According to Qantas, the lounge is 60 per cent larger than the earlier space and can accommodate more than 370 passengers. It is laid out across separate zones for dining, relaxation, and work.

Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace said the new lounge represents a major investment for customers flying through Auckland.

"The new Auckland lounge celebrates the best of New Zealand and has been thoughtfully designed for how our customers want to use the space, whether that's working, relaxing over a meal, or freshening up during transit."

A first for the Qantas global lounge network is the addition of a dedicated à la carte dining area specifically for Platinum One and Platinum Frequent Flyers. It offers a seasonal menu developed by Qantas Creative Director of Food, Beverage and Service, Neil Perry. Dishes include local crumbed fish and chips, served alongside popular Qantas First Class staples like salt and pepper squid and the signature pavlova dessert.

The à la carte dining area will serve signature seasonal dishes. Photo: Qantas

New Zealand's local produce and wines will be served in a separate dining section, which features a buffet, a gelato station, and a cocktail bar offering premium drinks, along with barista-made coffee.

The lounge interior includes green walls, travertine flooring, and terrazzo tabletops. The seating area features furniture upholstered in New Zealand wool and leather, and a four-meter artwork by Gabrielle Penfold will be displayed in the lounge capturing the local landmark, North Head in Devonport.

Designer David Caon said the Auckland International Lounge celebrates the natural landscape of New Zealand while staying true to Qantas' design across its lounges throughout the world.

"Bringing the Auckland Lounge to life has been an incredible journey, shaped through collaboration with, Architectus, Akin Atelier and Simon James Design. We approached every element with careful attention to detail, pairing materials long associated with the airline's palette with those introduced specifically to reflect the local region."

Around 70 per cent of the seats are fitted with charging points to allow passengers to power devices before departure. The lounge also includes 15 shower suites, designed for passengers on long-haul flights, especially for those transiting through Auckland on the direct Auckland–New York service.