free Wi-Fi, TV and reading areas, and dedicated bathrooms. It offers the perfect place to “chill” before your flight after an undoubtably incredible journey to New Zealand’s South Island.

Book Manaia Airport Lounge Access

Manaia Lounge at Queenstown airport. An open buffet section is seen to the right with dark wooden and tiled accents and a mini bar fridge. To the left is a dining area, an elongated wooden table can be seen as well as plush brown armchairs.

Lounge Location and Details

You'll find the Manaia Lounge on the first floor of the Terminal Building, past security and immigration checks in the international departures area. Look for the entrance opposite Gates 8-9, then head up the stairs to the reception desk.

The lounge is open daily from 10:30am- to 10:30pm. It can accommodate up to 120 guests.

Map of Queenstown airport, highlighting the Manaia Lounge. — Guests will find the lounge at number 11 on the map above, within the International Departures area.

Lounge Layout and Seating

The Manaia Lounge is a compact rectangular space, but it provides various seating options for guests:

Plush armchairs
Conventional lounge seating
Dining tables and chairs

Windows run along one side of the lounge, providing views over the international departures gates below which in turn face the tarmac and Southern Alps. The back of the lounge houses a self-serve food and drinks station.

The space is accented with artwork and photos depicting the scenery around Queenstown, giving it a sense of place.

Food and Drink

Guests can enjoy a selection of complimentary self-serve food options including:

Cold cuts, salads, and soup
Sausage rolls and pastries
Fresh fruits and desserts

Hot food may be offered closer to lunch hours. Coffee is available from a self-serve machine.

The buffet section of the Manaia Lounge at Queenstown airport. Signage can be seen resting above the buffer. A stack of plates and utensils are positioned on the far left of the marbled countertops, and a selection of condiments and food.

The self-serve drinks station provides:

Soft drinks and juices
Teas and machine-made coffee

If it is an alcoholic beverage you’re after then you’re in luck as the lounge has several beers available, including several NZ options, a small selection of red and white wines and a limited selection of standard spirits.

Beverage section of the Manaia Lounge at Queenstown Airport. There is a mini fridge to the right on marbled countertops displaying alcoholic drinks, juices and soft drinks. Beverage glasses are in the middle, and a coffee machine is to the far left.

Amenities

The Manaia Lounge provides the following amenities:

Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi
A small business center with computers
TV screens
Dedicated bathrooms kept clean by attentive staff
Some power outlets for charging devices

Workstation at the Manaia Lounge at Queenstown airport. The station features wooden chairs with leather seating and two computers. There is a selection of magazines between the computers and decorative greenery.

Lounge Access Options

Travellers can access the Manaia Lounge Queenstown through several methods:

Book Manaia Airport Lounge Access

Book a Day Pass Online: You can book directly via LoungePair from NZ$64.00 (US$39). Your pass can be used any time within its expiry, with no need to specify time or date of travel. The pass grants a maximum 3 hour stay.

Through Your Lounge Membership: If you’ve already got a Priority Pass, DragonPass or Lounge Key membership then you’re in luck, as you’ll already have access to this lounge included, either for free or at a reduced rate.

Through Your Airline: Qantas offer access to this lounge when flying in Business Class. You will also have access when flying with Qantas if you have Gold, Platinum or Platinum One status, or equivalent oneworld status.

As a Walk-in: This lounge does accept walk-ins provided this is spare capacity on the time and day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take to get to my gate from the Manaia Lounge?

Unlike the Air New Zealand lounge, the Manaia lounge is located past both domestic and international security which makes accessing your flight extremely easy. Simply exit the lounge, head downstairs and you’ll practically be at the gate already, courtesy of a small airport layout.

Can I use a Priority Pass to access the Manaia Lounge?

Yes, Priority Pass members can access this lounge without charge if they have an all-inclusive membership, such as that offered as a benefit with the American Express Platinum Card. Simply show your pass at the front desk to gain access. Your guest access benefits will depend on how you have acquired your Priority Pass membership.

Are there showers at the Queenstown Manaia Lounge?

No, unfortunately there are no showers in the lounge, nor anywhere else in the airport.

Summing Up

The Manaia Lounge is a welcoming oasis amid the small but bustling Queenstown Airport.

With friendly service, a comfortable environment, complimentary refreshments and essential amenities, it aims to meet the needs of travelers looking to escape the terminal crowds before boarding their international flight.

The lack of other dedicated international lounge means that even if flying with Air New Zealand, this is likely your best option, unless you want to leave the Air New Zealand Koru Lounge early to get through security and border control for your flight.